Policy Officer

Shape the future of skills and employment policy across the North East

We're looking for an organised and proactive individual to join a specialist policy team, focussing on skills, employment and the future workforce.

The Policy Officer will play a key supporting role within the Skills Policy, Strategy and Insights Service. The postholder will provide efficient and professional assistance to the Principal Policy Lead and Head of Skills Policy and Insights in addition to supporting the wider team, contributing to the smooth and effective delivery of skills policy and strategy development.

The postholder will provide effective, flexible and responsive management support to the wider skills and employability division, supporting with monitoring and delivering high-quality programmes and projects.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised professional who is excited by the opportunity to help shape better outcomes through public policy. You will bring experience of working in, or closely with, political, governmental or wider public-sector environments, together with an understanding of how policy is developed and how national decisions affect local and regional organisations.

You will have supported policy research, programme or project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, using evidence, data and performance information to inform strategic work. With excellent written and verbal communication skills, you can turn complex issues into clear, accessible briefings and well-structured reports for senior audiences.

You will have a reasonable understanding of the 16+ skills landscape. Confident working across teams and organisations, you will coordinate information, align activity and build trusted relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to advance shared objectives.

Comfortable in a fast-paced and evolving environment, you can manage competing priorities, maintain accuracy under pressure and take initiative to keep work moving. You will be politically aware, impartial and professional, with the adaptability and judgement to respond positively as priorities shift.

Above all, you will be collaborative, open and committed to public service. You will actively support colleagues, contribute to an inclusive and positive team culture, and bring a strong commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality work.

So, if you... would like to play a pivotal role as we enter a new era of devolution, skills and inclusion, we would welcome your application.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

If you have any questions regarding this role, please reach out to Reshma Begum, Head of Skills, Policy and Insight, View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk .

It is anticipated that interviews will take place Wednesday 16th December 2026.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 12th November 2026 at 23:59.

For further information about the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority please visit our website .

This recruitment is being adminisytered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.