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
1:00pm
Contact Details
Nichola Mallon MLA
North Belfast Constituency Office
Parliament Buildings, Stormont
Belfast
United Kingdom