OPPORTUNITY

Policy & Public Affairs Officer

The Catapult Network Office is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer. Are you passionate about shaping national policies and strategies in research and innovation? Here’s your chance to work alongside all nine Catapults, driving impactful stakeholder engagement and readying the nation for future technologies.

Description

The Catapult Network is made up of nine leading technology and innovation centres, supported by Innovate UK. We accelerate innovation and drive business growth in areas including cell and gene therapy, connected places, compound semiconductors, digital, energy systems, high value manufacturing, medicines discovery, offshore renewable energy and satellite applications. 

As Policy & Public Affairs Officer, you will join a small team working with the nine Catapults to expand awareness of the collective impact they are making amongst external policy and political stakeholders. Building on the combined power of nine Catapults, you will help develop and deliver a strong and wide-reaching stakeholder engagement strategy to promote the Network’s collective message as a key delivery partner in the innovation landscape, informing national policy and strategy. 

This role can be based remotely or from one of the Catapult centre locations. The host Catapult, and employer, will be Digital Catapult, which has offices based in London and Belfast. There will be a requirement for the incumbent to travel frequently to London with ad-hoc travel to Catapult offices nationwide. 

Duties

• Contribute to the development and delivery of dynamic public affairs strategies and plans, to influence and inform external policies which affect Catapults’ collective interests. 
• Facilitate proactive stakeholder engagement to enhance the awareness, influence and impact of the Catapult Network in Westminster/Whitehall, devolved Governments and regions. 
• Monitor relevant policy announcements and developments, develop messaging and prepare responses to policy enquiries and consultations. 
• Provide assistance with cross-Catapult meetings, events and projects. 
• Act as an effective signpost to Catapult and external colleagues, connecting people and disseminating information across the Network. 

Requirements

• An adaptable, motivated and driven individual who can generate their own ideas and contribute effectively as part of a small team. 
• Ability to work independently / autonomously. 
• Experience working with policy and/or political stakeholders, with knowledge of relevant government and parliamentary processes. 
• A confident communicator, both verbally and in writing. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and influence others. 
• Experience managing projects, committees, events or other activities that demonstrate your organisational ability. 
• A passion for research & development and innovation. 

Benefits

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working – with great offices to work from 1-3 days per week;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

Deadline for Applications: 12th May 2024