Nuclear Industry Association – Public Affairs Executive

Central London Office – Hybrid Working (3 days in office)

Salary: £34,000-£38,000 depending on experience

About the NIA: The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is a membership organisation, representing more than 300 companies working in the civil nuclear sector in the UK. Membership includes utilities, developers, engineering, manufacturing, services, legal, advisory companies and education providers. Our role is to represent the UK civil nuclear industry to government, Parliament, stakeholders and the media, to advocate for nuclear power as an essential part of the country’s energy mix, to assist our member companies in maximising industrial opportunities in the UK and internationally and arranging industry events and conferences.

Purpose of the Role: The Public Affairs Executive will work with the Public Affairs Manager and sit within the wider External Affairs Team. You will engage and strengthen relationships with politicians, policymakers and third party advocates, implement the NIA’s ambitious programme of political engagement events in Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff Bay, and help execute the NIA’s one-to-one meetings programmes with Parliamentarians. Reporting directly to the Public Affairs Manager, you will also support the organisation and execution of Parliamentary and industry events, support the coordination of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy and monitor key interventions in debates on energy. These activities are essential to build and sustain a strong and durable coalition of political support for nuclear. Given nuclear is a highly regulated industry with a major role for Government in planning, licensing and financing of projects, cross-party support for nuclear is vital.

This is an exciting role for a public affairs professional looking to build their experience and expertise of public affairs and communications in a fast-moving, friendly environment. This role requires a proactive, efficient, energetic, and capable individual with some experience and strong interest in politics and political lobbying, and an individual who can thrive within a dynamic and ambitious team. A passion for ensuring our energy security and achieving net zero is essential.

Responsibilities

Public Affairs:

Maintaining the contact database of UK Parliamentarians supportive of nuclear energy
Assisting the Public Affairs Manager in drafting briefings for UK Parliamentarians and assisting in arranging one to one meetings with UK Parliamentarians as required
Drafting suggested PQs for interested in Parliamentarians and monitoring relevant Question Times and debates, including to identify new targets for meetings
Monitor all relevant Parliamentary events in both Houses, devolved assemblies, Select Committees, Westminster Hall and events run by outside organisations
Support the organisation of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy

Political Events and Devolved Outreach:

Work closely with the Public Affairs Manager on arranging NIA political events, such as Nuclear Week in Parliament, NIA’s programme of activity at Party Political Conferences, and ad hoc Parliamentary and industry receptions. This would include supporting in the design of events – leading on logistics, guest-lists, invites and day-to-day management.
Arranging one to one meetings with Members of the Scottish Parliament and Members of the Senedd and maintaining the relevant briefings on nuclear in Scotland and in Wales
Running the Secretariat of a prospective Cross-Party Group on Nuclear Energy in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd

General:

Representing the NIA at industry working groups and external events as required by the Public Affairs Manager and the Director of Policy and External Affairs.
Coordinate and work with the membership team on related events

Person Specification

Essential:

Some prior experience in public affairs
Experience in engaging with Parliamentarians
Proven understanding of the workings of parliament, government, policy development and legislative procedure
Interest in energy policy
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to tailor material to a wide range of audiences
Ability to operate proactively to support given priorities and objectives, rather than relying on day-to-day instructions
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to establish strong working relationships within Westminster and the nuclear industry
Ability to work effectively in a team and take guidance from management

Desirable:

Experience working in the UK Parliament or devolved institutions
Knowledge of the UK civil nuclear industry
Experience working for a membership organisation

Further details

Place of Work: NIA office at 10 Southampton Street, near Covent Garden in Central London, with a requirement that staff work at least 3 days per week from the office. Some requirement to travel for events and advocacy activity in and out of hours around the UK
Hours of Work: - 37.5, normally 9.00am – 5.00pm. Out of hours work may be required from time to time
Holidays: - 25 days per annum, rising to 26 after 2 years in post, plus public holidays and Christmas/New Year shut down
Salary & Benefits: - Competitive salary, c£34-38k, plus benefits including pension contributions, private healthcare coverage, season ticket loan scheme (subject to completion of probationary period)
Length of Contract: - Permanent (subject to successful completion of 3 month probationary period)

All applications will be managed by MadlinHanna Consulting who operate an Equal Opportunity recruitment process. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, or any other characteristic protected under EU, state or local law, where applicable.