At a Glance
- Tasks: Support political groups by drafting reports, planning agendas, and liaising with the press.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, a dynamic local government organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12-month contract, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with elected officials and gain valuable insights into local governance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local politics and support your chosen party's vision.
- Qualifications: Experience in politics or local government and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 49282 £ per year.
12 month opportunity (potential to extend further). This will be offered as a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment for BCC Employees and as a Fixed Term Contract for external applicants.
£45,091 – £49,282 Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme. Working 36.5 hours per week.
About The Role
Do you have political or local government experience? Are you confident dealing with the press, and providing political advice to senior local politicians? We are looking to recruit Political Assistants for the Reform Party, The Green Party and the Conservative Party. Are you a member of the above Parties or do you share the party’s beliefs and values?
This is a unique role within the Council, directly supporting the chosen political group. You will:
- Draft and present reports
- Provide high quality support
- Plan agendas
- Attend and minute meetings
- Liaise with outside bodies and the press on behalf of the group
- Build relationships with the local press and proactively ensure that the group's messages are developed and communicated widely
- Ensure that key decisions from Group meetings are swiftly implemented
- Proactively identify issues of political interest
- Support councillors with public speaking engagements and formal council questions and motions
About You
You will be a strong self-starter, able to work alone, with a good understanding of local government and current issues in Birmingham. You should be able to give sound, clear advice on complex issues with a high degree of political sensitivity. You should be able to act at pace and work effectively with elected members, senior officers within the Council and external stakeholders.
Political Assistant in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where political engagement and community impact are at the forefront. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees can expect to work collaboratively with passionate individuals while contributing to meaningful projects that shape local governance. The council's commitment to inclusivity and support for various political perspectives makes it a unique place to advance your career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant in Birmingham
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from WMJobs.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show WMJobs that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
