Committee Specialist (Science Policy)

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day-to-day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest-free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

You will be working in the Select Committee Team (SCT) which supports the work of the House of Commons' Select Committee. Select Committees are cross-party committees of MPs who examine government policy and spending. This role supports the Science, Technology and Innovation Committee. We are looking for someone with expertise in science policy, although you may work on a range of issues within the committee's remit.

The Role

As a Committee Specialist, you will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide policy advice and analysis for the Committee. You will be asked to develop expertise in the Committee's area of work. You will advise on, arrange and lead committee inquiries. You will provide written and oral briefing to support committee hearings and produce reports to communicate committee findings. You will also support their media and public engagement work. You will work closely with the MPs and Peers who sit on the committee, as well as engaging with high-profile individuals and organisations in the public, private and third sectors within the committee's areas of interest. It is crucial for this role that you can act, and be seen to act, in a politically impartial way.

Early on, you are likely to be asked to:

• Identify suitable people to speak to the Committee or Committees, prepare briefing material and questions for witnesses;
• Attend Committee events and meetings, and events relevant to its area of work;
• Conduct analysis of evidence, produce drafts of committee outputs, including correspondence, media and social media materials and reports.

As you develop your skills and experience, you will take on more responsibilities. These are likely to include:

• Advising on possible subjects for the Committee or Committees to examine, including terms of reference and calls for evidence for inquiries;
• Providing advice during committee meetings;
• Proposing, designing and organising Committee events, public engagement and visits (possibly including overseas);
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge about the Committee's subject area through research and by building on relevant external contacts and networks.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• An ability to research and analyse information to meet tight deadlines by appropriately using a range of sources to acquire detailed knowledge of unfamiliar subjects; and using that knowledge to provide evidence-based advice, conclusions or decisions.
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of issues in the area of science policy, with relevant research, practical or scrutiny experience; and the roles of the key individuals and organisations in that field.
• An ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels by using interpersonal and negotiation skills to deliver positive outcomes; and promoting collaboration and inclusion within a team.

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-3 in the Job Description.

To help candidates understand the role, we will be hosting a virtual information session to answer your questions. The session will take place via Microsoft Teams. Please see the slot available below:

Date & Time: Friday 4th April - 10.30am - 11am. To attend one of the information sessions please register here.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.