About the role
Having supported their communities and businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic, councils across England are increasingly focused on creating the conditions for resilient public services and a sustainable and inclusive economy.
As we look towards the next General Election the LGA will be making the case for councils and combined authorities to have the powers and resources needed to deliver these ambitions locally and to ensure their leadership of place sits at the heart of national policies to unlock growth and prosperity.
This role sits within a small team that will work with stakeholders across the LGA, councils and Government to help make this happen.
The work is varied, the remit wide-ranging and constantly evolving. From commissioning research and developing policy, to running events and advising leading politicians of the LGA’s City Regions and People and Places Boards, to supporting press and public affairs campaigns, to working directly with councils across the country, this is a role where very few days are the same and where collaboration is often the key to achieving a successful outcome. Recently completed projects include, the LGA’s Levelling Up Locally Commission and the Future of Cities Urban Summit.
The successful candidate will join an organisation with a strong track record of leading the national debate, that works confidently with partners across government to strengthen policy development and isn’t afraid to drive the political narrative on behalf of local councils.
About you
You will have the knowledge, experience and credibility to engage with government and organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. You will be able to take a strategic, forward-looking approach and will have the political awareness to contribute to the development of effective relationships with the LGA’s political groups as well as with external partners and national government.
The person to whom we offer this post will be an excellent communicator, problem solver and team player, as well as having the ability for self-directed research and independent work. You will have experience using a range of communication tools, including social media, in a politically sensitive environment. Your ability to grasp issues quickly and adapt to a rapidly shifting context will make you stand out. While not essential experience of working in local government or a similar environment is desirable.
You must have the right to work in the UK, the LGA are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.
To apply
If you would like to be considered for the role, please complete the online form and include a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria of the role before the closing date.
We are specifically assessing candidates against the following:
- Political sensitivity, with the ability to exercise discretion, judgement and confidentiality when dealing with politicians and officers at every level, and to demonstrate political neutrality at all times.
- Excellent written skills, with the ability to accurately summarise and convey complex information.
- Experience of researching data from a range of sources and of compiling clear, comprehensive papers.
- Ability to work as part of a team and to support others.
- Excellent oral and influencing skills, with the ability to give clear advice on procedural issues.
- Experience of managing a complex workload, preparing plans and meeting deadlines and milestones.
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with members, other clients and colleagues with courtesy, tact and sensitivity.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines, and a concern for order and accuracy.
- A broad understanding of local and/or central government and how they work.
- Flexible approach to work, with a keenness to adapt to meet changing work requirements.
Closing Date: 5pm, 26 February 2024
Interview Date: w/c 4 March 2024, interviews will be held virtually
At the LGA we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open competition, with appointment on merit. The LGA are proud to be awarded a “Disability Confident Leader”. If you are require an reasonable adjustment, which is a change to the format or conditions of the recruitment process to accommodate any disability-related needs you may have. Please contact us via HRandPayroll@local.gov.uk