Policy Officer

Merrifield Consultants are working with a membership body to find a Policy Officer. We are looking for someone with experience in education policy with an interest in race equality to join this fantastic organisation on an interim basis.

Role: Policy Officer

Reports to: Senior Policy Manager

Hours: 9-5

Contract: 2-3 months initially

Salary: £49,000

Location: Central London

Start: ASAP

Job responsibilities:

• Support the team in the delivery and development of policy work in relation to race equality in
• Preparing policy statements, briefings, commentaries and research papers and conducting survey work, including analysis and report writing.
• Preparing materials for use in advice, training and campaigning.
• Participate in cross team projects, working closely with colleagues in other relevant functions including advice, organising, campaigns, communications and recruitment.
• Support for Project management as appropriate.
• Support on policy work on the impact of race inequality and systemic racism on the education system.
• Researching information and data in order to draft effective policies, guidance and recommendations.
• Supporting strategies to recruit and retain members via the policy profile of the organisation.
• Developing policy in relation to patterns of inequality in the workplace and in education and providing the specialist expertise for policy projects in this area.
• Working closely with regions and branches to understand the needs, priorities and views of members and schools/colleges in relation to this policy area.
• Implement strategy in relation to the policy areas.
• Develop relationships with external bodies and external stakeholders.

Skills:

• Highly developed literacy and numeracy skills, commensurate with degree level.
• Significant policy and research experience on race equality policy in education.
• Resource management & planning.
• Significant policy experience in the field of race inequality within schools and education policy.
• Recent and relevant experience in a policy or research environment.
• Good research skills including, experience of designing research to underpin policy development.
• Ability to exercise judgement and make decisions within accepted parameters.
• Ability to write analytically and persuasively in a variety of styles for a range of audiences.
• Ability to produce clear and detailed written communications. For example, policy advice, policy statements and consultation responses.
• Good public speaking, influencing and presentation skills.
• Experience of working with key stakeholders to develop, disseminate and challenge policy.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite together with any other IT applications necessary.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.