Government Affairs Adviser

United KingdomFull-timePosted Jul 28, 2026

Job Family Group:

Communications & External Affairs Group


Job Description:

About the Role

bp's UK Government Affairs team sits within the UK & Europe Region and plays a meaningful role in supporting the company's strategic priorities across a diverse portfolio of businesses, including North Sea oil and gas, retail fuels, bp pulse (EV charging), offshore wind, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

We are seeking a Government Affairs Advisor to join our team in Aberdeen. This is an outstanding opportunity to help build bp's engagement with key customers across Scotland, supporting the company's business objectives and long-term investments while contributing to the wider UK Government Affairs and North Sea Communications & External Affairs teams.

The successful candidate will build and manage relationships with political collaborators, policymakers, opinion formers, and industry bodies, helping bp navigate the evolving political and regulatory landscape in Scotland and the wider UK.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Engagement & Relationship Management

  • Develop and implement proactive partner engagement strategies with:

    • Scottish Government officials

    • Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

    • Scottish MPs and advisers

    • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

    • Trade associations

    • Policy think tanks and other opinion formers

  • Act as a key interface between external interested parties and bp's various business units.

  • Build and maintain positive relationships with political figures and influencers across the political spectrum.

Political Insight & Advocacy

  • Supervise Scottish political developments and provide insight into emerging policy and regulatory issues.

  • Advise internal collaborators on potential legislative, policy, and regulatory changes affecting bp's operations.

  • Coordinate bp's responses to relevant government consultations and policy initiatives.

  • Support the political engagement required to enable both day-to-day operations and long-term investment plans.

Communications & Reputation Management

  • Prepare high-quality briefing materials, correspondence, speeches, and customer communications.

  • Support the development and delivery of reputation and relationship management plans for key projects.

  • Contribute to wider communications and external affairs activities supporting bp's North Sea and UK portfolios.

Collaboration & Representation

  • Work closely with the UK Government Affairs team based in London to ensure alignment of strategy and messaging.

  • Represent bp at industry, political, and customer events, including occasional commitments outside normal working hours.

  • Support international delegations visiting Scotland and Scottish delegations engaging with bp's wider business.

  • Provide support to the North Sea Communications and Leadership teams as required.

About You

We're looking for an experienced and politically aware professional who can build credibility with a broad range of customers and communicate complex issues with confidence and clarity.

Crucial Experience & Skills

  • Proven experience explaining policy and regulatory issues to external audiences.

  • Strong understanding of Scottish politics and the workings of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.

  • Knowledge of the oil and gas sector, particularly the North Sea energy industry.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including briefing and speech writing.

  • Strong partner management and relationship-building skills.

  • Ability to influence across all levels of an organisation and with senior political and public sector customers.

  • Comfortable working in sophisticated and evolving environments, with the ability to navigate ambiguity.

  • Good judgement, integrity, and the confidence to speak up and do the right thing.

Education

  • Strong academic background with the ability to quickly understand, analyse, and communicate sophisticated topics both verbally and in writing.

Why Join bp?

At bp, we support our people to learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging, collaborative, and passionate environment. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to our ambition of reimagining energy for people and our planet while developing a rewarding and impactful career.

We offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package

  • Flexible and hybrid ways of working

  • Comprehensive wellbeing support

  • Learning and development opportunities

  • Career growth within a global organisation

  • A collaborative and inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At bp, diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our values and the way we work. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to perform at their best.

bp is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and during employment to ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and can fully participate in all aspects of working at bp.


Travel Requirement:

Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role


Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation


Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working


Skills:

Advocacy, Agility core practices, Analytical Thinking, Brand visual standards, Campaigning, Channel Management, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Content Design, Creating and measuring impact, Crisis Communications, Digital Communication, Digital Fluency, Employee Engagement, Influencing, Issues and Policy Management (Inactive), Listening, Market Trends, Performance Consulting, Presenting, Social Impact Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Writing skills

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Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.

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