Senior Policy Officer

Responsible for the preparation of an annual programme of work for the policy unit in respect of policy development for submission to the Electoral Commission and preparing an end of year audit on all work carried out. 

Responsible for the preparation of election manifestos in co-operation with the relevant spokespersons.

 Responsible for servicing the Policy Committee in the co-ordination and implementation of its annual programme of work and report on the policy unit’s activities.

 Line manage the policy unit staff.

Responsible for liaising with and co-operating with the Party’s elected representatives, spokespersons, officers and staff on all aspects of policy development including briefing them on upcoming issues and identifying issues for profiling.

Attend meetings with or on behalf of spokespersons with social partners, government departments, statutory bodies, ministers, business, trade union, church groups, NGOs and other organisations.  Such support to include the preparation and development of policy papers, briefings and initiatives and assistance in preparation of speeches and press statements.

Maintain extensive and effective research materials and databases on a range of policy areas. 

 Develop and maintain internal and external policy networks.

 Assist party representatives, spokespersons and organs of the party with the preparation of policy papers, documents and initiatives.  Preparation of policy briefings for same.

 Promote awareness of party policy throughout all levels of the wider party.

 Prepare or contribute to relevant motions and amendments and questions for MLAs and MPs and engage with Assembly and Parliamentary support staff.

 Prepare or contribute to motions and amendments to assist SDLP Council groups and provide policy advice and support for members of the Association of SDLP Councillors.

 Liaise with the press unit on the promotion and communication of the party’s position on issues and work with the press unit on rebuttals.

 Identify policy areas and themes for seminars/conferences.  Identify speakers and work with party colleagues on the organisation of these events.

Assist in the promotion of party policy internally and externally through provision of information, policy briefings, policy events and campaigns as required.

Assist in identifying and developing opportunities for promoting and campaigning  on party objectives and policies, particularly in the media and with relevant NGOs, trade unions and other organisations.

.Assist in the preparations for annual conference and other party policy events. 

Assist in briefing party members and elected representatives in advance of media and other interviews.

Respond to enquiries from Party members and the general public, academics and press sources.  Present party policy positions to visiting delegations when requested.

 Attend and report as required at meetings of the Policy Committee and its sub-Committees, the Executive Committee, the Assembly Parliamentary Group, Annual Conference, and other fora as appropriate.

 Undertake such other duties as may be determined by the Head of Policy and Press.