Job | Full Time

Policy and Research Officer

SDLP

From 22750 To 22750
37.00

Reporting to John Dallat, the Policy and Research Officer will support the MLA by managing his daily affairs of the Northern Ireland Assembly, as well as supporting and advising the MLA on Constituency matters

This post will be offered initially on a three month contract with a view to extending the contract for a one year period and the candidate having successfully completed a three month probationary period which is subject to the setting up of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • ·         Conducting research/providing research briefing
  • ·         Developing knowledge in relevant legislation and policy
  • ·         Developing Private Members’ Bills
  • ·         Preparing and developing motions and Assembly questions
  • ·         Drafting speeches/briefing papers
  • ·         Liaising with think-tanks, government departments and agencies, voluntary groups and other external groups
  • ·         Contributing to strategic management
  • ·         Assisting with the MLA’s diary management
  • ·         Preparing newsletters/mailshots/publicity material
  • ·         Building relationships with business, community and other groups
  • ·         Liaising effectively with all sections of the media including political and specialist journalists, editors and other spokespeople for external organisations as appropriate
  • ·         Identifying media/press opportunities
  • ·         Drafting local and national press releases, monitoring and arranging media coverage
  • ·         Attending surgeries and other meetings as appropriate
  • ·         Other duties as required in support of the MLA carrying out their Assembly duties

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

  • ·         Third level degree or 4 years relevant experience
  • ·         At least 2 years experience working within a policy/research environment
  • ·         A high standard of verbal and written communication skills
  • ·         Excellent interpersonal skills
  • ·         Good organisational skills and capable of dealing with large workloads. The ability to work to tight deadlines and complete tasks to a high standard at short notice.
  • ·         Proven track record in multi-tasking
  • ·         Comfortable with working independently and as part of a small team
  • ·         Excellent IT skills including MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and social media (Facebook and Twitter)
  • ·         An excellent understanding of current affairs and local political system
  • ·         A good knowledge of key issues relating to East Derry
  • ·         Willingness to be based partly in Stormont and in the constituency

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • ·          Further qualification in related discipline

 

 

Closing Date

Wednesday / 12 April 2017
1:00pm

Contact Details

Sinead Mc Fadden

11 Bridge Street
Kilrea
Derry/Londonderry
BT51 5RR
United Kingdom

Files

sdlp.policy.and_.research.advert.mar_.17_0.doc sdlp.policy.research.officer.application.form_.mar_.17.docx sdlp.policy.research.officer.job_.des_.mar_.17.docx