External Affairs Officer - BIVDA

The British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA), founded in 1992, is the national industry association for manufacturers and distributors is in-vitro diagnostic tests. 

We are looking for a skilled and motivated individual to join us as External Affairs Officer. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to support the goals of BIVDA and should: 

•  have a proven experience in healthcare related external affairs (ideally you will be from a public affairs or policy background); 
•  as well as supporting the Chief Executive’s external affairs work you should be able to work independently to identify stakeholder engagement opportunities such as external events, consultations and initiatives to which BIVDA might contribute;
•  be responsible for the online presence and digital activities which promotes BIVDA’s key messages, thought leadership, publications and policy positions.

Key Responsibilities:

•  support the Chief Executive on matters of public affairs, policy & communications;
•  organise significant stakeholder activity, including meetings, workshops, forums & written submissions, and take responsibility for their success;
•  work closely with the Chief Executive in developing and implementing the BIVDA strategy for engaging with external stakeholders;
•  take the lead in drafting policy responses; 
•  source and collate relevant information from industry in order to help develop BIVDA policy positions;
•  monitor key publications and web-sites for news stories relevant to BIVDA that demand a reaction or offer a publicity opportunity;
•  communicate policy  developments to the membership;
•  assist with communications with trade press and media as required;
•  maintain BIVDA’s social media activity and update the blog;
•  participate actively in BIVDA meetings, including sharing of knowledge and involvement in decision making for new ideas and initiatives. To take minutes or make meeting notes as required.

Person Specification:

•  educated to degree level, with a minimum 2:1 grade
•  first class communicator with the ability to gain credibility and trust at senior levels both internally and externally
•  at least 2 years’ experience in relevant role; public affairs, communications or similar
•  interest and expertise in healthcare policy landscape

Location: BIVDA Headquarters, 1 Queen Anne’s Gate London.
Salary: £22-27,000 
Job Type: Full time/ permanent 
Business Area: Public Affairs, Policy, Media & Communications

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV to rachel@bivda.co.uk quoting the reference EOA13W. 
Interviews are likely to be held Friday 5th April. 
Closing date 29 March 2013