Parliamentary Assistant

Parliamentary Assistant

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide briefings on subjects under discussion in the Assembly
• Undertake research and develop expertise in policy areas of interest to the Member
• Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data, ensuring key issues are identified
• Develop and maintain relationships with statutory agencies, voluntary sector and other politicians
• Formulate Assembly questions to Executive Ministers
• Handle complex constituency cases from enquiry to resolution
• Undertake all forms of communications – handling press enquiries; speech writing; developing and maintaining social media presence
• Creating and delivering an outreach programme across the constituency
• Create and maintain files and records
• Line management of 2 staff

Essential Criteria

• A good standard of formal education
• An interest in current affairs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good organisational and research skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a range of audiences
• Confidence to deal with senior politicians, the media, constituents etc.
• A highly professional manner, a proactive approach and the ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Integrity and an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, tact and diplomacy
• Good IT Skills, including social media, Facebook and Twitter
• At least 3 years experience of staff line management
• A full clean driving licence

 Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of research and analysis
• Experience of working with service users, ideally in a case work environment
• Good knowledge of East Londonderry constituency
• Knowledge of the local charitable, voluntary and community sectors
• Knowledge of local and devolved Government in Northern Ireland

Job Information

• 30 hours per week
• Located in Constituency office - 1 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, with attendance at Parliament Buildings, Stormont as needed
• Salary £22,750- £27,500 pro rata based on experience

Application Information

• Please apply by sending in a recent CV with covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria.
• Please include 2 referees, one of whom is your current or last employer
• Closing date is 5pm on Friday 7th April.  Apply either by email to [email protected]   or in hard copy to Claire Sugden MLA, 1 Upper Abbey Street, Coleraine, BT52 1BF.
• Interviews will take place on Friday 21st April 2017