POLICY, RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER TEMPORARY POST 16 WEEKS

Assembly Policy/Research/Communications Officer:

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 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.
• Leasing on project work as required.
• Other duties as required in support of the MLA carrying out their Assembly duties.

Essential Criteria

1. Applicants must have previous experience liaising with all sections of the media, including political and specialist journalists, editors and other spokespeople for external organisations.
2. Applicants must have experience in drafting press releases, monitoring and arranging press coverage and advising on press strategy. 
3. 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

1.     Minimum 3 years experience dealing with interagencies.
2.     Minimum 3 years experience dealing with lobbyists and pressure groups.
3.     Minimum 3 years experience with general public in order to provide advice.
4.     Previous experience dealing with EU Legislation.

Closing date: Thursday 9th May 2019 at 12 noon

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.