Senior Coordinator (Policy) - 2 Posts

Who we are looking for

We are seeking two skilled policy professionals to join our passionate team. You will have a varied and challenging role, providing policy and research support across a number of policy areas, including minimum unit pricing, control of the sale of alcohol through the local licensing system, alcohol marketing, and treatment and recovery. Your excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills will be vital in ensuring we meet our goal of effecting policy change in Scotland, to reduce alcohol harm and improve lives.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a fast-paced policy or practice environment
• Experience of analysing, interpreting and communicating evidence and research to support policy and practice development
• Experience of working collaboratively and strategically with external organisations and agencies to effect change

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package that includes a contributory pension plan, generous annual leave entitlement and other benefits.
• A central Glasgow location, close to rail and bus stations.
• A range of formal and informal training and learning opportunities.
• The support of an organisation committed to its operational values.
• The satisfaction of working with a skilled and dedicated team to make change happen.

Alcohol Focus Scotland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Flexible and hybrid working: The normal place of work is 166 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2LW, however, AFS encourages flexible and hybrid working to meet the needs of the post and to accommodate the post-holder.

Senior Coordinator (Policy) Job Description

Job purpose

To lead and oversee the provision of policy and research support across the organisation in the areas identified in AFS’s strategic plan. Current priorities include broadening understanding of, and support for, minimum unit pricing; ensuring the effective implementation of licensing legislation by supporting licensing boards and forums to promote the licensing objectives; building support for comprehensive restrictions on alcohol marketing; and supporting national policy and local practice in treatment and recovery.

Speciflly the post holder will:

• Oversee thorough and critical reviews of available research and evidence to ensure AFS has up-to-date and accurate information on key issues and that this is reflected in all communications.
• Identify and produce policy options and recommendations based on best available evidence and theories of change.
• Support the development and coordination of advocacy campaigns on key alcohol issues in support of the strategic plan, in collaboration with AFS colleagues in particular, the Senior Communications Coordinator.
• Contribute to project-based working, collaborating with colleagues to deliver AFS’s strategic plan.
• Identify policy and strategic consultations of relevance to AFS’s strategic plan and co-ordinate the submission of appropriate responses.
• Support AFS’s contributions to parliamentary debates, committees, cross-party groups and legislation.
• Producing high quality, evidence-based research reports, policy briefings, blogs and press articles for a range of internal and external audiences on key policy issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national stakeholders.
• Undertake bespoke development work with selected national and local partners, as required.
• Line manage staff as required.

Person Specification Criteria

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience of the Scottish and UK policy and political environment and decision-making structures.
• Experience of working within a fast-moving policy and practice environment (minimum 3 years).
• Experience of networking, relationship-building and developing collaborative partnerships at a strategic level to effect change in policy and practice (minimum 3 years).
• Experience of analysing, interpreting and communicating complex evidence and research to support policy and practice development and to inform advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrable written communication skills with evidence of proficiency in producing high quality research, policy reports, briefings, and media content for all audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to articulate the organisation’s vision and direction to a wide range of audiences, including delivering formal presentations and speaking at conferences.
• Experience of engaging with politicians and other decision-makers to influence policy.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the values of partnership working.
• A commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the local and Scottish policy context, and decision-making structures relevant to alcohol service delivery
• Knowledge and awareness of the alcohol policy and wider public health context in Scotland, the UK, in Europe and internationally.
• Experience of working collaboratively and strategically with organisations and agencies with an interest in the implementation of evidence-informed, alcohol control measures to reduce harm.
• Experience of overseeing research projects and/or post graduate research qualification.
• Experience of developing partnerships with academic partners.
• Experience of dealing with the print and broadcast media.
• Awareness of human rights, equality and inclusion issues as they affect people who experience disadvantage.
• Experience of managing budgets.

Responsibilities of all Alcohol Focus Scotland Staff

• Manage and prioritise workloads and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Maintain positive working relationships with all members of the Alcohol Focus Scotland staff team and ensure that colleagues are kept up to date with relevant issues and developments.
• Undertake all work in line with AFS organisational values and contribute to team activity across work programmes as required.
• Undertake relevant professional development activities and training as agreed with line manager.
• Maintain confidentiality, including day to day observance of data protection guidelines.
• Adhere to all internal and external policies, procedures and contribute, as required, to their ongoing development.
• If required, work outside normal working hours for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given.
• Key holders should secure premises as necessary.
• Have regard for your own and others’ health and safety.
• A commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

How to apply

To apply, please go to https://hr.breathehr.com/v/senior-coordinator-policy-2-posts-25762 to upload a Supporting Statement, demonstrating how you meet the criteria in the ‘Critical knowledge, experience and skills’ section of the job description, and your CV showing your qualifications and experience.

**PLEASE NOTE you must complete the application process and upload all documents in one session: this system does not allow you to return to edit applications.**

A Right to Work in the UK check is required for this post.

To find out more about this role please visit our website https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/about-afs/vacancies/ or contact Nicola Merrin on Nicola.merrin@alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 9 am on Monday 24 October 2022

Interviews will be held on Thursday 3 November 2022