Policy Adviser

Do you want to make a tangible different to the lives of children across England Can you use your skills to be a catalyst for creating meaningful change Are you committed to protecting the rights of children Are you ready to join a committed team dedicated to giving children and young people a voice on the issues affecting them

The Childrens Commissioners role includes taking childrens thoughts opinions and ideas to decision makers to ensure that the Government reflects childrens voices in the decisions that will affect them in years to come.

Joining the team is a chance to be involved in shaping childrens policy making sure childrens voices are heard and being part of an exciting environment which puts childrens needs at the heart of everything we do.

The Childrens Commissioner is looking to fill a role in the Policy team. The role will be based in Central London at 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP.

Selection for appointment to the Office of the Childrens Commissioner is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

We are looking for a wide variety of people to take on our roles however we would particularly welcome applications from care leavers or individuals with experience of being looked after by the state. We also actively encourage applicants from Black Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds. We welcome applications from both inside and outside the Civil Service.

The role is suitable for hybrid working with up to 2 days a week working from home. This is a voluntary non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.

As a Policy Advisor you will work flexibly across the Childrens Commissioners work on childrens rights but with a particular focus on childrens safety particularly where harm is experienced in the online world. You will ensure that the offices work improves the lives and experiences of children.This will include initiating and delivering evidence-based projects taking the lead on briefing the Childrens Commissioner on matters relating to childrens interactions withthe online world and as victims of crime as wellassupporting the work and strategy of the wider office.

You will identify opportunities for the Childrens Commissioner to effect change on behalf of children and represent the Commissioner at external meetings including with highly vulnerable children and build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders.

You will achieve recognition for your work and the work of the office across Whitehall turning policy propositions into real legislative and regulatory change.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the policy landscape relating to childrensinteractions with the online world and how these interactions can connect to being victims of harm both online and offline.
• Conductpolicy analysis and formulate reasoned evidence-based arguments for change.
• Respond to policy consultations on behalf of the Childrens Commissioner.
• Work on specific projects as outlined in the Childrens Commissioners business plan listening to and interpreting the experience of children and young people and understanding the policy issues involved.
• Attend and deliver policy briefings to the Childrens Commissioner and significant stakeholders.
• Participating in qualitative research projects in partnership with the research team.
• Work with colleagues to commission research including using the Commissioners statutory powers to develop robust evidence.
• Deliverhigh qualityexternal facing outputs communicating the evidence and views of the office fluently and credibly.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders who can support with improving childrens experiences of the online world and childrens lives more broadly. This includes developing partnerships and relationships to support the delivery of projects.
• Support and manage colleagues to deliver high impact work where appropriate.

Successful applicants will:

• Be a policy professional and motivated self-starter with the ability to get to grips with complex work at speed.
• Be comfortable managing competing priorities and able to take responsibility for deliveringhigh qualitywork to completion.
• Beskilled at engaging and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Be able to thrive in a small friendly hard working and very supportive team.
• Be committed to upholding the rights of children.
• Enjoy working with children and young people and ensuring their voices are heard.

Key Criteria

Essential

• Experience working in a policy environment and an understanding of the policy making process including using evidence to support the delivery of policy change.(LEAD CRITERIA)
• Experience working with parliamentarians including on legislative change.
• Experience working with communication colleagues to influence change.
• An understanding of research methodologies and experience of using research and evidence to develop policy propositions.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills including producing public facing outputs at speed.
• The ability to manage and deliver multiple projects in a fast-moving organisation.
• High levels of personal effectiveness in working as part of a team and contributing to a successful organisation.
• Knowledge and understanding of online policy and legislation

Desirable

• Experience of working directly with children
• Knowledge and understanding of policy relating to child victims of crime