Head of Government Relations

British Red Cross incorporated; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable humanitarian organization is looking for a Head of Government Relations in London. This role involves leading government engagement on humanitarian issues, managing a team, and developing strategic partnerships with UK Government stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree and extensive experience in international humanitarian law, along with strong leadership skills. This position offers a flexible hybrid working environment and a competitive salary.

Benefits

36 days annual leave

Up to 6% contributory pension

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts including Blue Light Discount Card

Mental health and wellbeing support

Collaborative team environment

Cycle2Work scheme

Interest-free commuting loan

Qualifications

• Strong experience in government, the armed forces, or the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Deep knowledge of international humanitarian law and humanitarian policy agendas.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex advisory or policy work.
• Master’s degree with a focus on international humanitarian/development policy or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with senior UK Government stakeholders.
• Set the strategic direction for government engagement on international law and policy matters.
• Shape strategic engagement with FCDO and other departments.
• Line management of senior policy and international law advisers.

Skills

Strong experience in government, armed forces, or Red Cross

Knowledge of international humanitarian law

Team leadership skills

Understanding of current humanitarian policy agendas

Education

Master’s degree in international humanitarian/development policy or public international law

Job description

Head of Government Relations

Location: UKO London, Moorgate, (Hybrid home and Office)

Salary: £68,150 to £74,325 per annum (plus ILW if applicable)

Hours: 35 per week

Contract: Fixed term contract (24 months)

Are you ready to inform the UK’s humanitarian agenda through humanitarian diplomacy and strategic government engagement?

Are you well versed in international humanitarian law and keen to support its promotion and implementation?

Are you passionate about driving change that supports vulnerable communities worldwide?

As Head of Government Relations, you’ll play a vital role in positioning the British Red Cross as a trusted partner on international humanitarian issues to UK Government departments. You’ll lead strategic engagement in key policy areas, provide expert advice, and help ensure humanitarian priorities remain central to foreign policy. This role sits within the International Law and Policy Team and reports directly to the Director of International Law and Policy.

A day in the life of the Head of Government Relations will involve:

• Strengthening the auxiliary role of the British Red Cross to the public authorities by building and maintaining relationships with senior UK Government stakeholders.
• With the Director, setting the strategic direction for government engagement on international law and policy matters, and coordinating initiatives that promote international humanitarian law and policy.
• Collaborating with internal teams to shape strategic engagement with FCDO and other departments.
• Line management of a cohort of senior policy and international law advisers (phased process, in cooperation with the International Law and Policy management team).
• Engage in planning, strategy, and financial reporting.

To be a successful Head of Government Relations, you’ll need:

• Strong experience in government, the armed forces, or the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Deep knowledge of international humanitarian law and humanitarian policy agendas.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex advisory or policy work.
• Master’s degree with a focus on international humanitarian/ development policy, public international law or the equivalent professional experience.
• Advanced understanding of current humanitarian policy agendas, including humanitarian protection, climate change impacts, migration and displacement, and localisation.
• Advanced understanding of international humanitarian law.
• Experience of running teams involved in complex advisory/ policy work.

The closing date for applications is 23.59hrs on Tuesday the 23rd of December 2025.

In return for your commitment and expertise, you’ll get:

• Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + option to buy 5 extra days.
• Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
• Flexible working: We do our best to accommodate your preferred work style.
• Learning & Development: Wide range of career opportunities + comprehensive learning.
• Discounts: Access to Blue Light Discount Card and employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to mental health and wellbeing assistance.
• Team Working: Support our mission in a collaborative team.
• Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
• Season ticket loan: Interest‑free loan for commuting expenses.

At The British Red Cross, we pride ourselves on our diverse workforce, and ensuring we have an inclusive environment for all our staff and volunteers. We remain committed to ensuring our teams can bring their true selves to work without risk or fear of discrimination. We do this through regular data reporting, and the support of our internal Race and Equality Network (REEN), LGBT+ Network, our Disability and Wellness Network (DAWN), Gender Network, Carers Network and Young Staff Network.

Together, we are the world's emergency responders