Assembly Researcher & Constituency Aide

Main responsibilities:

• Provide a full secretarial service and administrative support to the MLA
• Communicate effectively and professionally with both internal and external contacts
• Ensure all business is conducted in a sensitive and confidential manner
• Assist with the work of other colleagues as required and communicate appropriately with internal and external contacts
• Liaise on behalf of the MLA with relevant groups/personnel at the Northern Ireland Assembly and within the constituency, including outside organisations and the general public
• Assist the MLA to build and maintain a strong public profile and reputation in the area
• Identify and build relationships with business, community and other groups in the constituency
• Participate in staff training as required
• Develop, maintain and update knowledge in relevant legislation and policy and specialist areas as required and agreed with the MLA
• Plan and organise events
• Undertake any other duties related to the post and appropriate to the pay band as directed by the MLA

Support for MLA / Assisting with Assembly business / Research / Profile building:

• Attend meetings on behalf of/with MLA, where necessary, ensuring records of all meetings are kept in the form of briefing notes, agenda, minutes etc and that the MLA is kept informed of matters raised, outcomes and queries requiring his input/advice
• Assist the MLA in prioritising work including diary management, meeting deadlines and planning of surgeries/constituent call outs
• Undertake research utilising all available sources on a wide range of subjects; analyse, interpret and present the results in agreed format, ensuring key issues are identified; prepare and present results both orally and in writing
• Prepare briefing notes for committees, draft speeches, articles, press releases and social media posts etc, in compliance with existing policies, guidelines and any other instructions of the MLA
• Provide advice and guidance to the MLA on policy issues as required
• Prepare printed communication for constituents, including periodic constituency reports and organise their dissemination
• Develop a communication, messaging and media strategy and calendar for the MLA
• Monitor events in Assembly and ensure MLA is fully briefed on potential questions and motions for submission and draft same
• Liaise effectively with lobby groups, the media and spokespersons for external organisations as appropriate.

Administration & Constituency casework:

• Ensure correspondence is dealt with promptly, efficiently, accurately and with correct use of templates and stationery
• Develop and implement office systems and procedures ensuring an up to date and effective database and filing system and that all records are kept or destroyed in accordance with Data Protection regulations
• Service meetings as required
• Keeping the MLA informed of all relevant financial matters
• Deal with constituent's enquiries, complex queries and complaints on the MLA's behalf, including drafting correspondence
• Assist the MLA in casework investigation and gathering of information including liaison with local and national bodies, government agencies etc, ensuring files, correspondence, MLA and constituents are kept appraised of progress

Essential criteria:

The successful candidate must:

• Be educated to degree level
• Have 5 years' experience in a busy office environment of which 3 years must be in a political environment
• Be prepared to work unsociable houses as and when required
• Possess excellent communication skills - orally and in writing, with an exceptional grasp of the English language, grammar and spelling
• Have at least 2 years' experience dealing with social/online media, press statements, speech writing and correspondence with press and other relevant media agencies

Be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent organisational skills, initiative and ability to work unsupervised and effectively plan and organise own workload
• Proven ability to work under pressure and within tight timescales
• Experience of research and effectual presentation of findings
• Experience of providing advice on policy/policy development and research
• Experience of producing publications
• A working knowledge of regional and/or national/international/local government
• A working knowledge and understanding of NI politics
• Effective communications advice and use of social media as a marketing tool in local politics
• Proven ability to use a variety of ICT equipment and software packages

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity in employment and welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of gender, marital or family status, religious belief, political opinion, disability, age, race, nationality or sexual orientation. Appointments will be based on merit.