Political Research Assistant

This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
 

• Job Title:                            Political Research Assistant
• Job Location:                     Shire Hall 
• Salary:                               £39,186 - £44,428 per annum 
• Hours per Week:               37.00 
• Contract Type:                   Fixed Term 
• Duration:                            One year 
• Closing Date:                     31/05/2024 
• Job Requisition Number:   8983 
• This post is open to job share 

Are you interested in local democracy and politics?  Are you looking for a challenging opportunity to develop your skills?  Do you have a background in Conservative politics?

About the team

Gloucestershire County Council employs two Political Assistants supporting the  largest political groups.  A vacancy has arisen for the post that supports the Conservative Group. 

About the role

You will support the political group in managing and co-ordinating group business, as well as keeping a watching brief on national developments affecting local government.  You will also draft press releases, prepare briefings and support group members in their day-to-day activities. 

It is likely that you will be able to work remotely for part of each week although you will need to come to Shire Hall for group meetings, formal Council meetings and other informal sessions with councillors and officers.

The post is designated under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as politically restricted.  The post may be available on a job share basis.

About you

You should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and have experience of working in a political environment but that does not necessarily need to be in Gloucestershire. 

You should be self-motivated and have the ability to manage changing priorities.  Experience of working with or for the Conservative party, or of supporting Conservative political aims, is desirable, but not essential.

Political awareness and sensitivity are essential requirements and working with the media and other partners, ideally in local government is desirable.

Education to degree standard is preferable but not essential.

About Us

For all your hard work, you will receive the following;

• Flexible and agile working opportunities
• 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
• Plus, an option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
• Career development and qualification opportunities
• Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
• An in-house Occupational Health service
• Employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network. Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&C's apply)

How to apply 

Please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” Button. For further information please contact Stephen Bace in Democratic Services, on 01452 324204 or email stephen.bace@gloucestershire.gov.uk  
 

Interview Date: Monday 24 June 2024

Additional Information

To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below:-

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This Position is subject to a DBS check. (delete as appropriate)

Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities.  Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.

It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.