Deputy Head of Policy and Committee Services

About the BMA

The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.  We represent, support and negotiate on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. 

Join the BMA at a crucial time for doctors and the NHS and be part of a team working for better pay and conditions for the profession.

About the role

We're looking for a Deputy Head of Policy and Committee services to join our Policy and Committee Services Team.  The successful candidate will lead on negotiations for terms and conditions and pay and to provide expert advice and support on relevant public policy issues, including the DDRB in line with the BMA’s  strategy and priorities in Northern Ireland as directed. They will also deputise for the Head of Policy and Committee Services and other senior managers as appropriate.  

This is a fixed term contract position for up to 12 months and based in Belfast.

The successful candidate will line manage the Member Engagement Assistant as well as co-ordinating the work of the devolved nations policy analyst. 

They will be the lead subject matter expert on negotiation for Northern Ireland, providing expert, specialist advice on policy and negotiation to stakeholders including Chairs of Northern Ireland Committees, the National Director and other senior stakeholders and colleagues.

To be successful as a Deputy Head of Policy & Committees you'll have:

• Experience of policy analysis and development and relevant analytical work
• Experience working with committees and members
• Ability to analyse data and interpret survey results
• Strong influencing skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at varying levels across the association
• Ability to work flexibly and prioritise workload
• Understanding of the policy environment and the operation of health and social care delivery mechanisms
• Clear understanding of the political devolution of health and social care and awareness of ongoing political divergence and ability to liaise with senior external stakeholders
• Understanding of the policy and legislative processes in Northern Ireland and knowledge of how to influence legislative proposals

Why work for us?

We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a BMA company day
• Double matching pension contributions up to 12% of salary
• Additional leave entitlement for volunteering or moving house (after completion of probationary period
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with free confidential counselling, a helpline and specialist support available
• BMA Law - discounted rates for employees requiring legal services such as will writing/conveyancing
• Multiple flexible benefits and discounts through our employee benefits platform
• Lots of Learning and Development/training opportunities via our internal learning hub
• Season ticket loan (up to £10,000) after completion of probationary period