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- Tasks: Support an Assembly Member by drafting briefings, managing correspondence, and coordinating meetings.
- Company: Join the Greater London Authority, a key player in London's governance and community issues.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in politics, work in a dynamic environment, and develop valuable skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Londoners' lives while working closely with influential leaders.
- Qualifications: Strong research and communication skills; experience in policy briefing and working in fast-paced settings.
- Other info: Be part of a small, dedicated team focused on important local issues.
The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London. There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities. About the role The GLA is looking to recruit a Research and Support Officer to support Alex Wilson – who represents the Reform Party – in fulfilling his role as an elected Member of the London Assembly. You would be part of a small team of two people in total which supports Alex. We are looking for someone who: relishes working across a range of topic areas which affect Londoners, from policing to the economy and housing; can provide high-quality and research and policy briefings; can manage a range of correspondence, including casework support; can take primary responsibility for the co-ordination of the Assembly Member’s work for Assembly meetings (such as the submission of questions for Mayor’s Question Time), in liaison with other colleagues as appropriate; can act as the first point of contact for the Assembly Member for all people within and without the organisation, representing the views and interests of the Member(s) in an effective and professional manner, and dealing with a wide range of internal and external people and organisations. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and taking a proactive approach to your work. You can learn more about working at the London Assembly here: Working life at the London Assembly (long version) – YouTube What your day will look like * Drafting policy or research briefings. * Drafting questions for Mayor’s Question Time meetings, having researched the relevant topic and related Mayoral responses. * Managing correspondence. * Acting as the first key point of contact for Alex Wilson AM both within the Greater London Authority and for constituents. Skills, knowledge and experience To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria: * Demonstrable research skills, to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics, and proven experience of policy briefing in a political / public sector organisation. * Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing a range of different styles of document for different audiences, often within very short timescales; experience of producing information specifically for media work and/or briefings for media interviews; the ability to use a range of software and media. * Experience of working directly with influential, high profile people in a pressured environment and in dealing with confidential/sensitive issues and documents; the ability to work in a politically complex organisation and apply political awareness. * The ability to build rapport and effective professional relationships with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals
Research and Support Officer employer: Greater London Authority (GLA)
Contact Detail:
Greater London Authority (GLA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the key issues affecting Londoners, such as policing, housing, and the economy. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Alex Wilson and the Reform Party's positions on various topics. Being knowledgeable about his priorities and how they align with the Assembly's work will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support him effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice drafting policy briefings and questions for Mayor’s Question Time. This will help you get comfortable with the type of writing required in the role and showcase your ability to produce high-quality documents under time constraints.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals who have experience in political or public sector roles. Building connections can provide valuable insights into the working environment and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Research and Support Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your research skills and any experience you have in drafting policy briefings or managing correspondence. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle sensitive information.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, include examples of different styles of documents you have written for various audiences. Mention any experience you have with media work or producing briefings for interviews.
Demonstrate Political Awareness: Given the political nature of the role, it’s important to convey your understanding of working within a politically complex organization. Share experiences where you successfully navigated such environments and built effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater London Authority (GLA)
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your research experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've quickly grasped complex information and produced high-quality policy briefings. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the diverse topics relevant to Londoners.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Bring samples of different styles of documents you've created, especially those tailored for various audiences, to showcase your versatility.
✨Demonstrate Political Awareness
Familiarize yourself with the political landscape of London and the role of the Assembly. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality while working in a politically complex environment.
✨Build Rapport
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully built professional relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you've collaborated with diverse individuals and organizations to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for supporting an Assembly Member.
