Job Description

At IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineering), we're more than a professional body -- we're a powerful, global movement of over 32,000 chemical, biochemical and process engineers who are solving some of the world's biggest challenges.


From climate change and clean energy to food security and health, our members lead the way in creating a safer, more sustainable world. We champion excellence, ethics and innovation -- and as the only organisation licensed to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration, we set the standard for our profession.


With a bold new strategy, fresh leadership, and an ambitious agenda for growth, inclusion and influence, this is a truly exciting time to join IChemE. Be part of a team that's raising the bar, growing its global voice, and engineering a sustainable world.

Position:

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Do you want to make a difference by helping to engineer a sustainable world? If so, come and join the IChemE as a Policy Officer showing how chemical and process engineering is fundamental to solving the 'wicked problems' facing the world today.




Chemical engineers work at the forefront of some of the world's greatest challenges - energy security and transition, food security, health security and more. The Institution of Chemical Engineer's policy team gathers and uses the knowledge and insight of chemical engineers working at the cutting edge of these problems to help governments, policymakers and other decision makers make better choices and create a more sustainable future. In this role you will make a difference in these vital policy conversations in the UK and further afield.




We are looking for a positive, proactive individual with a strong background in science or engineering policy to join our policy team. You will be driven, innovative and creative as well as committed to helping deliver IChemE's vision of a sustainable future for us all.

Key aspects of the role include:

Providing IChemE with high quality policy insight and recommendations on relevant issues to help policymakers to make better decisions. Ensuring IChemE is connected to the wider policy ecosystem and that the organisation identifies and effectively pursues policy opportunities, so ensuring the organisation is participating in conversations and fora where it can make a difference. Connecting IChemE's policy work with policymakers and decisionmakers (across the UK and where appropriate beyond) to ensure that the voice of chemical engineering is represented and heard in the political system. Raising the profile of IChemE's policy work and contribution among the membership, key policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that there is understanding of and support for the value of chemical and process engineering to public policy.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Policy insight





Ensure that IChemE are up to date with relevant policy developments. Identify relevant policy consultations to which IChemE can and should respond. Draft and agree consultation responses, drawing appropriately on input from members and others, and supplementing with desk research as needed. Support the development of other policy materials such as briefings and reports. To support the preparation of press materials and other comms activities.

Maintaining effective policy networks and identifying opportunities

Build, maintain and develop a network of contacts and peers in other organisations and in the wider policy ecosystem to ensure that IChemE are aware of upcoming policy opportunities. Build, liaise with, and maintain networks of members and others who can contribute to policy development and research. Promote understanding of IChemE's policy work and its impact among the wider membership, including through providing input to ensure that the policy section of the website is up-to-date, dynamic and accurate. Identify and pursue external opportunities to advance IChemE's policy priorities (e.g. through coalition work, collaborations with other organisations, or new projects for IChemE).


Parliamentary and external engagement

Be responsible for the organisation and delivery of key policy and public affairs events such, as roundtables. Monitor parliamentary activity and identify debates, inquiries and meetings of interest. Identify and pursue opportunities for influence such as writing briefings for debates or engaging with committee inquiries. Identify potential parliamentary allies. Support the team's engagement with parliamentary stakeholders e.g. through producing briefing materials for meetings, or liaising with MP's offices.

Wider IChemE activity





Contribute to wider organisational goals and objectives. Be a supportive member of the team and contributing to a positive team and organisational culture in line with IChemE values.
In addition to duties and responsibilities listed above, the Policy Officer may be required to perform other duties assigned by their line manager from time to time.



IChemE is an international membership organisation and activities often take place outside of normal working hours. The job holder must be willing to attend and participate in such activities and associated travel. Additionally, the job holder will be required to liaise with colleagues located in different time zones on an ad-hoc basis to meet the needs of the business. There will be an international dimension to this role - it will primarily be UK focused but it will be involved in policy activity in other countries especially Australia and New Zealand.



This role has an important part to play in shaping the perception of IChemE and the chemical engineering profession within policy communities and wider public.

Line management

This role has no line management responsibility.

Budget accountability

This role has no direct budget responsibility.

