JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
JOB DETAILS
Job Title:
External Affairs Manager (Maternity Cover) - Aberdeen
Job Holder:
Reports to:
Communications Director
Date:
September 2015
2.
JOB ROLE
To take a leading role in developing and delivering policy and messages in both a proactive and
responsive manner to stakeholders in local, regional, national and European spectrums. Leading the
external affairs team within the communications directorate and working closely with the press and
PR team the successful candidate will match this output with close monitoring and coordinated
responses to political developments pertinent to the industry in Westminster, Holyrood and Europe.
Based in Aberdeen, this role also is responsible for facilitating, coordinating and supporting Oil & Gas
UK’s chief executive and directors in meetings and general engagement with senior ministers,
politicians and other political stakeholders through effective briefing and preparation and coordination
of any actions arising as required.
3.
KEY DUTIES

Manage the workload of the external affairs team in London and Aberdeen

Work proactively to identify opportunities for political engagement to promote key messages on
behalf of the industry.

Coordinate political monitoring to ensure that the organisation can respond appropriately and in a
timely manner to formal consultations, other parliamentary processes (written and oral questions
and debates, legislation) and political and other stakeholder policy launches and reports.

Identify and evaluate policy issues arising from potential UK, Scottish and European legislation
and regulation that could impact the UK offshore oil and gas industry and/or Oil & Gas UK’s
objectives and to work with Oil & Gas UK policy directors to develop appropriate responses.

Manage Oil & Gas UK’s political stakeholders, including building and maintaining engagement
with elected officials and key policy makers in Westminster, Holyrood and Brussels as well as with
stakeholders in the relevant local and regional authorities and regulatory agencies.

Develop effective government affairs strategies and campaigns, working with policy directors and
Oil & Gas UK members through the organisation’s forums.
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
Coordinate the delivery of effective regular communication, both written and oral, of Oil & Gas UK
policy positions to civil servants, politicians, special advisors and their assistants in the
Westminster, Holyrood and Brussels parliaments as well as stakeholders in the local and regional
authorities, regulatory agencies and other interested groups, through positively and effectively
managed relations.

Ensure effective member communication on key policy areas to ensure appropriate linkage and
consistency of messaging on industry and Oil & Gas UK’s policies.

Work with other members of the Oil & Gas UK communications team to contribute to effective
media and stakeholder awareness campaigns as required.

Enhance a positive profile for the industry through efficient government relations.

Manage the provision of the secretariat function for parliamentary groups.

Submit and agree with communications director an annual budget for submission to Board and
Council.

Manage and work within approved budgets.

Work to objectives agreed with the communications director.

Measure the impact of government relations activity by independent market research on a
biennial basis.
4.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education

Minimum 2:1 a degree from a significant and recognised university.
Experience

Solid government public affairs experience with a proven track record of successful advocacy.
Current contact with relevant officials, government agency officials and policymakers would be an
advantage, together with demonstrable relevant experience.

Ability to think clearly, creatively and decisively. Strong listening and analytical skills enabling the
quick absorption of complex information.

Strong presentational and interpersonal skills with high standards of oral and written fluency and
the ability to present complex information and concepts into simple and easily understood
briefings, reports and presentations.

A good knowledge of energy issues in general and the oil and gas industry in particular.

The ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships at all levels, and work within and across
teams to facilitate effective decision-making and issues management across Oil & Gas UK.

Solid knowledge and understanding of the parliamentary processes and the political machine.
Knowledge / Skills / Attributes

Ability to act in a professional manner at all times as is consistent with the vision and values of Oil
& Gas UK.

Excellent organisational and administrational skills.
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
Proven time management skills demonstrated by ability to work effectively under pressure, to
prioritise and to deliver to tight deadlines.

Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively (both orally and in writing) at all levels within
stakeholder organisations and external bodies.

Ability to work independently and proactively but also as part of a team.

Undertake special projects and fulfil other duties as may reasonably be required.

Travel across UK and Europe, including overnight, for meetings with politicians and policy makers
affecting Westminster, Holyrood, Brussels and other regional bodies.
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