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- Tasks: Lead and manage skills and employment policy across the East Midlands.
- Company: Join EMCCA, driving investment and opportunities for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, professional development, and a chance to impact your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience with strong leadership in skills and employment required.
- Other info: Closing date for applications is 20th May.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join as Head of Policy and Partnership - Skills and Employment and provide strategic leadership and direction on all aspects of the skills and employment policy and partnerships across EMCCA.
Welcome to EMCCA. At the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), we are unlocking billions of pounds of investment for our region through our devolution deal with the government. Our elected Mayor will be a powerful voice on the national stage for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, overseeing devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will make our region more prosperous, sustainable, and fairer, helping our people and businesses to create and seize opportunities. EMCCA’s overall work programme is evolving, ambitious and focused on the future to deliver tangible, sustainable, lasting, and systemic change for all our communities.
Your role in elevating the East Midlands: In this highly visible role, you will work closely with the Interim Director of Skills and Employment and be responsible for leading, developing, and managing all aspects of the Skills and Employment strategy. This will include leading on our engagement with national partners, including the Department for Education, Skills England, and Department for Work and Pensions. You will also coordinate our engagement with local partners and other heads of service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Active engagement in national policy developments, building effective strategic and operational relationships with counterparts at the Department for Education, Skills England, and the Department for Work and Pensions.
- The provision of policy and strategic advice to the Mayor and Senior Leadership Team on issues arising from national policy or from other external sources relating to skills and employment.
- Leading on skills and employment strategy and associated outputs, including the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Get Britain Working local plan and other plans and strategies that may be needed over time.
- Ensuring the skills and employment function within EMCCA has a robust delivery plan that is effectively coordinated with wider EMCCA activity.
- Building networks with counterparts across England’s Mayoral Strategic Authorities, ensuring we have a strong voice among MSAs as we collectively influence national government.
Your profile:
- A degree or equivalent level of experience, with a management qualification or equivalent level of experience.
- Significant leadership experience in skills and employment and evidence of continuous professional development.
- Experience of successful negotiation and engagement with key government departments on policy and funding.
- Able to build, maintain and influence effective working relationships both internally and externally with key stakeholders and partners.
- Knowledge of skills and employment policy and landscape at national and local level.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the main issues and influences affecting the region.
- An understanding of devolution and local government, and current and future issues to be faced, as well as the financial, legal, and political context of public sector management.
For more details on EMCCA including our rewards and benefits, please visit our website.
Closing date: 20th May
Head of Policy and Partnership – Skills and Employment employer: Guardian Jobs
Contact Detail:
Guardian Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy and Partnership – Skills and Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current skills and employment policies at both national and local levels. Understanding the nuances of these policies will help you engage effectively with key stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of skills and employment, especially those who have experience working with government departments. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest developments in devolution and local government issues. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also position you as a well-informed candidate who can contribute meaningfully to EMCCA's objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how they relate to skills and employment strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of successful negotiations and partnerships you've built, as this will showcase your capability to lead in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy and Partnership – Skills and Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant leadership experience in skills and employment. Emphasise any successful negotiations with government departments and your understanding of the local and national policy landscape.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with EMCCA's goals. Mention specific strategies you would implement to enhance skills and employment in the region.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your degree and any management qualifications prominently. If you have undertaken continuous professional development, include this to demonstrate your commitment to growth in the field.
Showcase Relationship-Building Skills: Provide examples of how you have built and maintained effective working relationships with stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to influence and collaborate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guardian Jobs
✨Research EMCCA Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure to dive deep into EMCCA's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic goals, especially around skills and employment, will help you align your answers with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership in skills and employment. Highlight how you've successfully engaged with government departments and built partnerships, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current skills and employment policies at both national and local levels. Be ready to discuss how these policies impact EMCCA and how you can contribute to shaping them.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about EMCCA's future plans and challenges in skills and employment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
