Senior Comms & Public Affairs Officer

As the UK’s dedicated Human Rights Act practice and policy charity we work with communities, public bodies, and policymakers to turn the HRA from words on a page into everyday action - ensuring fairness, dignity, and justice for all.

The next five years are critical. The HRA and the European Convention on Human Rights face unprecedented political and ideological challenge. At the same time, people and public services across the UK are under immense pressure. This is a defining moment for human rights, and we are growing our team to meet it.

We’re looking for a Senior Communications & Public Affairs Officer to help us champion human rights in the public arena, influence national policy, and ensure real‑world stories shape law and decision‑making. If you want to use your communications and policy skills to make a practical difference, we’d love to hear from you.

About this role

This is a new senior role with strategic impact at a crucial moment. You will:

  • Lead BIHR’s external communications, ensuring our messaging is clear, accessible, and grounded in the Human Rights Act
  • Shape BIHR’s public affairs and parliamentary engagement
  • Identify political and media opportunities to defend the HRA/ECHR
  • Translate lived experience and on‑the‑ground insights into compelling communications and evidence‑informed policy positions
  • Represent BIHR with parliamentarians, officials, civil society, and media
  • Help embed human rights across key everyday systems: health, care, education, housing, and welfare

You’ll join a small but mighty team - highly skilled, collaborative, and deeply committed to ensuring human rights are real in people’s lives.

 

Who we’re looking for

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications and policy experience. You do not need to be a lawyer, but you do need confidence engaging with legal and parliamentary issues, and a readiness to quickly build expertise.

We’re looking for someone with:

  • Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex issues into plain, engaging language
  • Experience engaging parliamentarians, policymakers, media or senior stakeholders
  • Strong understanding of the Human Rights Act (practical experience not only academic study)
  • Experience in digital communications, including social media, website content and media engagement
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work proactively in a small, remote team
  • Commitment to BIHR’s mission and values
  • Ability to attend regular meetings in London.

Key information

  • Salary: £35,000–£38,950 (typically appointed at the start of the band)
  • Contract: 18‑month fixed term (subject to funding)
  • Hours: Full‑time (35 hrs/week), with the option of 0.8 FTE
  • Location: Remote, with regular travel to London (within 1 hour of standard travel)
  • Application Deadline: 10.00am, Wednesday 11 March 2026

 

 

Key Benefits

  • 26 days annual leave (plus up to 5 additional long‑service days)
  • Bank holidays
  • Discretionary birthday leave
  • Two‑week paid closure at the end of the year
  • 5% employer pension contribution
  • Occupational sick pay 
  • Flexitime & TOIL
  • Monthly wellbeing time
  • Remote working setup provided
  • Monthly London team days and optional flexi‑desk budget

How to Apply

Please ensure you read the Application Pack which contains extensive information about BIHR, the role, and our recruitment process, as well as the Job Description and Person Specification. This is vital information for completing your application. 

Please apply using the BIHR Application Form only. We cannot accept CVs or cover letters. No agencies please.

Application Pack Application Form Equality & Diversity Form

Timeline

  • Application deadline: 10.00am, Wednesday 11 March 2026
  • Interview invitations sent by: Thursday 2 April 2026
  • Interviews: Week of 13 April 2026
  • Interview format: Online (MS Teams), with a combination of seen/unseen questions and a short task

BIHR also operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria (70% of essential criteria met).

Thank you for your interest in BIHR!

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