Senior Policy Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in Edinburgh

Location: Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Edinburgh

Hours: 35 hours

Salary: £48,000 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to support the parliamentary work of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group in the position of Senior Policy Officer. Joining a highly motivated team you will make a significant contribution to the development of policy and strategy for the Scottish Labour Parliamentary Group.

You will work in a fast moving and constantly changing political environment, where no two days are the same; often being required to act at short notice, and to tight timescales, to respond to developing issues. You will be required to keep pace with developments, both within and outwith the Parliament, and to develop responses, based on sound research, for the Parliamentary Group.
This is a challenging but rewarding position, working as part of a supportive and inclusive team, in which you will require to exercise excellent judgement and to promptly produce position papers and policy briefings which give sound advice and guidance based on high quality research.

Responsibilities

• Have supervisory responsibility for Policy and Research Officers and set the strategic priorities of the Policy and Research Officers within the Support Unit.
• Overseeing the research needs and project plans for your area(s) of specialist research interest.
  • Working on research projects, individually and as part of a team, to inform policy advice and the development of policy proposals
  • Keeping your knowledge of policy areas up-to-date
  • Ensuring that new areas of policy are informed by research.
• Gathering and distributing valuable data that supports the Group’s activities.
  • Keeping your knowledge of policy areas up-to-date.
  • Carrying out research projects, responding at short notice and working to tight timescales.
  • Proactively engaging with external bodies, obtaining and compiling relevant research documents to inform your research.
  • Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates.
  • Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
• Engaging with the wider research community to ensure that the Group has access to (accurate and contemporary) data.
  • Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament.
  • Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs and Members of the Parliamentary Group.
  • Developing effective relationships with counterparts in other UK legislatures and wider research community.
• Ensuring office is kept up-to-date with its relevant legislative and compliance obligations.
  • Ensuring all research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements.
  • Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues.
• Collaborate on work with the Press and Digital teams

Requirements

• Ideally you will have experience of working in a political environment as well as a strong interest in politics and knowledge of parliamentary processes.
• Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
• Have experience in a research role and in leading the development of policy proposals.
• Have the ability to produce high quality written research output that meets the needs of the parliamentary group.
• Have excellent communication skills with the ability to produce written research, briefings and position papers as well as the ability to advise, guide and persuade others.
• Be a proactive problem solver with the motivation and resilience to adapt and deal with challenges.
• Have skills in developing research networks and communicating complex information to others at various levels.
• Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data.
• Have the ability to work on your own initiative, while also functioning effectively as a member of a team.
• Have the creative flair and expertise to produce accurate and influential work.

How to Apply:

For any questions about the role please contact Adele Black at Adele.Black@parliament.scot

Please send your CV and a supporting statement to Adele Black at Adele.Black@parliament.scot

Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered. Be sure to include “Job Application - Senior Policy Officer for the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Group” in the subject line of your email.

Closing Date: Friday 13th November at 11:59pm.

Interview/Start Dates TBC

MSPs are employers in their own right. All MSP staff are required to be security vetted in line with HM Government (HMG) Personnel Security Controlsand any employment cannot begin until security clearance has been granted. MSPs will also carry out other pre-employment checks including eligibility to work in the UK, and employment references where applicable.