PHG FOUNDATION
JOB DESCRIPTION:
POLICY ADVISER
Reports to:
The Director (CEO)
Hours:
Full or part-time (min 30 hours)
JOB PURPOSE
The post holder works across the organisation and the breadth of its work programmes to:
a.
Develop the Foundation’s reach and influence across its key policy audiences, building and
maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and organisations across the
political, professional, economic, social and cultural spectrum
b.
Advise on measures to improve the quality and impact of the Foundation’s policy outputs
c.
Support, and develop the skills of the Foundation’s multidisciplinary team to optimise the
policy impact of their work
The post holder will work closely with programme colleagues and with communications and
fundraising staff to ensure an integrated approach to external affairs activity.
In this senior role, the post holder contributes to overall corporate development and is expected to
play a significant part in leadership and team-building within the Foundation. He/she is required also
to contribute to building the Foundation’s external profile, sustainability and growth. Stewardship of
key stakeholders through sustained personal engagement, understanding their needs and developing
opportunities for collaborative work and funding are important features of the role.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy development
The post holder is required to:

Work with senior colleagues in developing policy priorities and plans

Participate in the formulation of the Foundation’s policy positions

Lead policy development work to support advocacy campaigns, including building
appropriate coalitions around policy positions

Work as part of multidisciplinary project teams, providing advice on the production of policy
‘collateral’ that will be relevant to, and usable by, policy audiences

Support the strengthening of policy capacity within the organisation through sharing of
knowledge, skills and tools with colleagues

Develop effective relationships with politicians, opinion formers and their intermediaries

Promote the adoption of evidence-based, responsible policies through interaction with those
who play a key role in the Foundation’s areas of interest nationally and internationally

Write for internal and external purposes: policy briefs, discussion- and position papers,
publications, reports, website and other media

Present and promote the results of the Foundation’s work at meetings, conferences and
outreach events
He/she will need to:

Have/build appropriate depth and breadth of personal knowledge of genetics, genomics and
health issues to make an effective contribution to multidisciplinary projects

Understand the needs of the Foundation’s beneficiaries, audiences, constituencies and
funders

Keep abreast of the policy debate and understand current and emerging trends in relevant
policy areas
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Public affairs
The post holder will lead, in consultation with senior colleagues, the development and
implementation of the Foundation’s public affairs strategy. She/he will be required to work in tandem
with the Head of Communications to deliver a coordinated public- and external affairs programme.
The Policy Adviser’s role is likely to involve:

Identifying and exploiting opportunities to raise the profile of the Foundation’s priority issues
and influence government decisions

Working with senior colleagues to ensure a strong stream of public commentary from the
organisation on policy issues where the Foundation’s voice should be heard

Delivering campaigns and other initiatives, planned outreach programmes and formal
participation in policy conferences, summits etc.

Ensuring (under the leadership of the Director and Chairman) that the Foundation builds the
right networks

Representing the Foundation in high level policy settings and promoting the Foundation as
an independent voice and effective and trustworthy ‘policy partner’
Strategy and planning
The post holder will participate in:

Monitoring and evaluating the Foundation’s impact and feeding back into programme
planning and fundraising processes

Monitoring and making sense of events in the Foundation’s external operating environment
and keeping in touch with significant stakeholders to identify issues that will affect
achievement or direction of the Foundation’s mission and objectives

Contributing to internal strategic and business planning processes taking account of
emerging trends, priorities and the need for balance across the whole organisation
Corporate affairs
The post holder will work with the Foundation’s communications and fundraising staff to:

Raise the profile of the Foundation as a significant public health and policy body with key
audiences

Provide the Foundation’s audiences with sound, professional and unified information and
messages

Understand and meet the needs of funders and donors

Create opportunities for new income streams

Act as an ambassador and advocate for the Foundation with funders, donors and supporters
The post holder will contribute to corporate performance by:

Participating in the appraisal scheme and ensuring appraisal and development of any staff
for whom she/he is responsible

Participating in evaluation of work programmes, projects and other business activities

Reporting on performance to trustees, regulators and funders when required

Contributing to initiatives to improve internal communication and knowledge transfer within
the Foundation
REVIEW
This job description will be reviewed after six months in post and subsequently as part of the annual
appraisal process.
Prepared: June 2013 (ET)
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PHG FOUNDATION
PERSON SPECIFICATION: POLICY ADVISER
Education/qualifications
Candidates must have a good first degree (at least 2.1) in a subject related to public and social
policy and at least 2 years’ hands-on practice in a policy role in the public, commercial or charity
sectors. A higher academic or professional qualification in a relevant field is desirable, but evidence
of continuing professional development is essential.
Experience
Candidates should be able to demonstrate substantial, relevant and practical experience in many of
the following areas:

Representation in policy processes at a high level

Influencing a range of actors including government, donors and funders

Working on strategic policy agendas and analysing and resolving complex policy issues

Building productive relationships with stakeholders

Writing for a variety of media including professional journals and presenting of papers at
conferences, seminars etc.

Working in a multidisciplinary environment with a variety of professional groups

Project management and facilitating change

Developing new funding opportunities and writing (and winning) applications for grants
and/or fee-earning work

Training and mentoring staff and students

Undertaking and/or commissioning policy research
Knowledge and skills
Candidates should be strategic thinkers, sensible negotiators with practical expectations of what can
be achieved, and have the ability to respond appropriately to unplanned and unforeseen events.
They should also have:

Good understanding of health policy issues

Ability to design, develop, interpret and implement public policy

Understanding of the NHS and role of relevant statutory and other bodies in the policy
process

Proven leadership and influencing skills gained in a public policy context

High levels of numeracy, highly developed research and analytical skills

Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills (including dealing with the
media)

Effective interpersonal, motivational and influencing skills
The following would also be desirable:

At least basic understanding of broad concepts and policy context of genomics, cell and
molecular biology and/or public health

Knowledge of health policy and systems outside the UK

Understanding of the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in research
Personal qualities
Candidates must have:

Affinity with the Foundation’s mission

Adaptability and ability to handle technical content when on unfamiliar territory

High standards of professional probity

Good judgement and the ability to make decisions based on evidence

Self-motivation and the ability to take the initiative

Effective networking skills with ability to establish rapport and credibility with senior
institutional leaders and other stakeholders

The character to work alongside, and sometimes lead, professional staff in a multidisciplinary
team, and to inspire and enthuse others

Enthusiasm for communication and engagement with colleagues, stakeholders and the media

Ability to take a corporate view and contribute to strategic development

Flexibility around working patterns and ability to prioritise and manage deadlines
Prepared: June 2013 (ET)
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