Partnering & Engagement Officer

Job summary

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a world-leading provider of marine geospatial information, supporting safe navigation, global trade, environmental protection, scientific research, defence and wider marine activity.

As a Partnering & Engagement Officer in the Data Acquisition Division, you will support UKHO’s work with international bodies, Regional Hydrographic Commissions, strategic data partners and technical engagement forums. You will help ensure UKHO presents a consistent, authoritative and strategically aligned position across international and partner engagements, supporting continuity of data supply and the development of global products and services. This role will work primarily in the International Bodies and Technical Engagement Team however there is crossover and flexibility to work in the Global Partnering & Engagement team according to business priorities.

This is an opportunity to be at the heart of UKHO’s international engagement, supporting the UK’s commitment to the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and its Regional Hydrographic Commissions. You will contribute to work that strengthens maritime safety, international cooperation and the effective sharing of hydrographic knowledge.

The role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and interested in global affairs, stakeholder engagement and the role hydrography plays in safe navigation. It offers the chance to build expertise in the IHO, develop communication and influencing skills with international stakeholders, and gain experience coordinating complex activities, managing information flows, supporting briefings, and helping deliver international events and projects.

Hybrid working

There will be opportunities to work in a hybrid way working between the contractual place of work in Taunton, Somerset, and remotely within the UK. Attendance in the office is required in accordance with business need - which is likely to be 60% of the working week.

As part of the induction period upon joining the UKHO it would be beneficial to attend the office in Taunton for the first few weeks to meet the teams and key stakeholders you will be working and engaging with.

Job description

• Maintain regular communications with stakeholders to build/maintain high levels of engagement and to build, maintain and foster relationships in programme delivery.
• Act as a consistent UKHO point of contact for data partners and international bodies. Manage requests for information, products and services; liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders to progress data supply, engagement and relationship objectives.
• Coordinate UKHO participation: Act as the central point for coordinating UKHO representatives to IHO Working Groups, Committees, and RHC committees.
• Support UK Delegations: Produce and deliver essential briefings, reports and documentation to senior stakeholders and leaders within UKHO for international meetings.Translate technical input into clear high-level messages; quality review briefs, reports and actions; maintain authoritative lines to take and supporting evidence.
• Maintain awareness of regional, geopolitical, technical, and industry developments. Build understanding of central government, Defence, international and partner contexts to inform and support engagement strategy and data opportunity identification.
• Knowledge Management: Monitor meeting reports, ensure their dissemination across the UKHO, and maintain accurate records of discussions and decisions.
• Information Management: Manage crucial databases containing details on groups, representatives, and key subject positions, supporting a consistent UKHO stance.
• Lead and Manage Events: Manage and organise various UK-sponsored IHO-related events and prestigious awards, like the Alexander Dalrymple Award, celebrating excellence in hydrography from start to finish liaising with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Undertake RHC secretariat responsibilities where the UK holds the Chair role and support hosting arrangements, documentation, agendas and logistics.

Person specification

• A highly organised and proactive individual with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building and nurturing relationships with diverse stakeholders internationally.
• Excellent writing skills with experience of producing briefs and reports
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable with making decisions in a dynamic environment with changing priorities
• Confident to challenge technical and senior staff to ensure message aligns with business priorities and strategy
• Familiarity with the IHO and its structure, along with an understanding of the broader international maritime landscape, is beneficial.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database management is essential.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,173, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £11,058 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

At the UK Hydrographic Office, it's very important to us that our people feel valued.

We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.

See our attached Candidate Information Pack for more details.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

How to Apply:

When you click "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page, you will be required to attach your anonymised CV and give a supporting statement of 500 words on the Experience criteria below. You will also need to write a 250 word statement on a Civil Service Behaviour.

Timeline:

• Advert Closes for applications: 31st August 2026
• Shortlisting: Week commencing: 7th September 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing: 28th September 2026

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

Sift/Shortlist Criteria: