An opportunity has arisen for a Public Affairs Officer to join our busy Communications team.

The post-holder will support the Public Affairs Manager with our day-to-day, wide-ranging public affairs activity and have responsibility for coordinating LFB’s responses to Mayor’s Questions, managing our responses to external consultations and preparing briefings and alerts for senior officers and staff on key issues in the external environment of relevance to the fire service. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work with us on LFB’s key campaigns, identifying opportunities and taking forward plans to influence decision-makers and ensure that safety messages are communicated to members of the public.

We are seeking someone with experience of working in a political environment, with a sound understanding knowledge of the UK’s political systems, parliamentary procedure and how policy is made. Applicants should also have an understanding of London and local government and the key issues facing fire and rescue services in the UK. The ability to digest a large volume of sometimes complex information and present key information to internal and external audiences is also essential. The successful candidate will also need excellent organisational skills to be able to manage their own projects and core work to very tight deadlines, as well as being able to respond to new developments each day.

Please note that this post is classified as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This means that, among other things, the postholder cannot stand for election to a range of public bodies, act as an election agent for candidates for such elections, canvass on behalf of a candidate or a political party or speak in public, (or publish material), in apparent support of a political party. Any candidate currently holding such a position must explain how they would expect to deal with this, if appointed, in their application.

Benefits
• 26 days annual leave, beginning April of every year + public holidays
• Competitive salary
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Gym access
• Cycle to work scheme

For the job description and details of how to apply, please visit: https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/jobs/public-affairs-officer-frs00122