Job Purpose:

• To contribute to the excellent delivery of policy priorities as agreed by London Councils Leaders’ Committee

• To make a significant contribution to the formulation, development, promotion and implementation of a range of policy projects and initiatives within specified policy areas in an integrated policy framework

• To provide policy research, information and advice on issues relating to local government in London which underpin the implementation of London Council’s policy priorities

Principal Accountabilities:

• To make a significant contribution to policy development and delivery on priority policy areas, ensuring this policy contribution is integrated with other London Councils’ policy.

• To contribute to the development and implementation of policy making activities that ensure that London local government’s perspectives and goals are championed and also influence government and other relevant organisations operating in London.

• To provide research, information and advice on policy matters to London Councils’ leading members and officers. 

• To represent the organisation at external meetings on specified policy areas including Government departments, Mayor, GLA and member authorities, and other key stakeholders; developing and sustaining positive relationships with these stakeholders, opinion formers and key contacts in order to advance London Councils’ policies and positions.

• To respond to enquiries from colleagues and councillors both within London Councils and across all our member authorities; and others as required.

• To attend and contribute to London working groups on policy related issues to promote the development, implementation and delivery of London Councils’ key policy priorities.

• To analyse policy papers, government proposals, circulars, Green and White papers, legislation, reports and research documents from local authorities and other organisations and disseminate the findings to colleagues and member authorities.

• To draft clear, well-targeted and influential reports, briefings, circulars, speeches, articles, presentations, press information and other publications as required on key issues arising from London Councils’ policy priorities.

• To carry out individual research and policy projects.

• To shape, commission and manage external research to secure value for money, as appropriate and with approval.

• To organise seminars, conferences and other events, in collaboration with colleagues from Communications Division, as directed.

• To contribute to London Councils’ role in keeping member authorities up-to-date with policy, best practice and funding developments, working closely with colleagues in Communications Division to ensure effective co-ordination of information.

• Working closely with colleagues in the Communications Division, to develop effective approaches to communicate London Councils’ policies to the government, Parliament, the media and stakeholders. 

• To support the success of teams, individual team members and London Councils colleagues more widely, both through adopting positive working styles and also through effective implementation of specific tasks allocated by the line manager.

• To carry out all tasks and allocated work within agreed timescales and budgets.

• London Councils is committed to, and champions, equality and diversity in all aspects of policy and employment.  All employees are expected to understand and promote equality and diversity within their work.

• To take care at all times to uphold health and safety at work for self and others.  To observe London Councils Health and Safety policy and related procedures at all times. 

• To uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in line with the expectations of a local government officer and to lead staff to adhere to such standards in order to uphold the reputation of London Councils and local government in London. 

• To adhere to London Councils’ policies, procedures, regulations and protocols.

Qualifications and experience:

• Experience of contributing to public policy development across at least one key policy area relevant to London local government;

• Experience of successfully undertaking policy projects where there has been responsibility for project outcomes;

• Experience of working in a political environment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of local government, preferably the London local government family, its governmental structure and London Councils’ role within it;

• Knowledge of one or more social and/or environmental policy areas.

Skills and Abilities:

• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with evidence of success in preparing clear reports, consultations, briefings and other documents on policy issues;

• Demonstrable ability to anticipate and understand the strategic significance of key policy issues to London local government;

• Research skills to undertake policy studies and research projects;

• Oral presentation skills – able to present information, including financial information clearly and concisely to a range of technical and non-technical audiences;

• Ability to build networks of contacts and maintain effective relationships with civil servants, London local authorities, public, private and third sector partners and others in London government;

• Able to represent London Councils and contribute to consultations and negotiations on behalf of London Councils and London local government with a range of organisations;

• Ability to contribute to project teams working on complex policy projects, and able to take personal responsibility for aspects of policy work;

• Analytical skills sufficient to interpret detailed numerical data and other information;

• Able to prioritise, plan and manage projects, and demonstrate effective time management skills;

• Ability to work closely with communications experts to shape effective communications and media activity, and to ensure effective co-ordination of information to member authorities and increase policy influence;

• Proficient in the use of ICT.

Personal Characteristics:

• An inclusive team player;

• Political sensitivity;

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to relate effectively to London Councils’ elected members, partners, colleagues and staff;

• Aspiration to excellence.

Other factors:

Strong personal commitment to London Councils’ Equal Opportunities Policy – and understanding and support of the implications of equal opportunities and diversity in London local government’s policy areas.