• Duration:        Permanent

• Hours:            35 hours per week. Other flexible arrangements will be considered

• Disclosure Level: Basic. This role involves indirect work with children

• Reports to:    Head of Political Affairs

• Location:        Working from home and 1 Westfield Avenue, London E20 1HZ

At the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), we pull together to achieve the best possible results for children in danger around the world.  We believe in an inclusive workplace and in the power of fulfilled colleagues who share the same values and goals, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children. 

Our work is guided by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise the universality of children’s rights.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Advocacy team sits in the organisation’s Advocacy, Programmes and Safeguarding Directorate. The Advocacy Team exists to champion children’s rights and influence those with power to create change for children, in the UK and around the world. We present decision-makers with a compelling case for change based on evidence, and through exceptional public affairs and public campaigning. We champion and amplify the voices and participation of young people and work to ensure the full incorporation of the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) in all UK nations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role will support the design, development and implementation of political influencing strategies on behalf of the UNICEF UK. The post will play a crucial role in building influential relationships with parliamentarians across the UK Parliament and where relevant, elected representatives across the devolved assemblies. By providing political monitoring, analysis and strategic support, the Senior Political Affairs Adviser will ensure the Advocacy Team and wider organisation are well equipped to put children at the heart of decision making.

What we will expect you to achieve

• Support the work of the Political Affairs Team to deliver successful influencing strategies which help to ensure their rights are upheld by the UK Government.

• Successfully identify and pursue impactful opportunities to highlight UNICEF UK’s priorities in Westminster, across the devolved governments and assemblies, local authorities and UK public bodies.

• Ensure the provision of timely political monitoring and analysis by tracking and sharing information on legislation and relevant government processes (e.g Budget and Spending Reviews), following political trends and parliamentary opportunities, and orchestrating opportunities to highlight children’s rights in parliament (via PQs, debates and events).

• Oversee and update systems for monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF UK’s engagement in Parliament and with the devolved assemblies and authorities.

• Increased awareness and support for UNICEF UK’s work, leading on relationship development and day-to-day engagement with MPs, Peers and researchers of all parties, relevant Select Committees and APPGs.

• Actively build relationships within relevant networks and coalitions across civil society.

• Provide proactive political insight and advice across the organisation to ensure integration across workstreams.

• Deliver persuasive written and oral briefings to Members of Parliament, Peers, government officials and other decision makers on key policies and campaigns.

• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality events to support the success of UNICEF UK advocacy priorities, using innovative approaches and ideas to ensure high levels of engagement and attendance.

• Demonstrate and model a commitment to our shared values, behaviours and inclusive practices (known as Our Shared Commitment) in all aspects of your work.

BEHAVIOURS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

This section contains the essential behaviours, experience, knowledge and skills needed in order to be effective and successful in this role. All criteria in this section are essential.

Effective Behaviours

Analytical

• Understands the UK political context and uses political intelligence and insight to make recommendations, take decisions and actively build political networks.

• Able to accurately analyse potential risks and identify appropriate solutions.

Collaboration

• Proactively shares expertise and works closely with colleagues across the organisation and sector to develop and deliver shared objectives, whilst working across multiple and conflicting priorities.

• Able to project manage, providing clear and regular information on activities and responsibilities ensuring deadlines are met and relevant colleagues informed.

Communication

• Communicates clearly, persuasively and effectively to political and external audiences, adapting content, tone and style as appropriate.

• Able to quickly master complex briefs across a number of policy issues, crafting and communicating compelling arguments relevant to a political audience.

Creating and innovating

• Contributes ideas, approaches and insights that enable innovation.

• Builds a network of relevant individuals outside of UNICEF UK to gain alternative perspectives that improve performance.

Achieving Change

• Demonstrates a solution focused approach to overcoming the barriers to change.

Resilience

• Demonstrates patience and perseverance in the face of setbacks, challenges and disappointment.

Relevant experience

• Experience of working in a UK political setting such as the UK Parliament or similar institution.

• Influencing Parliamentarians to deliver policy change on legislation and broader policy positions.

• Planning, design and delivery of high-quality events.

Specific knowledge and skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to draft high quality written materials including briefings, letters and emails.

• Values diversity, respecting and drawing on colleagues’ different perspectives, skills, experiences and knowledge

• Analytical and detail-orientated, with a focus on compelling, influential and high-quality outputs and deliverables

• In-depth understanding of UK politics and current affairs, political parties and processes, parliamentary systems and procedures and Government decision making.

• Demonstrable knowledge of issues affecting children’s lives.