Parliamentary Policy and Research Lead for Kate Nevens MSP

Salary: £40,000 full-time equivalent (£30,000 pro rata for 22.5 hours per week)
Location
:
Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Hours: Part Time, 22.5 hours (3 days per week), 0.75 FTE
Holiday entitlement: 32 days per annum FTE

The Scottish Green Group operates a 30-hour, four-day full-time working week with no reduction in pay. This role is 22.5 hours per week (0.75 FTE). We welcome applications for job shares and will consider hybrid working arrangements.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose backgrounds may be under-represented in politics, for example, trans applicants, applicants from racialised or migrant communities and disabled applicants.

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 to the team and in turn, the constituents Kate represents.

You will play a lead role within the office of Kate Nevens MSP, leading on research, policy and strategy across Kate s national portfolio of Equalities and International Development and her wider parliamentary responsibilities. You will also support the smooth running of Kate s office, including line managing the Parliamentary Officer. This role will require a high degree of flexibility and will involve working closely with Kate Nevens MSP, her team, regional colleagues and the wider Scottish Green Group in Parliament.

• Leading on Kate’s Parliamentary strategy, including monitoring political, legislative and policy developments across Kate’s portfolio and interest areas, and identifying strategic opportunities within the parliamentary week and in the longer-term;
• Leading in-depth research on key issues within Kate s portfolio, including producing briefings, policy position documents and speeches, and assisting Kate with legislation e.g. in the form of interpreting and drafting amendments; advising on voting intentions, or supporting the development of a Member’s Bill.
• Drafting and lodging parliamentary questions and motions, preparing correspondence to Government Ministers and wider decision-makers, and drafting responses to policy enquiries and campaigning emails;
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, including charities, trade unions, community organisations, lived-experience groups and elected representatives, and organising and attending meetings, round tables and policy events.
• Working collaboratively across Kate’s office to align parliamentary, regional and casework priorities, and collaborating with Scottish Green Group colleagues on legislation, budget scrutiny, media work and wider parliamentary strategy
• Providing line management to the Parliamentary Officer and working with the Regional Lead to establish effective team processes, staff wellbeing practices, and learning and development opportunities.
• Supporting office administration and financial processes as required, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection requirements, maintaining records, and managing the Office Costs budget.

• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and accurately, and a high level attention to detail;
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing high-quality policy briefings, reports, speeches or other written materials;
• Experience leading projects, programmes or policy work and working collaboratively as part of a small team;
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Good understanding of the Scottish political landscape, parliamentary processes and public policy and a demonstrable interest in Kate’s portfolio areas
• A collaborative approach, willingness to support colleagues across the team, and commitment to Kate's values and parliamentary priorities
• Knowledge of Kate’s portfolio areas including but not limited to migrant and racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, gender equality and international development.
• Understand in…