ASSEMBLY COMMUNICATIONS/POLICY/RESEARCHER ONE YEAR TEMPORARY POST WITH OPTIONS TO EXTEND

The successful applicant will build relationships with business, community and other groups in the constituency. 

• Liaising with all sections of the media, specialist journalists, editors and other spokespeople for external organisations.
• Drafting press releases, monitoring and arranging media coverage.
• Identifying media/press opportunities and advising on press strategy.
• Updating/maintaining internet social networking media.
• Planning and organising press conferences and media events.
• Preparing newsletters/mailshots/publicity material.
• Establishing personal networks/attending conferences.
• Monitoring events in Assembly and ensuring the MLA is fully briefed on potential questions and motions to be put to the House.
• Conducting research/providing research briefing.
• Developing knowledge in relevant legislation and policy.
• Preparing and developing motions and Assembly questions.
• Drafting speeches/briefing papers.
• Providing rapid, accurate and detailed research on a wide range of devolved policy issues to deliver written and oral briefings as required.
• Liaising with  think tanks, government departments and agencies.
• Responding to correspondence and enquiries from constituents, the media, lobbyists and pressure groups
• Liaising on project work as required.
• Other duties as required in support of the MLA carrying out their Assembly duties

Essential Criteria

• Applicants must have previous experience liaising with all sections of the media, including political and specialist journalists, editors and other
• spokespeople for external organisations.
• Applicants must have experience in drafting press releases, monitoring and arranging press coverage and advising on press strategy.
• Additionally, the successful applicant must demonstrate previous experience in drafting speeches and conducting research on a
• wide range of devolved policy issues to deliver written and oral briefings.

Desirable Criteria

• 3 years experience dealing with lobbyists and pressure groups
• Minimum 3 years experience dealing with interagencies
• Minimum 3 years experience with general public in order to provide advice.