Interim SEO Policy Officer

Rate: £450 per day (Umbrella, Inside IR35)

Client: Major Public Sector organisation

Location: Hybrid and in London

Duration: Until end of March 2027

An experienced Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Policy Officer role, to shape policy on one of the UK Government's most high-profile and sensitive programmes, within a fast-moving, mission-critical directorate at the heart of government.

You'll contribute to complex, high-impact policy work supporting a major cross-government programme with direct senior leadership and ministerial visibility. This is a unique chance to work on sensitive and evolving issues, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

Responsibilities:

• Developing policy solutions to complex, sensitive, and often novel issues
• Producing high-quality policy papers, ministerial submissions, and briefings
• Providing clear, concise advice to senior leaders and Ministers (written & oral)
• Managing a portfolio of policy work independently and at pace
• Building and maintaining strong relationships across departments and Whitehall
• Supporting cross-government collaboration and influencing decision-making
• Analysing complex information and translating it into actionable insights
• Contributing to legal and operational policy development
• Engaging with senior stakeholders and leadership teams regularly

Requirements:

• Strong background in central government policy roles
• Experience developing policy for sensitive or complex issues
• Proven track record of drafting policy papers and submissions
• Excellent communication skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders
• Ability to build relationships and influence across government
• Comfortable delivering high-quality work at pace

• Ideal would be any experience within security, defence, or international departments

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, candidates will be required to already hold or be able to gain and maintain Security Clearance.

This is an urgent role - if interested, please apply asap and any questions, email claire.shipman@1st-executive.com