At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Kate Nevens MSP with admin, research, and communications in a dynamic parliamentary office.
- Company: Join the Scottish Green Group at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Open to diverse candidates; hybrid work arrangements available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in politics while developing your skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, organisational abilities, and a passion for equalities and international development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Hours: Full-time, 30 hours per week (Note that the Scottish Green Group operate a 4 day (30 hour) full-time work week.) We will consider job shares or part-time working, as well as requests for a hybrid working arrangement. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose backgrounds may be under-represented in politics, for example, trans applicants, applicants from racialised or migrant communities and disabled applicants.
Working for a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) MSPs are employers in their own right. Under their employment, you will become part of a team supporting them in carrying out their duties. You'll work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment to provide an outstanding service to the team and in turn, the constituents Kate represents.
Purpose of this role
To provide support to Kate Nevens MSP by carrying out day-to-day administrative, research and communications support to ensure the smooth running of her parliamentary office. The role is responsible for triaging and responding to correspondence, coordinating diaries and meetings, supporting parliamentary business and assisting with social media and communications. This role will require a high degree of flexibility and will involve working closely with Kate Nevens MSP, her team, regional colleagues, and the wider Scottish Green Group in Parliament. You must be fully able to support the MSP in carrying out their aims and Parliamentary duties.
Key relationships: Line managed by Parliamentary Policy and Research Lead
Responsibilities
- Managing a high volume of incoming correspondence, ensuring enquiries are handled professionally, sensitively and within agreed timescales.
- Responding to emails and invitations from a range of stakeholders and constituents, working strategically with the Parliamentary Business and Research Lead and other MSP teams to prioritise opportunities.
- Organising diary commitments and updating Kate's calendar with parliamentary business and stakeholder engagements and supporting these engagements when required.
- Maintaining filing and records management systems, processing office expenses, and delivering day-to-day administrative and secretarial support to the wider team.
- Supporting parliamentary business by preparing parliamentary questions, motions, correspondence and requests for information, ensuring deadlines are met and liaising with parliamentary officials as required.
- Providing research and briefing support by sourcing and summarising information from SPICE and external organisations, identifying emerging issues, and assisting with the preparation of speeches and policy materials.
- Supporting the delivery of communications by drafting and scheduling social media content.
- Creating and managing digital content by monitoring emerging issues, producing and editing photos and videos, and maintaining an organised image and media library for the team.
Requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting professional correspondence and communicating with a range of stakeholders.
- Experience managing diaries, inboxes or office administration in a fast-paced environment.
- Be highly organised and a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
- Good digital skills, including confidence using Microsoft 365 and social media platforms.
- Be a proactive problem solver with the motivation and resilience to adapt and deal with challenges.
- A flexible and adaptable approach, being able to use good judgement and work on your own initiative.
- Knowledge of and interest in Kate's portfolio areas of Equalities and International Development, the role of the third sector, and participatory approaches to policymaking.
- Experience of using visual content creation and social media scheduling tools.
- Photo and video content creation skills.
Parliamentary Officer for Kate Nevens MSP in Edinburgh employer: Green's
As a Caseworker for Holly Bruce MSP, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in the Glasgow Southside community. With flexible working options from The Scottish Parliament, home, or the constituency office, you will enjoy a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful advocacy work. The role offers opportunities for personal growth and development, allowing you to enhance your skills in case management and community engagement within a collaborative and empathetic work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parliamentary Officer for Kate Nevens MSP in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Parliamentary Officer for Kate Nevens MSP in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Green's and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Green's
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Green's, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Green's.
