Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer (Refugees and Asylum)
Location: London (hybrid. working between home and office)
Permanent Contract
Hours per week: 35 hours
Salary Range: £37,475 - £41,954 (plus Inner London Weighting, £3,344, if applicable) per annum
Could you be responsible for developing policy and practice solutions and advocacy plans to help refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK?
A day in the life of the Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer
As Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer you will join the Policy, Research and Advocacy team. In this vital role you'll help secure policy change to improve the lives of people seeking protection in the UK.
You’ll undertake relevant policy development. This includes working with the policy research team to identify, carry out and commission new research. You'll ensure that the lived experiences of the people we support are reflected throughout. You’ll use these insights and policy solutions to inform the design and delivery of creative and impactful advocacy strategies. This could involve developing and sharing briefings, meetings with decision makers and convening policy discussions, to engaging supporters, and working closely with public affairs and media colleagues.
You’ll support strategic stakeholder engagement to allow us to influence as effectively as possible, identifying key contacts in Government and cross-sector organisations that could help us create meaningful and lasting public policy change. You will develop and maintain impactful relationships at the appropriate level, including strategic coalitions.
If you can ignite change with empathy and persuasion, this role isn't just a job – it's a chance to make a real impact. Step up to a role where your policy and advocacy skills will help spread the power of kindness.
This role may be for you if…
Along with experience in public / social policy, social work, politics or similar, you will have:
- Experience of public policy development (at a national or local level)
- Experience of identifying and using research to inform policy development
- Experience of building impactful relationships with external stakeholders and decision-makers
- Experience of successfully managing several different projects at any given time, completing them to a high standard
- Experience of informing and delivering engagement and influencing plans/strategies
- Ability to work as part of a team and build relationships with staff members, at all levels
- Proven and demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, for a variety of audiences
Interested? Closing date for your application is 23.59 on Wednesday 23rd April 2025. Interviews are expected to take place soon after. Please note, we reserve the right to close the advert early, if there are high volume of applications. So early submission of completed application is advised.
In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:
• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Flexible working: We do our best to accommodate your preferred work style.
• Learning & Development: Wide range of career opportunities + comprehensive learning.
• Discounts: Access to Blue Light Discount Card and employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to mental health and wellbeing assistance.
• Team Working: Champion our mission in a collaborative team.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
• Season ticket loan: Interest-free loan for commuting expenses.
We are proud to participate in the disability confident scheme for roles based in the UK. During the application process, you will be asked if you wish to apply under the scheme. At the British Red Cross, we pride ourselves on our diverse workforce, and ensuring we have an inclusive environment for all our staff and volunteers. We remain dedicated to ensuring our teams can bring their true selves to work without risk or fear of discrimination. We do this through regular data reporting, and the assistance of our internal Race and Equality Network (REEN), LGBT+ Network. Plus, our Disability and Wellness Network (DAWN), Gender Network, Carers Network and Youth Network.
Together, we are the world's emergency responders