Policy and Communications Officer for Ross Greer MSP

Location: The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Hours: Full-time; 30 hours (with occasional weekend and evening working)

Salary: Starting at £32,242 per annum

MSPs are employers in their own right. Under their employment, you will become part of a team supporting them in carrying out their duties. You'll work in a dynamic and fast paced environment to provide an outstanding service for constituents.

The role will support Ross Greer in preparing for parliamentary business and associated communication activities, with a particular focus on his areas of portfolio responsibility within the Scottish Green Party parliamentary group. That is currently the Finance portfolio but may be subject to change throughout the parliamentary session.

In addition to the responsibilities listed below you may be expected to carry out other reasonable and appropriate duties as required, such as working with volunteers and interns.

Candidates should have an understanding of political and parliamentary processes, as well as the public policy landscape in Scotland. Familiarity with the public finance portfolio is particularly desirable.

In addition, you should be capable of delivering effective communication activities in support of Ross Greer’s parliamentary objectives, particularly on social media.

You will be expected to have a strong commitment to working as part of a team, a willingness to share workloads when necessary, strong self-motivation and a proven ability to work on your own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Delivering high quality research and policy development work in support of the MSP’s work, including but not limited to:
  • Monitoring the work of parliamentary committees covering the relevant portfolio areas.
  • Keeping your knowledge of relevant areas of public policy and current affairs up-to-date.
  • Supporting legislative scrutiny work
  • Carrying out research projects.
  • Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates.
  • Developing bold and credible policy proposals
  • Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
  • Ensuring deadlines for parliamentary business are met.
  • Drafting written correspondence such as letters, Freedom of Information requests and parliamentary questions and motions.
  • Working with colleagues across the Scottish Greens Parliamentary Group on shared prioritiessuch asbudget scrutiny.
  • Ensuring all office research complies with data protection and other requirements.
  • Maintaining background material and archives.
• Ensuring that the MSP’s work is effectively communicated to constituents and key stakeholders through activities including but not limited to:
  • Providing the press team with the information and advice they require to clearly and effectively communicate the MSP’s position and activities
  • Contributing towards the management of the MSP’s social media accounts, including posting high quality, accessible content on a regular basis
  • Assisting in the drafting of local newspaper columns and other long-form written communications
  • Responding to constituent enquiries regarding matters of public policy and current affairs

Requirements

• Have excellent written, verbal and IT skills with strong attention to detail.
• Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
• Be a proactive problem solver with the motivation and resilience to adapt and deal with challenges.
• Have strong analytical skills
• Have the creativity and expertise to produce accurate and influential work.
• Be capable of spotting opportunities to support Ross Greer with his political priorities
• Have excellent communication skills
• Have excellent organisational skills, including the ability to be flexible and effectively prioritise between competing demands
• Have skills in developing research networks and effectively communicating complex information to others at various levels.
• Be patient and sensitive while remaining objective and open minded.

For any questions about the role please contact blair.andersont

Please upload your CV and supporting statement as a single document. Please note that the system does not allow you to upload your supporting statement separately.

Interviews to take place: 27th August at the Scottish Parliament (arrangements can be made for remote interviews if required)