Senior Policy Advisor

Salary: £52,109 up to £72,500 per annum depending on experience

Contract Type: Permanent (Full or Part Time, from 0.6 FTE)

We are the UK’s aviation regulator and are recognised as a world leader in our field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Economic Regulation and Competition Policy team is a vital part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Consumer Markets Group (CMG). The focus of the team is to ensure that airports and air traffic service (ATS) providers do not exploit their market position, to the detriment of consumers. With the challenges that the aviation industry has faced over the last couple of years, understanding the impact of policy options is essential in ensuring we protect the interests of consumers while allowing a fair investment opportunity for investors. Specifically, the team has responsibility for the economic regulation, including the development and oversight of price control arrangements, for Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) and NATS (En Route) Plc (NERL). This economic regulation is implemented, monitored, and enforced through specific operating licences for HAL, GAL and NERL. The team also develops and applies policy under the CAA’s competition powers.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor, to lead on key projects as well as the development of innovative, and robust policy solutions. These policy solutions will cover a wide variety of topics, primarily relating to the economic regulation of HAL and NERL. Additionally, you will lead a portfolio of different workstreams in line with your skills and experience. As well as this, you will utilise your knowledge and experience to help develop other team members – which may include line management – and contribute to our values based culture.

In summary, this role is responsible for:

• Developing and delivering a cohesive work plan;
• Planning and carrying out robust analysis/developing policy; and
• Engaging with senior-level stakeholders, from regulated companies, airlines, and government, to explain and inform policy changes.

This role will give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you can provide expert advice to CAA senior leadership including, where appropriate, the CAA Executive Committee and Board. This primarily entails translating technical analysis into persuasive recommendations and presentations that everyone can understand and appreciate.

If you are an policy advisor that wants to manage the development of economic policy from end to end, then this is an excellent opportunity to gain that experience. We offer an excellent platform for those looking to take their career to the next level and who want to gain invaluable exposure to a wide variety of economic policy workstreams.

About You

Previous experience working within aviation is not essential, but we are seeking individuals with a keen interest in economics or policy development. Experience working on economic regulation, or on policy issues relevant to regulated companies, for example within a government department, consultancy, regulator or regulated company (or other relevant experience) would be of interest.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to develop and deliver complex policy analysis and outcomes. You will have a track record of managing your own workload and workload of others, prioritising tasks appropriately and solving problems creatively. You will also have the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including communicating complex policy issues in a concise and transparent way to non-experts.

For this role we are seeking expertise in developing and overseeing policy relevant to regulated companies, including with respect to licence management, and development and implementation of incentive mechanisms. Applicants will have strong policy development skills. While a background in economics is not required, applicants will be able to demonstrate how their experience and skills are relevant to the role.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence and make an impact on policy and step up into a leading role.

What Can We Offer You?

This role offers an ideal opportunity for professional development, through working within a highly experienced team and directly influencing senior leaders. The CAA believes that your development is our development, and we would be happy to support study towards relevant professional qualifications. The support doesn’t stop there though: we understand that work life balance is key and would be happy to consider those seeking part time work, from 3 days out of 5 to full time. We operate (and are committed to) a hybrid working model, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. This can either be 3 years or 5 years depending on the level required (CTC or SC). If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. For more information please visit – Vetting explained – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Working With Us

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day to day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

This role entails some attendance at the London office, where the team is based. We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns: we’re open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 7th September 2022

Interview Date: 19th September

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.