The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. 

We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer who will join our established and busy Policy and Strategy department. This role will support the Policy and Public Affairs team in developing and delivering influencing activities to help achieve our strategic goals.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will be a key member of a close-knit, dynamic team working to improve eye health services across the UK. You will play an active role in shaping and delivering effective policies and influencing activities around key issues for members and their patients, working creatively and collaboratively with others to deliver agreed outcomes. This is a varied role that requires you to use your initiative and manage multiple tasks and priorities.

To be considered for this role, you should have experience in developing clear, evidence-based policy positions, drafting responses to consultations, and supporting the planning and implementation of effective influencing activities. Your background should also include engaging stakeholders, writing clear and effective reports and other communication materials, managing detailed processes requiring high accuracy, and working effectively with multiple projects and teams under tight deadlines. Additionally, you will demonstrate a good ability to analyse and synthesise information from a wide range of sources, solid project management skills, and a good working knowledge of public policy and the governments of the four UK nations. You should possess clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills, the flexibility to adapt to changes at short notice, excellent attention to detail, and good knowledge in Microsoft Office tools.

This role is part-time, requiring 17.5 hours or 2.5 days per week, and includes the flexibility to choose working patterns, although it is mandatory to work on Tuesday afternoons to meet departmental needs. This includes attending monthly department meetings in person. Additionally, the role is hybrid (1 or 2 days per week in the workplace) and there is also the possibility for the postholder to work fully remotely.