Apply for the Senior Public Affairs Officer role at the British Medical Association.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students.

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession.

About the role

We are looking for a skilled communicator with excellent influencing skills to play a key role in promoting the aims and priorities of the organisation, to carry out high‑level public affairs and engagement work.

The Senior Public Affairs Officer will have strong political acumen, an in‑depth understanding of current health policy and the political landscape across the UK, and sound judgment to interpret complex information and identify risks and opportunities. The role is with our Communications and Policy Directorate and works closely with colleagues across media, social media and policy teams.

Fixed‑term contract

This is a fixed‑term contract for up to 12 months. It is a hybrid role and will involve a mix of working from home and from our office in Central London (BMA House).

To be successful as a Senior Public Affairs Officer you'll ideally have:

• Professional experience of public affairs activities, including the direct lobbying of politicians (essential)
• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective public affairs campaigns and achieve clear policy‑influencing objectives
• In‑depth knowledge of legislative procedures and understanding of policy‑making processes and lobbying opportunities
• Established contacts with MPs, their staff across all parties, and stakeholders
• Excellent political awareness
• Good understanding of health‑related policy and trade union functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a variety of outputs such as briefings, senior‑level correspondence and internal documents
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills in dealing with stakeholders
• Excellent research and analytical skills (e.g. analysing legislation and policy documents)
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively, including the organisation and planning of work
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to emerging situations

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period)
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• BMA Law – discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of learning and development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period

Anonymous recruitment

The BMA endeavours to be an inclusive employer, ensuring fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for roles. To support our aims, we use specific software to remove all personal identifying information from CVs and applications. Personal information such as name, date of birth, age and gender are anonymised and will only become visible to hiring managers if you are selected for interview.

Application

To apply please upload an up-to-date version of your CV and supporting information setting out your suitability for the role. Whether the role requires you to work at home, in an office or in a hybrid way, we’ll provide all the support you need.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply through our website. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the application process, please email recruitment@bma.org.uk.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring

Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts everybody. BMA is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge as we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.

Sponsorship

We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK points‑based immigration system and do not hold a sponsorship licence.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Temporary

Job function

Administrative

Industries

Civic and Social Organisations, Government Relations Services, and Public Policy Offices