At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs strategies and advise on policy issues for Southwark Council.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with immediate start; ideal for those passionate about public service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of UK politics and experience in public affairs required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Policy & Public Affairs team, within Strategy & Impact, works to understand and influence external policy and practice that impacts our residents and the delivery of our commitments to them. It seeks to build the Council’s influence and ensure the needs of Southwark are understood by decision-makers.
The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer will develop and deliver influencing strategies on Southwark’s public affairs priority issues, overseeing specific policy areas within the team. The post-holder will advise politicians and officers on a range of policy issues, developing expertise on their area of focus. They will work with colleagues across the council to deploy a range of public affairs approaches, including delivering events, engaging with decision-makers, promoting evidence, generating media coverage, and building alliances.
This is a full-time position with ideally 3 days in the office, but some flexibility can be considered for the right candidate.
Knowledge, including educational qualifications:- Good understanding of current UK politics and knowledge of the social, political, and economic issues relating to the work of the public sector, especially local government, and what this means for Southwark Council.
- Knowledge of a range of campaign and public affairs approaches and an understanding of how to strategically deploy them to meet influencing objectives.
- In-depth knowledge of parliamentary and government decision-making processes, including the points for a local authority to influence them.
- Experience of building and managing strong collaborative relationships with senior external stakeholders.
- Experience of writing persuasive and engaging outputs for a range of audiences.
- Experience of researching complex policy issues and writing technical, accurate briefings and communications.
- Experience of coordinating events and facilitating meetings with senior stakeholders.
- Experience of developing and delivering political engagement and communication strategies to secure policy change.
- Confidence in working effectively with senior colleagues and politicians.
- Able to work collaboratively and purposefully with partner organisations locally and nationally to bring about change.
- Able to prioritise in a fast-paced environment, use initiative and work independently.
- Able to write persuasively and concisely on complex and multifaceted topics.
Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer LBS-010 in London employer: Southwark Council
As a Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer at Southwark Council, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to influencing policy and making a tangible impact on the community. The council fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the heart of Southwark, you will enjoy a vibrant environment with access to diverse resources and networks, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer LBS-010 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current political landscape in Southwark and the UK as a whole. Understanding local issues and how they impact residents will help you engage effectively with decision-makers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in public affairs and local government. Attend relevant events or forums where you can meet key stakeholders and learn about their priorities. Building these relationships can give you insights that will be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent policy changes and public affairs strategies. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only prepare you for interviews but also show your proactive approach to staying informed in this dynamic field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders in the past. Having concrete experiences ready to share will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer LBS-010 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also explain why you are passionate about public affairs and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of UK politics and public sector issues.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your experience related to policy development, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies. Be sure to include any specific achievements or projects that showcase your ability to influence policy and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors and that your writing is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Local Politics
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the current political landscape in Southwark. Familiarise yourself with key issues affecting the area and how they relate to the council's priorities. This will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and informed.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior colleagues or politicians in the past, and be ready to discuss your writing style and approach to crafting persuasive messages.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and implement influencing strategies for public affairs. Think about specific approaches you've used in previous roles and how they could apply to the challenges faced by Southwark Council.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might encounter in this role and how you would address them, particularly in relation to engaging with decision-makers and managing stakeholder relationships.
