Reference: 46864
Date Added: 31 July 2014
Closing Date: 20 August 2014
Job Title: Parliamentary Apprentice
Working For: Mark Harper MP (Forest of Dean)
Location: London
Salary: National Minimum Wage - 2014/15 rate - £6.50 per hour (32 hours per week)
Length of Contract:
Job Details
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to become a Parliamentary Apprentice for Mark Harper MP. The position is based in his Parliamentary office in Westminster, London.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working in a dynamic, high-level environment. The work is varied and will involve significant exposure to influential ideas and policies, providing research support for local campaigns and policy development.
The role is for 32 hours per week, with the majority of the week spent helping with the day to day running of a busy office. Time is also spent undertaking vocational training.
As part of the apprenticeship program you will be required to achieve a vocational NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualification in Business Administration. Applicants should have a genuine interest in politics and have a desire to progress and develop within a highly professional organisation.
Key Tasks:
- Research on a wide range of issues, including analysing reports, and assisting with the preparation of briefings and press releases.
- Drafting news articles for local media.
- Media tracking.
- Liaising with appropriate Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others on behalf of constituents.
- Drafting correspondence to constituents
- Assisting with the work of other colleagues and communicating with internal and external contacts.
- Ensuring that cases are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner.
- Undertaking general administrative/secretarial tasks.
Essential Criteria include:
- Strong written and communication skills
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Good telephone manner
- Team player with a flexible approach
- Enthusiastic and reliable
- Competent use of IT including email and internet to support the above
- Sympathetic to the aims of the Conservative Party
Please note this will not involve any work related to Mark's brief as Minister of State for Disabled People.
Upon appointment you will be required to apply for security clearance, undertaken by the Security Vetting and Pass Office. See Members’ Staff Security Clearance page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.
Closing Date: 20 August 2014
Interview/Start Dates
We reserve the right to close applications early if a successful candidate is found before the closing date. Interviews will take place soon after the closing date.
Application Details
All applicants should send their CV with a covering letter to Patrick Cartwright, quoting the reference number above, by email: cartwrightp@parliament.uk.
As we are advertising for two different roles, please ensure you specify which role you are applying for (including the advert reference number will be sufficient for this purpose).
Website: http://www.markharper.org