Assistant Manager/ Manager - Public Policy

Company Description

Ardent Co. is a multi-disciplinary advisory organization that specializes in designing and implementing initiatives in communications, public policy, and research. With a focus on driving impact, the company collaborates with organizations and leaders to achieve meaningful results. Through its expertise, Ardent Co. delivers innovative solutions that align with strategic goals and societal needs. The organization operates with a dedication to creating value and fostering impactful change.

Location: Central Delhi (with travel as required)

Experience: 3-5 years

Role Overview: The Assistant Manager/ Manager - Public Policy will lead and manage public policy, regulatory engagement and government affairs for clients and the organisation across multiple sectors. The role involves end-to-end ownership of policy strategy development and execution, including proactive engagement with government stakeholders, regulators, industry bodies, think tanks and civil society organisations. He/ She will work closely with internal teams and client leadership to anticipate policy developments, manage regulatory risks and deliver outcomes aligned with client objectives, while remaining attentive to broader public interest considerations.

Key Responsibilities:

Track, analyse and interpret public policy, regulatory and legislative developments at central and state levels, translating these into clear implications for clients across sectors.

Prepare high-quality policy briefs, position papers, consultation responses and strategic advisory notes tailored to client needs and decision-making contexts.

Manage and support client engagements with government ministries, regulators, parliamentary bodies, think tanks, civil society organisations and industry associations.

Support senior consultants and leadership in designing and executing policy advocacy strategies, consultations and stakeholder engagement plans.

Coordinate closely with research, content, communications and business development teams to deliver integrated and consistent policy advice to clients.

Identify, assess and track policy risks and opportunities, providing timely, actionable recommendations to client leadership and senior management.

Represent clients and the firm at policy forums, roundtables and conferences, contributing to informed and constructive policy dialogue as required.

Build and sustain strong working relationships with policymakers, ecosystem partners and peer stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Educational background in public policy, public administration, economics, law, political science or an allied discipline relevant to public policy and regulatory advisory.

Strong understanding of Indias policy-making and regulatory landscape, with the ability to navigate complex institutional environments.

Demonstrated experience in policy research, advocacy, regulatory advisory or government relations engagements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex policy and regulatory issues into clear and actionable messages for diverse audiences.

Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging stakeholders and decision-makers across sectors.

High levels of discretion, sound judgement and professional maturity in dealing with sensitive client engagements and information.

Preferred Experience:

Experience working with government institutions, consulting or advisory firms, think tanks, industry bodies, civil society organisations or large corporations.

Experience supporting the preparation of policy submissions, consultation responses, cabinet notes or parliamentary briefs, where relevant.

What We Offer:

The opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, governance, communications and impact across diverse sectors.

High levels of exposure to senior stakeholders and decision-makers through client engagements and policy initiatives.

An intellectually rigorous and collaborative work environment that values insight, initiative and professional growth.