Editorial Research Assistant – Policy Forum for Ireland

We’re looking for a thoughtful, resourceful and professional Editorial Research Assistant to join our team. This is a dynamic, multifaceted role helping to produce high-profile conferences on key issues for policy in Ireland. Our work brings together legislators, government, regulators and key stakeholders and helps move forward thinking on some of the most important issues of the day.

You’ll work closely with different areas of our business, demonstrating diplomacy, sensitivity, and a commitment to delivering quality results in a timely manner. You’ll be expected to take ownership of your assigned conferences, driving them forward with focus, initiative and insight based on your research, while proactively keeping colleagues and senior staff updated, involved when needed, and alerted to potential challenges that we can work through as a team.

As part of our evolving working practices, we value adaptability and innovation. You will be expected to develop your skills and make appropriate use of AI-based assistants and other digital tools to support research, drafting and delivery across your conferences. Recent and upcoming conferences focus on: Sláintecare reform, Skills and apprenticeships, the transport sector and climate adaptation.

Key Responsibilities

• Researching policy issues, developments, potential speakers and key contacts to an agreed brief
• Helping ensure conferences are relevant, inclusive, and reflect current priorities and perspectives, with no interested parties left out of the discussion
• Drafting agendas, website copy, speaker and delegate invitations
• Proactively securing the participation of senior speakers, stakeholders and parliamentary chairs
• Attending and supporting the delivery of events - mostly online, but also in-person in Westminster and across the UK
• Managing your important projects with professional care and attention - raising issues, proposing solutions, and keeping managers updated

About You

We’re looking for an individual who is energetic, naturally curious, adaptable and proactive in their approach. You will embody our company values, including a sense of service, strict impartiality in the conduct of their work, and a business-like, ethical, diplomatic and commercially focused outlook. You will need to be a self-starter with a strong sense of responsibility, able to focus on progressing your conferences to the high standards that the nature of our work requires without needing to be directed at each stage.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Solid experience in policy, conference production, journalism, public affairs or a related field
• Excellent written communication skills and a sharp eye for detail
• The ability to quickly absorb our values of service and operating practices
• Strong interpersonal, diplomatic and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management and organisational abilities
• A resilient can-do attitude, sense of ownership, and a collaborative mindset
• Confidence using - or eager to learn to use - AI and digital tools to support research and writing
• Bright graduates with exceptional aptitude and a professional approach will also be considered

The Benefits

• Competitive starting salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Regular pay reviews as part of structured development meetings
• Significant opportunities for career progression
• A fast-paced, supportive and intellectually stimulating working environment, with ample support from senior staff and peers

Application Details

Please email your CV and cover letter to recruitment@westminsterforumprojects.co.uk including an indication of your current salary or salary expectation and why you believe you’re suitable for the role. We welcome applicants based across the UK. The role is remote-first, but you will be expected to attend monthly editorial meetings in London and occasional in-person professional development meetings (typically held every six months).