At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Green Councillors in delivering impactful policies for Southwark residents.
- Company: Southwark Council, a progressive and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, home working, local government pension scheme, and more.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to tackling racial inequality and enhancing community services.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic Green administration making real change in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, political awareness, and effective communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45852 - 53319 £ per year.
Southwark is a large, ambitious and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude and enviable reputation. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward thinking. We are committed to ensuring our residents and businesses are central to everything we do. If you want to make a difference at a local level, apply to Southwark Council today.
In May 2026, residents of Southwark elected the borough’s first-ever Green Group of Councillors on a manifesto focused on making Southwark more affordable and more green. The Green Party in Southwark now leads the council as part of a Joint Administration. Our priorities for the next four years are to make our borough greener, safer and more affordable.
We are now seeking a Political Officer to support the Group in delivering for the residents of the borough. Joining at the start of the borough’s first ever Green administration, you will play a central role in supporting new councillors as they navigate a challenging and fast-moving political landscape. You will help shape and advance a nationally significant policy agenda while ensuring the Group delivers on its commitments. This is a dynamic and varied role. You will contribute to strategic policy development while also responding to emerging issues on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities will include:
- Drafting briefings, speeches and proactive communications
- Coordinating reactive media responses
- Strengthening the Group’s digital and online presence
What we’re looking for:
You are a politically aware, adaptable and highly organised individual, with the ability to think both strategically and on your feet. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly, and you bring a calm, solutions-focused approach under pressure. You understand the importance of discretion and have a strong sense of political judgement. You are an effective communicator, confident engaging with elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders. You are also a strong organiser, capable of managing competing demands and providing tailored support to multiple councillors. Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to play a key role in helping deliver meaningful change for Southwark residents.
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £45,852 – £53,319
Political Officer (Green) in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community. With family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive while contributing to the borough's ambitious green agenda. Join a motivated team dedicated to delivering positive change for Southwark residents and enjoy a range of benefits that enhance your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Officer (Green) in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Southwark Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Southwark Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Officer (Green) in London
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 Southwark Council 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 Southwark Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southwark Council, 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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
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 Southwark Council.
