Job | Full Time

Policy and Research Officer

Nichola Mallon MLA

37.00

To provide the MLA with a range of support across strategic areas and constituency issues and assist her in carrying out her Assembly duties.

Policy & Research Officer

  • Providing support to the MLA across a range of strategic areas
  • Undertaking research on policy matters and producing briefing papers
  • Providing research relating to NI Assembly business & Committee business
  • Preparing and developing motions and Assembly Questions
  • Support in the development of Private Member’s Business
  • Drafting speeches/briefing papers
  • Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data to ensure the Member is accurately informed on key issues
  • Providing policy analysis and advice
  • Drafting press releases and media monitoring
  • Liaising with journalists on policy and constituency matters
  • Identifying media/press opportunities and advising on press strategy
  • Updating/maintaining internet social networking media
  • Event organisation and management
  • Preparing newsletters
  • Monitoring events in the Assembly and ensuring the MLA is fully briefed on the Business Diary of the Assembly
  • Responding to correspondence and enquiries from constituents, the media, lobbyists and pressure groups
  • Attending surgeries and other meetings as appropriate
  • Other duties as required in support of the MLA carrying out their Assembly duties

 

Essential Criteria

  • Third level degree or 4 years relevant experience
  • At least 2 years experience working within a policy environment.
  • A high standard of verbal and written communication skills.
  • A good knowledge of key policy issues relating to North Belfast.
  • 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.
  • Comfortable with working independently as well as part of a small team.
  • Experience of public policy in Northern Ireland.
  • Experience with media in NI.
  • Good understanding of local political and government infrastructure
  • Good IT skills including MS Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Word
  • Good decision making and problem solving skills

 

Desirable Criteria

  • Further qualification in related discipline
  • Experience of media relations
  • Experience in the development of legislation and policy
  • Experience of responsibility for staff/volunteers
  • Experience in casework

 

Job info

Full time, Permanent (subject to 6 month probationary period)

37 hours per week (with occasional work outside office hours and at weekends)

Located in North Belfast Constituency Office & Parliament Buildings, Stormont

Salary based on experience

Closing Date

Thursday / 18 August 2016
1:00pm

Contact Details

Nichola Mallon MLA

North Belfast Constituency Office
Parliament Buildings, Stormont
Belfast
United Kingdom