Adviser - Leadership

We are a politically led, cross‑party organisation that works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government. We influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils to help them deliver local solutions to national problems. We also provide councils with the tools and resources to respond to challenges present and emerging, and support improvement across the sector.

About the role: The local government graduate programme Impact is one of the LGA's flagship programmes, recruiting the next generation of leaders in local government. Impact seeks to match bright, passionate graduates with councils across the country, where they can deliver key projects and value for money. Running for over 20 years, Impact continues to attract a diverse pipeline of talent to local government and works with councils to develop the future leaders of our sector. Impact Finance is a specialist stream within the graduate programme that recruits future leaders in local government finance. As an advisor in the Impact team, you will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of the graduate programme, with particular responsibility for managing the delivery of the Impact Finance programme, currently operating across London with a view to possible expansion into other regions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of the graduate programme, managing the Impact Finance stream.
• Work closely with colleagues, external suppliers, councils and applicants on programme delivery, including marketing, recruitment, learning and development, and council engagement.
• Support the programme’s immediate delivery needs and help shape the operating model.
• Build a talent pipeline of graduates into local government finance and other leadership development programmes.
• Manage complex projects, ensuring on‑time delivery, budget control and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Adopt a project‑management mindset, develop and maintain plans, meet milestones and manage a complex workload.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, maintain discretion, judgement and confidentiality when dealing with politicians and officers.

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of local government and familiarity with local/central government functioning.
• Track record of managing complex projects, delivering multi‑stage projects and meeting deadlines.
• Experience managing stakeholders, budgets and procurement processes.
• Strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills; ability to give clear procedural advice.
• Positive, "can‑do" attitude and ability to work as part of a team.
• Experience of graduate and/or early‑career recruitment desirable but not required.
• Right to work in the UK; evidence of right to work required.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open competition, with appointment on merit. The LGA is proud to be awarded a "Disability Confident Leader". If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact us to allow us to accommodate disability‑related needs.

Benefits

• LGA annual leave entitlement is 29 days, rising to 31 days after three years’ service and to 33 days after five years’ service, plus all UK public holidays (pro rata for fixed‑term and part‑time contracts).
• Flexible & agile working – office‑based staff are required to work in the LGA's London office two days per week as a minimum.
• Future development – face‑to‑face and virtual courses are scheduled in line with developmental goals.
• 24/7 access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme managed by Health Assured; also available for dependants.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Disability Confident Leader recognition.
• Access to benefits and working with us information at https://www.local.gov.uk/benefits-and-working-lga.

Values and Behaviours

• Collaboration – we value collaboration, encourage and utilise diverse perspectives and work with internal and external colleagues across the organisation.
• Inclusion – we value inclusion, ensuring everyone is valued, understood and supported to contribute meaningfully.
• Ambition – we value ambition, reflecting our desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for local government, communities, and individuals.
• Respect – we value respect, ensuring fairness, recognition and shared accountability.

Legal Notice

The Local Government Association (LGA) is the national membership body for local authorities and works on behalf of member councils to support, promote and improve local government.