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- Tasks: Lead policy development and manage multi-disciplinary teams to support Council operations.
- Company: Join Connect2Halton, a dynamic partnership between Halton Borough Council and Commercial Services Kent Ltd.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy-making while collaborating with various stakeholders and enhancing community welfare.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in policy roles; strong project management and communication skills required.
- Other info: Evening and weekend meetings may be necessary; commitment to diversity and safeguarding is essential.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Policy Officer to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the Council's lead policy adviser for a range of strategic areas. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and strategies to support Council operations and partnerships. Additionally, you will lead multi-disciplinary teams, supervise staff, and contribute to key decision-making processes. Key Responsibilities: Act as the Council's principal adviser on a range of policy areas, implementing a comprehensive work programme. Provide supervision and guidance to Policy/Assistant Policy Officers, ensuring effective workload management. Lead multidisciplinary project teams in the development and execution of strategic policies and programmes. Undertake or commission research to support evidence-based policy development. Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including service users and partners, to inform policy and strategy. Monitor the implementation and outcomes of policies and strategies, ensuring continuous improvement. Stay informed on legislative and policy developments, reporting on their implications for the Council. Support partnership working and manage the Council's strategic partnership arrangements. Contribute to budget preparation, funding bids, and allocation processes as necessary. Prepare reports for senior management, elected members, and external partners.Essential Qualifications & Experience: Educated to degree level or equivalent, or substantial relevant experience in a policy role. Extensive experience in policy and strategy development within a relevant specialist area. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams. Proven track record of working with multi-agency partnerships and inter-agency collaboration. Strong experience in evidence-based policy development and performance monitoring. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.Desirable Qualifications & Experience: Professional qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. Planning, Engineering, Social Work). Experience in budget monitoring, business planning, and resource management. Knowledge of management theory, financial planning frameworks, and best practices in policy.Skills & Abilities: Strong analytical skills with the ability to make judgements under pressure. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Ability to influence and motivate teams, while working effectively within a political context. IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office and any specialist software related to policy development.Additional Information: Availability to attend evening and weekend meetings as required. Commitment to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity within the Council and the wider community.Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
Principal Policy Officer employer: Connect2Halton
Contact Detail:
Connect2Halton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Council's current policies and strategic priorities. Understanding their existing framework will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the policy field, especially those who have experience working with councils or local government. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into the role and may lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. Highlighting your leadership skills and successful outcomes will demonstrate your capability for this pivotal role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent legislative changes and policy developments relevant to local councils. Being knowledgeable about current trends will show your commitment to evidence-based policy development and your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Policy Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your extensive experience in policy and strategy development. Provide specific examples of complex projects you've managed and how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your excellent communication and presentation skills in your application. Include examples of how you've engaged with diverse stakeholders and contributed to inter-agency collaboration.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the Council's strategic goals and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention your commitment to promoting diversity and equality, as this is a key value for the organization.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Halton
✨Showcase Your Policy Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in policy development and strategy implementation. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led multidisciplinary teams or managed complex projects, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Principal Policy Officer role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since engaging with internal and external stakeholders is crucial, think of instances where you effectively communicated with diverse groups. Prepare to share how you gathered input from service users and partners to inform policy decisions.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills, so be ready to discuss how you approach evidence-based policy development. You might want to prepare a brief case study that illustrates your ability to analyze data and make informed decisions under pressure.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
As budget preparation and resource management are part of the responsibilities, familiarize yourself with financial planning frameworks. Be ready to discuss your experience in budget monitoring and how you have contributed to funding bids in previous roles.
