Constituency and Research Officer

Job Summary:

• Provide support to MLA across a range of areas
• Undertaking research on policy matters and producing briefing papers
• Preparing and developing Assembly Questions
• Drafting Press releases and media monitoring
• Event organisation and management
• Assisting with management of casework and responding to correspondence and enquiries from constituents and other stakeholders
• Carrying administrative tasks in the office as required
• Attending meetings as appropriate
• Efficient data and file management to comply with Data Protection
• Dealing with complex queries and complaints on Member’s behalf, including drafting and signing letters
• Ensuring all casework is logged, monitoring progress and ensuring all identified actions are taken
• Diary Management
• Other duties as required in support of MLA carrying out her Assembly duties

Essential Criteria

• Third level degree or 3 years relevant experience
• Experience working within a policy environment
• A high standard of verbal and written communication skills
• A good knowledge of key policy issues relating to South Belfast
• Good organisation skills, capable of dealing with heavy workloads, the ability to work to tight deadlines and complete tasks to a high standard at short notice
• Comfortable with working independently as well as part of a small team
• Good understanding of local political and government infrastructure
• Excellent IT skills including MS Excel, Access, Powerpoint and Word
• Good decision making and problem solving skills
• Positive understanding of the aims and objectives of SDLP
• Access to transport as required

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrable knowledge of economic and finance issues in Northern Ireland
• Experience of media relations
• Experience in the development of legislation and policy
• Experience of responsibility for staff/volunteers
• Experience in casework.