Any advice for a Policy Officer interview?

[Policygeeks]

I have been offered an interview for a Policy Officer. The job description says the role will cover policy development and advising and supporting a large board of partners. The job is in the public sector.

I was honest in my application that I do not have experience of policy development but I do have a range of other skills and experience which are relevant to their description of the role.

Has anyone got any advice about the key points I will need to cover in policy development? So that I can try to show transferable examples of these skills?

Or any advice on questions that they may ask?

Getting this job would be life transforming for me and I really want to give it my best shot

Thanks

I work in policy development. I would say stakeholder management is big. Ability to communicate with a variety of people - who that is depends on the role. Being able to see both bigger picture and zero in on the details. It’s a delicate balance to not get bogged down in the weeds, but also not end up with a finished product which isn’t able to be implemented.

Depending on the role, maybe knowledge of impact assessment and evaluation techniques.

Thanks that is really helpful . I have experience of those areas, so it will help to know what to mention in the answers : )

Good policy making is about solving real problems in a pragmatic way. Agree with everything the previous poster said - stakeholder management, strong written and oral comms and great analytical skills are vital, as is the ability to see the bigger picture whilst having a handle on the detail. I'd add being able to identify, articulate and balance conflicting drivers and objectives, and understanding the trade-offs.

Also understanding the political environment. Do you know about the relevant legislation, how the national picture influences locally policy etc.

Understand the policy context and the key actors. Emphasis how you will network with the latter. Provide evidence to support them in order to influence future decisions

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Does anyone have suggestions for questions they may ask?