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: 10.00 am, 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.
You can review the application pack
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).