Person Specification:

Values and behaviours:




We expect all staff to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace and support our values which are:

Trusted Collaborative Agile Innovative Impactful


Knowledge and experience:

Essential



2 years' experience working in a science or engineering focused organization (or equivalent experience). Knowledge of the British political system and policy landscape, with some experience of parliamentary engagement. Track record of written policy outputs that have helped drive change. Experience delivering policy events such as roundtables and report launches. Experience drawing on input from a variety of stakeholders and data sources in producing policy work. Track record of developing, planning, delivering and reviewing projects and ability to plan, balance and prioritise work to meet tight deadlines. Excellent level of IT literacy for all Microsoft Office and online meeting applications.


Desirable




Experience working in parliament e.g. in an MP's office Understanding of the role of professional membership organisations Experience of the process industries and areas where chemical engineering plays an important role Experience of working with volunteers, Trustees and being an active member of working groups.



Specific skills and personal attributes:




Essential

Positive and proactive approach to work; self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and come up with new ideas. Strong analytical approach and a track record of analysing complex and varied written material e.g. statistics, legislation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to write clearly and concisely, and ability to tailor communication for a wide variety of audiences, particularly the ability to explain technical material in a way that is engaging for non-specialists. Ability to engage productively with people at all levels with diplomacy, honesty and integrity, and to develop strong stakeholder relationships. Ability to work under pressure. Commitment to the vision and objectives of IChemE. Rigorous attention to detail, with an excellent level of accuracy. Proactive approach to own professional development and CPD.
Desirable

Quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. Ability to conduct detailed research and apply systems thinking to tough technical problems.

Requirements:

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Person Specification

Education / Qualifications:

Essential

A Master's level degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline (preferably chemical engineering) or equivalent experience.

Desirable

Member of a relevant science or engineering professional body such as IChemE.

Knowledge and experience:

Essential



At least 1 years' experience working in a relevant policy or technical role. A science or engineering background. Experience of evaluating scientific and/or technical evidence. Experience of writing policy papers or technical reports. Excellent level of IT literacy for all Microsoft Office and online meeting applications.

Desirable

Knowledge of the British political system. Understanding of the role of professional membership organisations. Experience of working with/in the process industries and areas where chemical engineering plays an important role. Experience working in a technical environment or with technical information. Experience of working with volunteers, Trustees and being an active member of working groups.

Specific skills and personal attributes:

Essential

Positive and proactive approach to work; self-motivated and able to work under own initiative. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to write clearly and concisely, and ability to tailor communication for a wide variety of audiences, particularly the ability to explain technical material in a way that is engaging for non-specialists. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the job and own subject area and can provide technical advice and information to colleagues and stakeholders. Ability to engage productively with people at all levels with diplomacy, honesty and integrity, and to develop strong stakeholder relationships. Ability to work under pressure. Excellent organisation, time management and prioritisation skills to deliver against tight deadlines. Commitment to the vision and objectives of IChemE. Rigorous attention to detail, with an excellent level of accuracy. Taking ownership of own professional development and CPD.

Desirable



Quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. Ability to conduct detailed research and apply systems thinking to tough technical problems. Interest in identifying ways to improve on current procedures and working practices.

Other information

The closing date for all applications is midnight on 11/5/25. IChemE reserves the right to interview exceptional candidates and make an offer of employment before this date should we wish.



Salary 37,000 - 38,250 depending on experience.



37.5 Hours per week (Monday - Friday, with core hours being from 10:00-12:00 and 14:30-16:00).



The role will be mainly office based (London).



IChemE's main UK office location is Rugby however there is a small office located in central London where this role would be based. Due to the nature of the role some activities and networking opportunities could take place in other areas of the UK. A willingness for occasional business travel is essential.



Only candidates eligible to work in the UK will be considered.

Other information:

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IChemE benefits of employment include:

Annual performance reviews Training and development opportunities Company contributory pension scheme that matches employee contributions by 1.5 times up to a maximum capped 12% employer contribution Life assurance linked to being an active member of the pension scheme 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) for full time members of staff Company paid sickness leave after 6 months employment and increased at intervals based on length of service Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support Health cash plan (cash back on optical, dental, physio and more) Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions if relevant to your role * Free parking and refreshments at our Rugby Office