ABOUT THE ORGANISATION The Aldersgate Group is an alliance of businesses, civil society organisations and academic institutions championing a prosperous, net zero emissions and environmentally sustainable economy. Our members include some of the largest businesses in the UK from a wide range of economic sectors, leading NGOs, professional institutes, public sector bodies and academic institutions. We are politically impartial and champion the important role of the business sector in moving the UK towards a zero carbon, resource efficient and nature positive economy. Our work is supported by a highly knowledgeable and multi-sectoral Board of Directors, chaired by Lady Theresa May. The Aldersgate Group carries out research across climate change and environment policy, publishes policy reports and recommendations, holds roundtables and high-profile public events, works closely with decision-makers and is active on social and mainstream media. Our mission is to trigger the change in policy required to address environmental challenges effectively, affordably and in a way that can maximise economic benefits and job creation across the UK. Our values lie at the heart of what we do: the Aldersgate Group believes the core driver of change is collaboration. Our effectiveness is built on commitment and pragmatic insight. We value kindness and inclusivity in everything we do. WHY JOIN US The Aldersgate Group is at an exciting inflection point in its development. The Secretariat has expanded in recent years, reflecting our success in supporting members and delivering strong results, influencing and impacting on policy. With a relatively new Government and a critical few years ahead to deliver climate and nature targets, this is a unique moment in the political cycle to join a highly collaborative, motivated and high impact team. The last Government set out in 2023 its first Environmental Improvement Plan with a target to halt the decline in biodiversity and a promise to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. However, the UK is not currently on track to meet these ambitions. The new Government will have to present an ambitious and holistic vision to accelerate progress. Given the right conditions, businesses can deliver substantial elements of the investment and implementation that is urgently needed. THE ROLE The Group is looking to hire a highly motivated Policy Officer as we increase our work on nature policy. The Policy Officer will play a key role in researching and developing some of the Aldersgate Group’s evolving policy positions and advocating for ambitious, evidence-based and business-minded climate and environmental policies. The Policy Officer will help us develop our portfolio of work on nature and how to deliver the government’s environmental targets. This will include a particular focus on the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), the upcoming Land Use Framework, and more holistic approaches to managing water resources. The Aldersgate Group works on policy development right across climate, energy and nature, including green finance, skills, resource efficiency and industrial decarbonisation. We focus on areas where we can have most impact, determined by a combination of factors including the need for policy action and insights from our members. The Policy Officer will be primarily focused on nature policy, but the role will also include opportunities to work across relevant topics covered by the policy team.It’s an exciting role at the interface between government, businesses and civil society organisations. The role will include opportunities to engage across the NGO, business, academia and public sector, using research and innovative methods to tackle complex problems and help deliver change. JOB DESCRIPTION The Secretariat team is currently 10 strong, with roles split across policy, external affairs, communications and operations. The new Policy Officer (an 11th post) will report to the Head of Policy and work alongside two Senior Policy Officers. Main duties and responsibilities The Policy Officer will support the Head of Policy in developing and delivering high-impact policy initiatives by: Developing and maintaining an excellent understanding of current UK nature policy issues to inform policy activities and priorities, as well as joining up with other areas of policy work. Developing high-quality policy reports, briefings and updates for Aldersgate Group members and policymakers. Putting together responses to relevant parliamentary inquiries and government consultations. Supporting preparation for meetings and events, including through the production of briefings and meeting notes. Representing the Aldersgate Group at external policy meetings or events. Liaising with key stakeholders to ensure effective internal and external engagement with the Group’s policy work. Building and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers, Aldersgate Group members and potential members. The Policy Officer will also provide support for administrative work, alongside other members of the Secretariat, including organising external workshops and events and dealing with internal and external information requests. Person specification The successful candidate will have the following essential criteria: Experience working in a professional policy, or related research and/or advocacy role, with strong analytical and research skills and a track record of high-quality work. An understanding of some key UK nature and environmental policy issues and demonstrable interest in nature policy. Knowledge of policymaking processes, structures of government and Parliament. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong ability to communicate effectively and creatively to different audiences and build relationships with key stakeholders. Excellent time management, organisational skills and attention to detail. Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to be a confident and highly motivated team player, with a willingness to be flexible and adaptable. Core values aligned to the Group and a genuine interest in our mission. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary £32,000 - £37,000 per annum, dependent upon experienceContract PermanentHours Monday - Friday, full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working requests such as compressed hours or part-time will be considered).Location Hybrid, with office located in Central London (Zone 1). We typically work at least 2 days per week in the office, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays as core days.Leave 30 days per annum plus bank holidaysBenefits We offer 5% pension contributions, enhanced parental leave, a health cash plan with 24/7 access to a GP advice line, an employee assistance programme, cycle and tech schemes and up to four days paid travel time per year for sustainable holidays.Start date As soon as possible APPLICATION PROCESS The closing date for the receipt of applications is 9.00am on Monday 18 November 2024. Applications received after this time will not be considered. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications. Applications, including a CV of maximum 2 sides, can be submitted via our simple online application form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview. The interview will include a written and/or presentational task shared ahead of time. We anticipate organising a second stage with in-person interview and an informal meet-the-team. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional options you’d like to request, please contact Anne Smellie (infoaldersgategroup.org.uk). We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job. The first round of interviews is expected to take place during the week commencing 25th November, with second round interviews anticipated in the week commencing 2nd December. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Aldersgate Group embraces equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skillsets. We are actively seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce, and strongly encourage eligible candidates with protected characteristics to apply to join our team. We believe that the more diverse and inclusive we are, the more we can achieve.