Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Location: Belfast

Working hours: Monday to Friday 35 hours 9am-5pm (Flexi 7am-7pm)

Hybrid working: 2 days a week in office, 3 days at home

Salary: £44,835.42

Contract: Maternity Contract for 12 months

Closing: Friday 2 nd October

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Policy & Public Affairs Manager to lead the policy, public affairs, campaigning, media, and communications functions for Northern Ireland. This influential role will work closely with senior leadership, political stakeholders, healthcare organisations, and the media to shape policy discussions and advocate for the advancement of general practice across Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate will provide expert policy advice, develop and deliver high-impact campaigns, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and ensure the voice of general practice is effectively represented across government, healthcare, and public forums.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development & Public Affairs

• Lead the development and delivery of policy initiatives that support and promote general practice in Northern Ireland.
• Research, analyse, and interpret health and public health policy developments to provide strategic recommendations and briefing materials.
• Coordinate and draft responses to government consultations and policy proposals.
• Monitor developments within the Northern Ireland Assembly, Health Committee, and wider government to identify opportunities and risks.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to influence healthcare policy and advocate for improvements in primary care services.

Stakeholder & Political Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, elected representatives, healthcare organisations, and professional bodies.
• Support senior leaders with briefing materials and meetings involving ministers, MLAs, and key healthcare stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation at political conferences, stakeholder forums, and public events.
• Identify and maximise opportunities for strategic engagement with decision-makers and influencers.

Communications & Media Relations

• Lead all media and external communications activity across Northern Ireland.
• Develop media strategies, press releases, statements, and campaign communications.
• Manage social media channels and contribute content for member communications, including regular blogs and newsletters.
• Build strong relationships with journalists and media outlets to promote organisational priorities.
• Provide media handling and communications advice to senior leadership.

Campaign Management

• Develop and deliver public affairs and policy campaigns to raise awareness of key healthcare issues.
• Coordinate lobbying and advocacy activities, including stakeholder events and Assembly engagement.
• Engage patient representatives and networks to ensure public perspectives inform policy and campaigning activity.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, support, and performance management to the Policy & Campaigns Coordinator.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Northern Ireland and the wider UK organisation.
• Ensure projects and activities are delivered within agreed budgets and timelines.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Public Relations, Politics, Communications, Public Policy, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Significant experience in public affairs, policy development, campaigning, communications, or public relations.
• Experience of engaging with government departments, political representatives, or legislative bodies.
• Experience producing policy reports, briefings, consultation responses, and media communications.
• Previous line management experience.
• Experience organising stakeholder meetings, events, and projects within tight deadlines.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of the Northern Ireland healthcare landscape, particularly primary care.
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland political environment and decision-making processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex information, including statistical and financial data.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Professional, diplomatic, and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Additional Requirements

• Full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle.