Policy & Public Affairs Officer

Aluminium Federation (ALFED); Northampton; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 32,000

Job description

About ALFED

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is the voice of the UK aluminium industry, advocating for policies that strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation potential. We work closely with government stakeholders, industry partners, and our members to address challenges such as trade barriers, energy costs, and workforce development.

We are now looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team and support our growing policy and advocacy activities.

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career policy professional with experience in public affairs, policy development, or government relations. The successful candidate will assist in the development of policy positions, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to ALFED’s advocacy efforts.

The role would suit candidates with experience in a parliamentary assistant role, a public affairs agency, a think tank, or an entry-level civil service policy role. Training and mentoring will be provided to support career growth within the organisation.

This role is remote-based but applicants must reside in the UK. The role will require regular travel to London for policy and stakeholder engagement events, as well as occasional visits to the ALFED office in Northampton for team meetings and member events.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Development: Assist in the development of ALFED’s policy positions on key industry issues, including trade, sustainability, circular economy, energy security, and workforce development.
2. Research and Briefings: Produce high-quality policy briefings, reports, and consultation responses, ensuring ALFED’s positions are evidence-based and aligned with industry needs.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with ALFED members, government bodies, trade associations, and other key industry stakeholders.
4. Monitoring Policy Landscape: Keep up to date with policy developments to inform members of regulatory changes and government initiatives that impact the manufacturing sector.
5. Advocacy and Public Affairs: Support ALFED’s engagement with policymakers, contributing to campaigns and influencing strategies to promote the interests of the aluminium sector.
6. Trade Committee Support: Assist in the running of ALFED’s monthly Trade Committee meetings, ensuring members receive timely updates on trade policies, challenges, and opportunities.
7. Government Roundtable Engagement: Support efforts to secure ALFED’s presence at government roundtables, ensuring the aluminium industry’s voice is heard in key policy discussions.
8. Make UK Affiliate Partnership Liaison: Support the CEO as a liaison for the Make UK Affiliate partnership, fostering collaboration and ensuring ALFED members benefit from the relationship.

Person Specific

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

1. Understanding of Policy Development: Experience working in a policy team or an understanding of the processes involved in shaping public policy.
2. Stakeholder Engagement Experience: Ability to build and develop relationships with external stakeholders, including government departments and industry groups.
3. Strong Analytical and Research Skills: Ability to analyse complex policy issues and produce concise, evidence-based reports and recommendations.
4. Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing briefings, consultation responses, and public affairs materials.
5. Proactive and Organised: A self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced policy environment.
6. Interest in Trade and Manufacturing Policy: A keen interest in industrial policy, trade, sustainability, and economic development. Prior knowledge of manufacturing or metals policy is desirable but not essential.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in a trade association, public affairs consultancy, government, or a policy-related role in a business or NGO.
• Knowledge of aluminium, metals, or manufacturing policy issues.
• Familiarity with UK government policy-making processes, consultations, and parliamentary procedures.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £30K - £32K per annum (depending on experience).
• Flexible, remote working with occasional travel.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• The opportunity to influence national industrial policy and play a role in shaping the future of the UK aluminium industry.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment within a respected trade association.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [e-mail] by 31^st March 2025.

The Aluminium Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.