Public Affairs Officer

About RAND Europe

RAND Europe is a not-for-profit, independent research organization focused on enhancing policy and decision-making through thorough and impartial research and analysis. Delivering over 200 projects annually, the organization influences policies and practices to benefit the public interest. With around 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and The Hague, its multidisciplinary teams bring diverse expertise and languages to serve governments, foundations, NGOs, and international bodies.

Role Overview

The Public Affairs Officer position is based in Cambridge, supporting engagement with UK policymakers, parliamentarians, and government stakeholders. This role works closely with researchers and the communications team to promote RAND Europe's research and ensure its influence reaches key policy decision-makers. The position also involves some interaction with EU institutions and international policy audiences. Working at least one day per week onsite with flexible hybrid arrangements, the role requires occasional travel to London, Brussels, and other sites.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, special advisers, and parliamentary staff across Westminster and Whitehall.
• Monitor UK policy changes, legislative developments, select committee inquiries, debates, consultations, and government announcements relevant to RAND research.
• Identify public affairs opportunities arising from RAND Europe's projects and advise researchers on reaching policy audiences effectively.
• Prepare briefings, consultation replies, select committee evidence, and other policy materials by translating research outcomes into accessible forms.
• Compile briefing materials and speaking notes for staff and researchers ahead of meetings, hearings, or public forums.
• Support engagement activities with select committees, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and government departments.
• Organize and assist with events targeting government and parliamentary audiences, including signature RAND Europe events.
• Maintain stakeholder databases, track engagement histories and assess public affairs activities and impacts.
• Coordinate closely with the press team to align public affairs messaging with media strategies.
• Represent RAND Europe impartially and uphold organizational independence in all public engagements.
• Perform additional duties as required, adhering to company and management system policies.

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in public affairs, government relations, or parliamentary engagement, either internally, via agencies, government bodies, or parliamentary offices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK legislative and policy processes, including insight into parliamentary, select committee, and government department workings.
• Exceptional writing skills capable of converting research data into clear, policy-appropriate messages for varied audiences.
• Experience drafting policy briefs, consultation submissions, and parliamentary evidence with strong editing abilities.
• Proven capability to build and sustain professional relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Effective collaboration skills with colleagues at various levels, especially researchers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

Desirable Attributes

• Awareness of EU institutions and policymaking mechanisms.
• Previous involvement in public affairs within academic, research, or evidence-based contexts.
• Experience with stakeholder management or political monitoring software.
• Familiarity with policy areas such as defence, security, healthcare, science, technology, or home affairs relevant to RAND Europe's research.

Personal Characteristics

• Politically perceptive and analytical, able to appreciate both strategic and practical angles of policy issues.
• Excellent networking and communication skills enabling trust-building with policymakers and research teams.
• Proactive team player dedicated to robust, independent research with multi-tasking and deadline management abilities.
• Eagerness to acquire knowledge across diverse policy zones including security, health, and technology.
• Highly motivated self-starter able to navigate ambiguity while spotting policy-cycle opportunities swiftly.
• Open-minded and humble, recognizing and valuing expertise of research professionals.
• Good judgment respecting confidentiality, tone, neutrality, and handling sensitive political materials.

Qualifications

Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role is £33,000 per year.

• Employer pension contribution of 8%
• 33 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
• Annual salary reviews
• BUPA medical insurance coverage
• Generous sick pay provisions
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Group income protection and life assurance schemes
• Compassionate leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for learning and development
• Employee wellbeing support and training
• Daily fresh fruit provided
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle-to-work program and access to company bicycles
• Service recognition awards

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as received. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis with a closing date of August 30, 2026. If no reply is received within 30 days after the closing date, applicants should assume their application was unsuccessful.