Parliamentary Assistant

PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT FOR SINEAD BRADLEY MLA

Sinéad Bradley MLA is seeking a motivated Parliamentary Assistant to support in policy research and communications.

In addition to supporting general Assembly business, the individual will specifically work on Justice policy.

The successful candidate will have strong research and analytical skills, be able to work independently and driven to provide robust policy advice and creative communications.

JOB DUTIES

Maintaining constant awareness of relevant developments within the assembly, committee and/or media,

Drafting press releases and liaising with the local and national media,

Organising, storing and prioritising all communications in relation to the role,

Preparing briefings for meetings,

Research for and drafting of speeches on a range of policy areas,

Drafting and tabling written and oral assembly questions,

Ability to effectively use range of social media platforms on behalf of member,

Management of deadlines ahead of parliamentary business,

Organising diary appointments in Stormont,

General administrative duties as required,

Facilitating group / organisation visits to Stormont,

Organising meetings with constituency / stakeholder groups,

Facilitating meetings between constituency groups and / or individuals and executive ministers and departments,

Initiating community outreach work in relation to assembly business,

Supporting constituency office services and clinics and on occasion delivering these services,

Maintaining constituency office caseworker software system.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications / Experience:

Degree level qualification preferably in Politics or English,

(Another discipline will be considered if there is evidence of holding the required skill set to perform the duties required),

A high standard of verbal and written communication skills,

A confident and professional attitude,

High levels of self-organisation and a strong work ethic,

A good knowledge of key policy issues facing rural communities,

Punctual, resilient with strong organisational skills, and capable of dealing with large workloads,

Ability to work to tight deadlines and complete tasks to a high standard at short notice in a high-pressure environment,

Ability to work independently,

Ability to contribute and support a small team,

Demonstrate loyalty, confidentiality and discretion at all times, on matters sensitive or otherwise,

Ability to analyse political arena and assess / recommend action to a member.

Essential Criteria:

Evidence of:

Writing speeches, policy papers and press statements,

Understanding the importance and sensitivities of language,

Working within a Policy / Research Environment,

Managing and prioritising a busy workload,

Routinely managing deadlines,

IT proficient,

Using several social media platforms for best effect.

Desirable Criteria:

Knowledge of NI Judiciary and the legislative process,

Experience of working with or within the Northern Ireland Assembly,

An understanding of the political sensitivities that exist within Northern Ireland and the Assembly.

Other Information:

Job is part time permanent until May 2022

Location - Parliament Buildings, Belfast & occasionally Warrenpoint.

Rate of pay £12.21 per hour.

24 hours per week, (9am-5pm - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)

Paid monthly by BACS

Equality Statement: 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. Required

Languages: Ability to communicate with customers in English.