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Policy Officer - (18 MONTHS Fixed Term)

Job Summary:

This is a great opportunity to expand your policy experience in a varied, fast-moving role which will make a real difference to London and Londoners.

West London Alliance (WLA) is a partnership of the 7 West London borough councils of Ealing, Brent, Barnet, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Harrow and Hammersmith & Fulham. We are hosted and employed by Ealing Council and work across all 7 boroughs to improve outcomes for residents across the sub-region.

Alongside and building on WLA’s broad range of successful programme and service delivery, the Leaders and Chief Executives of the West London boroughs have set an ambition for WLA to step up its work on policy influencing and promotion of West London with key decision-makers and opinion-formers.

You will be integral to achieving this through undertaking and overseeing research and analysis on a broad range of economic and public service related topics; coordinating and writing representations and consultation responses aimed at Government and Parliamentary bodies and the Mayor of London; and supporting West London boroughs to raise West London’s profile and influence London and national policy through producing clear and timely briefings and policy products.

The Policy Officer will be managed by the Assistant Director, Economy, but will work on issues across teams and themes. The post holder would be expected to work from the office for a minimum of one day per week, and to attend the office, other council premises and meetings and events across London as required.

The role requires strong knowledge of and interest in policy and politics within London and nationally, but also the curiosity and ability to learn quickly about different topics and apply your knowledge. You will have the ability to work well with a range of partners and colleagues at different levels, including senior council officers, elected councillors, Civil Servants and others. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable working to short deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Our Candidate

To be successful in this role you must have the following qualifications, skills and experience:

• Knowledge of the role of local authorities in London, the policy-making process at local, regional and national level, and the interrelationships between those levels.
• An interest in and knowledge of the politics of London and of the UK.
• Curiosity, and a willingness and ability to learn and understand the detail of new areas quickly.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to build strong working relationships with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders to help ensure that the WLA’s priorities are clear and understood.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively – both in person and in writing – with a wide range of audiences.
• A passion for local government and for London, as well as a desire to make a difference.
• Comfortable working to short deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working either in policy (within local, regional or national government, a think tank or similar organisation) and/or influencing (for example at a public affairs agency). Particularly, experience and / or professional networks in areas such as devolution, infrastructure, skills and employment, innovation and public services.
• Experience or knowledge of, or interest in, identifying grant funding sources and preparing bids / applications.
• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Ealing Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safer recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This role is subject to enhanced vetting clearance.

You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence of this will be requested at the interview stage.

It is an exciting time to join Ealing Council. If you would like to make a positive difference to our residents and borough, we look forward to hearing from you.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. You can use the accessibility widget on our website to support your needs.

Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its Connected Communities agenda. We value equality, fairness, and inclusion, and welcome applications from all residents of the borough. We particularly encourage applications from early-career and mid-career professionals who are underrepresented in our workforce.

All applications will be assessed on merit.

Please note that CVs are not accepted. Applicants must complete the application form and clearly address the criteria outlined in the person specification within the role profile, providing relevant examples to demonstrate how they meet each requirement.

Closing date for applications: 21/07/2026

Interview dates: w/c 28/07/2026

• Policy Officer WLA Role Profile (June 2026).pdf