Senior Policy Adviser (Research and Healthcare)

In this role, you will lead on policy issues related to research and healthcare, focusing on innovation and clinical trials across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Your work will be pivotal in analysing the current landscape of MND research and healthcare, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions. You will draw from scientific and clinical expertise and the patient perspective, to analyse policy issues and develop briefings and positions.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role as you will work closely with colleagues from various departments within the MND Association, including Research and Services, Partnerships, Public Affairs, and Communications. This teamwork aims to ensure that the latest developments in research and healthcare are communicated effectively and that our policy positions are well-promoted to external audiences.

Your responsibilities will also include preparing briefing documents and developing responses to public consultations, and producing detailed policy reports and recommendations.

An important part of your role will be to engage with and influence contacts with key organisations like the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Health and Social Care, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and NHS England.

If you are passionate about making a difference for those living with and affected by MND and have the expertise to drive policy change, we invite you to apply for this impactful role.

What are we looking for?

Extensive knowledge of the policy environment for research and healthcare, including innovation and clinical trials. You should have experience in analysing policy issues and a proven track record in policy research, analysis, and development.

Familiarity with NHS bodies and the UK political system, including Government departments and the devolved nations, is essential. You must possess excellent communication, reporting, negotiating, and influencing skills.

Strong analytical and research abilities are crucial, along with the capability to understand complex policy issues and identify solutions. Effective planning and management skills are necessary to prioritise work and meet deadlines.

For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Candidate Pack.

Our Benefits

•  28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
• Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
• Life assurance
• Confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes to include: Cycle to work & Buy and sell annual leave
• BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Experience in analysing and addressing policy issues involving research (including innovation and clinical trials) and healthcare. 
• A successful track record of outcome-focused policy research, analysis and development. 
• Good communication, reporting, negotiating and influencing skills. 

Where experience is asked for, please give one example showing what you did and what it achieved. Where we require evidence of ability, please explain either how you would approach that particular competence or give an example to support your suitability.

Alternative Applications

To provide an inclusive application process for all our opportunities, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form. For example, if you would like to apply via video or audio format, please send your recorded application.

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be made as required.

Important Information

Adverts may be closed before the deadline once sufficient applications are received. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.