At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and boost voter awareness through outreach and partnership activities.
- Company: Join the Electoral Commission, the UK's independent body for elections and political finance.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and study support for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for ongoing learning and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on democracy and help underrepresented communities engage in the electoral process.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or community outreach, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46916 £ per year.
About the Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission is the UK’s independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance. Everything we do is about ensuring trust, participation, and integrity in the democratic process. As we progress through a bold new chapter under our five-year Corporate Plan, we are increasing our workforce and transforming how we plan and deliver core services. This post plays a central role in that journey.
About the role
As a Partnerships and Education Officer, you will help deliver engaging outreach and partnership activity across Scotland to support voter awareness and participation. Working with colleagues and external partners, you will build relationships, support campaigns and events, and contribute to the development of resources that help more people understand and take part in the democratic process across Scotland. This is a varied role where you will play an important part in reaching underrepresented communities and making a real impact on how people engage with democracy.
About the team
You will join our growing Scotland team, working at the heart of our partnership and voter education activity. We are a collaborative and supportive group, focused on increasing participation and ensuring everyone has access to clear, accessible information about the democratic process. We work closely with colleagues across the UK, including our voter engagement, education and partnerships teams as well as those in our communications, policy and research teams. Together, we share knowledge, test new approaches and deliver impactful work that helps more people engage with democracy.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for a proactive and organised partnerships or engagement professional who is passionate about increasing participation in democracy. You will have experience working in education, community outreach or stakeholder engagement, ideally including work with young people and under-represented communities. You will be confident in building and maintaining effective relationships with external partners, and supporting the delivery of engagement campaigns, events and outreach activity. You will also be:
- A confident communicator, able to produce clear and accessible content, briefings and resources
- Comfortable working collaboratively across teams to deliver shared goals
- Able to manage multiple priorities and organise your work effectively
- Motivated by improving democratic participation and voter engagement in Scotland
- An interest in the political and electoral landscape, and enthusiasm for this area of public service, would be an advantage.
As this role involves working with children and young people, the successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement. If you are excited about this role and feel you could make a difference, we would encourage you to apply.
Why work for us?
At the Electoral Commission, you will be part of an organisation that makes a real difference to democracy. We offer a supportive and inclusive environment, opportunities to develop your skills, and the chance to contribute to work that helps more people take part in the democratic process. We offer a strong total reward package, including:
- Flexible working and hybrid model (40% office minimum)
- 28 rising to 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution)
- Study support for professional qualifications
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Ride2Work, eye care vouchers and more
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnerships and Education Officer in Edinburgh
✨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 The Electoral Commission, 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 The Electoral Commission 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 Partnerships and Education Officer 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 The Electoral Commission 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 The Electoral Commission
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The Electoral Commission, 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 The Electoral Commission.
