Kate is looking for a full time Senior Policy Researcher to work in her busy Westminster office and to support her in her role as Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government. The successful applicant will have a strong record of policy and research work; an understanding of Parliament and the political landscape; and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Job description

• Advise the Member of policy issues
• Drafting of P Qs and speeches
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure the Member is accurately informed on key issues
• Horizon-scanning, anticipate what advice or action may be required
• Maintain and utilise knowledge of relevant legislation
• Prepare and present results for the purposes of briefing notes for committees, parliamentary questions, articles and press releases
• Monitor media coverage, liaise with media, and prepare press releases as required
• Pro-active and re-active communications with all media
• Research local, regional or national issues to support the MPs' work
• Respond to routine correspondence and enquiries from lobbyists and pressure groups
• To advise and ensure the MP is fully briefed on potential questions and motions to be put to the House
• To produce and present high quality written reports, briefing notes, and professional advice

Person specification

• An ability to research and provide comprehensive, accurate and objective briefing, in writing and orally, on complex policy issues in relation to Kate’s frontbench brief and to her constituency.
• An excellent awareness of the policy and political context affecting Kate’s brief and her constituency
• An understanding of parliament, its role and processes
• Experience of dealing with and responding to policy stakeholders, the research community, campaigners and pressure groups, and the media
• Successful experience of influencing decision-makers, campaigning or effecting policy change
• An ability to develop opportunities for stakeholder engagement and to manage stakeholder events
• Ability to work independently
• Sympathy with the values and objectives of the Labour party.