Senior Officer, Global Government Relations

Salary: £47,300  

Closing date:  Monday, 28 April 2025           

Contract type: Permanent

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.  

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.  

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.  

We are looking for a Government Relations Senior Officer to join our team.  

Where in Wellcome will I be working?  

You will be working as part of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships (GRSP), reporting to the Head of Global Government Relations.

This is an exciting year to be joining GRSP as we work with governments and policymakers to have an impact on some of the biggest science and health challenges facing the world. You will get the opportunity to test out your political analysis and thinking, working closely with our Policy and Corporate Affairs teams, to bring insights from the external environment and support senior leaders in their engagements with decision-makers. You will build relationships, particularly in the UK, so we can achieve policy change. You may also support work on multilateral efforts and Wellcome’s presence in the international arena. We are looking for someone with lots of enthusiasm, an interest in politics and international affairs, good political judgment, and a passion to achieve change.

What will I be doing?  

This role will support the Head of Global Government Relations and Government Relations Leads to plan and deliver Wellcome’s partnerships with governments, to advocate for positive change in health, science and research. You will form a core part of the team advising and formulating strategies for Wellcome to deliver on our advocacy goals in infectious disease, mental health, climate and health, and discovery research, through building our external relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, multilateral organisations, and other relevant partners.

As a Senior Officer, you will:  

• Conduct desk research and relationship mapping as part of government relations projects.

• Develop and maintain relationships with parliamentarians and other external stakeholders to bolster Wellcome's political influence.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders to identify shared interests and potential areas of friction.

• Work in a matrix manner with Wellcome's Policy and Corporate Affairs teams to develop and execute advocacy strategies supporting project goals.

• Analyse specific issues within projects, including government feedback or consequences of political decisions.

• Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, collaborating across departments.  

Is this job for me?   

As a Senior Officer, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that require building lasting partnerships with governments to deliver impact on Wellcome’s priorities, navigating complex policy environments, and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. You will have the chance to be involved in policy-making processes at both the multilateral and national levels and attend meetings/events where relevant to Wellcome’s interests. You will contribute to meaningful work that advocates for greater equity, inclusion and access in health and a better understanding of evidence-based policy solutions.

We are looking for someone who:  

• Proven experience in Strategic Partnerships work within the UK, particularly within healthcare, research, or international development sectors.

• Demonstrable skills in strategic planning, including project planning and management through to successful delivery.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with well-developed presentation and facilitation abilities for diverse audiences.

• Experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Proactive and creative problem-solving abilities, with a motivated approach to challenges.

• Willingness and ability to learn and develop skills, contributing to a culture of growth and support for others.

To apply for this role please submit an update CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Proven experience of working in UK politics or public affairs.

• Demonstrable skills in project planning and management through to successful delivery. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with well-developed presentation and facilitation abilities for diverse audiences. 

• Experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills. 

Interview dates: 9,12, 13 of May

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website   

Our Hybrid Way of Working  

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.  

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.     

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do  

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.  

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