The role

We are currently seeking an adviser to work primarily on two specific areas:

• Housing and planning policy – ensuring that the broad policy framework for housing delivery enables councils to play a full role in meeting the housing needs of their communities and the wider local housing market
• Housing improvement – commissioning and overseeing the delivery of improvement projects

You will use your political awareness, excellent communication, policy-making and project management skills to shape policy, to advocate on behalf of the LGA and its members and to commission and oversee research and improvement projects.

Drawing on the experience of our member councils you will assess the implications of different policy options and develop proposals that help to support and improve local government, enabling it to deliver the best possible services for local residents.

You will provide support to our boards and members, preparing briefings, papers and speeches.

You will work as part of a small team, collaborating closely with colleagues in media, research and public affairs and the LGA’s political group offices, as well as with our member councils, external partners and central government.

The requirements

You will be working alongside national partners including relevant Government departments and national officer associations and will need to excel in relationship building and joint delivery of projects, as well as being able to engage directly with local authorities and offer bespoke support where required. Able to take a strategic and forward-thinking approach, you will have experience that demonstrates a track record of making a difference in a political context.

You will be an effective team player with excellent organisational and people skills. Ideally you will have a good knowledge and understanding of local government, as well as housing and planning. Candidates will need to be able to prioritise competing demands, delivering to deadlines in a fast-paced environment that can change rapidly.

Whilst knowledge of the specific policy areas referred to above may be an advantage, it is not a necessity for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to quickly grasp new and diverse policy areas.