The Environmental Services Association (ESA) - the representative body for the recycling and waste industry - is recruiting a full-time Communications & Public Affairs Associate. This role represents an opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join a London-based team shaping policy on a high-profile environmental issue, influencing government, legislators, the regulator and other external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities
1. Reporting to the Executive Director, help to promote the UK’s recycling and waste industry.
2. Monitor political, economic, legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the industry. Coordinate and draft responses to media and other queries raised by journalists, government and other external bodies.
3. Support the Association’s public affairs objectives by identifying stakeholders (government officials, Parliamentarians and other external interested parties), drafting briefings and coordinating meetings.
4. Support ESA’s communications lead to align the Association’s public affairs objectives with external campaigns, including the organisation of events for external audiences.
5. Co-ordinate ESA’s Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Group of Member Company experts.
6. Undertake communications and public affairs reporting, including channel performance, media monitoring and political engagement logs
7. Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government officials, green NGOs + other relevant organisations.
8. Manage relationships with key technical contacts within ESA’s Membership
9. Help support the rest of the policy team across all areas of ESA’s work

Required skills and qualifications
• Minimum degree level or equivalent, in any discipline, from a leading institution
• Keen interest in policy development and environmental/recycling and waste policy in particular
• Ability to think laterally
• Good negotiator + oral communicator
• Excellent at developing and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and at different job seniorities
• Proficient in the use of basic business software packages (Microsoft Office)