We are currently looking for three Partnerships Policy Advisors to join our Partnerships group.
These are full-time opportunities, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are open to requests for part-time, job shares or flexible working. Please discuss this with the hiring manager before accepting an appointment.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Experience in a relevant area in the civil service or other organisations, which give understanding of working in public sector
• Demonstrable Behaviours of Working Together, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, and Seeing the Big Picture
• Previous experience of working in health, life sciences or the regulation environment is desirable.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here .

• Online application form , including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Interview , which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Working Together.
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

We are recruiting three HEO Policy Advisor roles, two in the Regulatory Reform Team and one in the International Partnerships . Please specify in your application if you have a preference for one of the roles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support Regulatory Reform Initiatives: Manage elements of the MHRA’s regulatory reform work for medicines and medical devices. Working closely with technical colleagues across the agency, DHSC and lawyers to develop and refine new policy, and inform drafting of new legislation.
• Enabling Regulatory Development: Convene groups of technical experts, providing secretariat support, bringing colleagues from across the agency together to solve arising issues or develop new regulatory approaches.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare consultations and understand stakeholder views to inform proposals for regulatory reform to ensure they will deliver for stakeholders including patients, life sciences industry and research community.
• Policy Development: Communicate complex regulatory policy and draft concise recommendations, advice and briefings on regulatory reform proposals, to support senior leaders and Ministers in key decision making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinating the UK’s approach to international forums for medicines, including building a strategic approach to UK membership to optimise outcomes in line with UK priorities, delivering advice and briefings for senior agency staff, supporting implementation of international standards and guidelines.
• Lead on a broad range of incoming and outgoing ad hoc international queries and issues from external stakeholders, ministerial offices, and international partners.
• Acting as lead contact and expert on key international bilateral partners for the MHRA, including building relationships with international colleagues, supporting the development and delivery of cooperative work plans, and supporting cross-government briefing and health policy decisions for that partner.
• Assist with the shaping of MHRA Policy and driving change across the Agency through identifying international opportunities for collaboration.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens
• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings
• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required
• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required