We’re currently looking for a highly motivated Policy and External Affairs Officer to support and promote the GMC’s political, policy and public affairs-based activities in Northern Ireland (NI). In this role you’ll shape policies and guidance to support medical professionals to deliver high quality, person centred care for patients.

Joining our team in Belfast, it will be your job to help ensure that the GMC’s position on core policy issues is clearly communicated to key interest groups, including the NI Government, NI Assembly, medical bodies and professionals.

Examples of what your day-to-day will include:

• Raising the profile and understanding of the work that the GMC does in a positive and balanced way through policy campaigns.
• Working proactively and often independently, applying a keen eye for detail when it comes to ensuring protocols are followed.
• Liaising with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Being a central point of contact for colleagues across the GMC, leading on policy portfolios and projects as requested.
• Developing close working relationships with policy colleagues and work as part of the wider policy network.
• Managing the GMC’s response to external consultations and health policy initiatives in Northern Ireland.

As a Policy and External Affairs Officer, you will play a leading role in providing support and promoting the GMC’s political, policy and public affairs activities in Northern Ireland, while working closely with members of the Northern Ireland GMC team, the other External Affairs and Engagement teams, and colleagues across the wider GMC.

You will ensure the efficient operation of the GMC’s activities in Northern Ireland, including ensuring:

• an increased understanding among key interest groups of the statutory functions of the GMC and the work that we do to help protect patients and improve medical education and practice across the UK.
• that the position of the GMC on key policy issues is communicated to key interest groups in NI.
• that the GMC’s work is promoted in a positive, balanced and well-informed way, and that its reputation is protected and enhanced.
• that external and internal audiences understand the impact of devolution on the work of the GMC.
• that statements/publications/guidance issued by the GMC continue to reflect its role as a UK-wide regulator.

This is a hybrid role between home working and office working, the current arrangement in the Northern Ireland team is 3 days a week in the office. Usual office days are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We may ask you to attend the office on additional days where necessary, for example team meetings. You can find more detail on the tasks you will undertake, and the essential skills required for the role, in the job description.

How to apply for the role

Please provide a CV and complete the ‘Reason for Application and meeting the Essential criteria’ part of the application form. Details on how to complete this can be found in the attached guidance document.

GMC Benefits – Why work for us

We work with doctors, physician associates (PAs), anaesthesia associates (AAs), those they care for and other stakeholders to support good, safe patient care across the UK. We set the standards doctors, PAs, AAs and their educators need to meet, and help them achieve them. If there are concerns these standards may not be met or that public confidence in doctors, PAs, or AAs may be at risk, we can investigate, and take action if needed.

You’ll benefit from being part of an organisation that is genuinely committed to its people with several excellent benefits including:

• 30 days holiday with the option to buy and sell more
• A generous employer pension contribution of 15%
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities designed to support your ongoing progression
• Flexible working patterns
• Attractive salary that’s reviewed annually
• Discounts at 100s of high street and online stores
• Discounted gym membership
• Private medical insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme for those wanting a greener commute
• Bike lockers and shower facilities

The GMC values diversity and has made a public commitment to processes and procedures that are fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination. We are also committed to the Disability Confident employer scheme and support the requirements of the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you have a disability and meet the cut-off mark for the essential criteria for this role as outlined in the person specification document, you will be offered an interview.

The GMC is a charity registered in England and Wales (1089278) and Scotland (SC037750)