Age UK’s Influencing Division has a rare and exciting opportunity for a Senior Public Affairs Officer to join our successful External Affairs Team.

This influential role will lead the day-to-day delivery of Age UK’s public affairs function while driving strategic projects that support campaigning and influencing objectives. Working closely with colleagues across policy, campaigns and communications, you will develop and implement effective public affairs strategies, build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians and key political stakeholders, and help secure meaningful policy change that improves the lives of older people.

If you are a skilled relationship builder with a strong understanding of the political landscape and a passion for making a difference, this is an excellent opportunity to ensure the voices of older people are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

We operate a hybrid working model. We offer flexibility on working from home but require the applicant to bein our central London office a minimum of two days per week. Travel costs to the London office are the responsibility of the postholder and are not covered by the charity.

Age UK Internal Grade 6L.

Last day for applications – Tuesday 13th October 2026

Must haves:

The letters after each competency should indicate what stage in the selection process this area will be assessed. The letters are: Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

• Substantial experience of working in a political campaigning/public affairs environment, developing influential relationships with Parliamentarians and other national organisations. (A)
• Experience of project-managing complex influencing activities, leading project teams and managing workloads. (A, I)
• Experience of writing high-quality briefings, articles and other materials to communicate complex policy and political issues to stakeholder audiences. (I, T)
• Strong track record of influencing on social policy issues. (A, I)
• Experience of running effective events for political audiences. (A, I)
• Experience of representing an organisation to political audiences and other national stakeholders. (A, I)
• Experience of working in coalition and partnership with other organisations. (I)
• Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders including Parliamentarians. (A, I)
• Experience of working collaboratively with others to achieve results. (I)

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of local and national government structures, the UK Parliament and our political, policy and campaigning context and experience of influencing them (A I)
• Excellent all round communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a range of audiences. (I T)
• An understanding of how to work in a politically balanced way. (I)
• Knowledge and understanding of what equal opportunities means in relation to this post and the ability to incorporate equality practices into all aspects of the work. (I)

Personal attributes

• Strong interest in UK politics and passion for social justice. (I)

Great to haves:

The letters after each competency should indicate what stage in the selection process this area will be assessed. The letters are: Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

• Experience of influencing change from a voluntary sector perspective. (A)
• Experience of working in a political environment. (A, I)

Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding of policy issues affecting older people. (I)

What we offer in return:

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Wellbeing days – 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme (Subject to affordability), Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards – recognition awards from £100-250
• Many additional benefits

Additional information

Use of AI

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools when preparing their application. This is acceptable, but submissions must be personalised, accurate, relevant and reflect your own experience, skills and interest in joining Age UK. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme

Age UK is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. We reserve the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered and therefore it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

All equalities monitoring information is anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel.

Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential, shared only where necessary, and will not be considered as part of the hiring decision.

We review applications as they are received and may close the advert early, so early applications are encouraged.

We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please click here