Economics Policy Officer

To provide expertise and skills in respect of Economic Development which will oversee the development of the SDLP’s Economic policy on a range of issues relating to the North of Ireland’s economy within Ireland, the UK and the European Union. 

Develop socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for regular and ad hoc analysis of socio-economic issues. 

Determine trends and patterns of socio-economic impacts and analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions. 

Draft specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected, regional, national or sectoral aspects of economic development. 

Identify and analyse policy proposals made elsewhere relating to the economy. 

Assist in the organisation and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on issues relating to the economy. 

Prepare speeches and other inputs for presentation by elected representatives. 

Assist in the preparation of election manifestos in co-operation with the relevant party staff and spokespersons. 

Liaise and co-operate 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. 

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

 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.

 Assist in the development and maintenance of extensive and effective research materials and databases on a range of policy areas. 

Develop and maintain internal and external policy networks.

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 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.

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 Senior Policy Officer