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Public affairs consultant: Job description and activities

Job description

Public affairs consultants are often referred to as 'lobbyists', but their work is more wide-ranging. They use their understanding of the political system to offer political and public policy advice to their clients.

Clients may include private sector companies, not-for-profit organisations, or overseas governments. Keeping abreast of political developments, in order to advise clients on a possible response, is vital to the role.

Public affairs consultants also identify key stakeholders in the decision-making process in European, national, regional and local government bodies. They work to maintain relationships with these individuals and to assist clients to promote and protect their interests effectively.

Typical work activities

Public affairs consultants work on behalf of their clients, carrying out tasks such as:

• monitoring information sources produced by Hansard  , the edited verbatim report of proceedings in the Houses of Parliament; government departments; the European Commission  ; think-tanks; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other bodies, in order to keep clients informed of any developments related to their field of activity;
• communicating this information to the client, usually by email;
• advising on potential responses that may be required;
• responding to requests for information, often received at short notice by phone or email;
• researching, forecasting and evaluating the effects of public policy on an organization, using public sources, political intelligence and personal contacts;
• writing newsletters, briefings, campaign material and press releases;
• attending select committee hearings, party conferences and other events;
• establishing and maintaining two-way communication with relevant official bodies;
• maintaining regular contact, in person and in writing, with politicians, civil servants, and/or staff in local authorities and regulatory bodies to brief them on clients' work and concerns;
• providing strategic advice to clients;
• responding to problems, e.g., dealing with a hostile takeover bid;
• maintaining relationships with existing clients;
• developing new business.

The amount of time spent on the above activities varies according to the employer and your level of experience. At entry level, you will be involved in a high level of research, while an account director will be principally involved in strategic planning and relationship management.

AGCAS

Written by Katja Linssen, Newcastle University

Last updated:

March 2009

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