Catherine West MP is seeking a motivated, reliable and hard-working individual with strong writing and communication skills and good knowledge of social media, as her Policy and Communications Officer. The role will involve working in Catherine’s Westminster Parliamentary office with some travel and work in the constituency.

Person Specification:
We’re looking for someone pro-active with:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including experience of writing speeches, articles, correspondence and liaising with the media.
• Good political judgement with the ability to analyse reports and provide succinct briefing notes ensuring key issues are identified.
• Strong IT and social media skills.
• A strong knowledge of current political issues at local, national and international level.
• Parliamentary experience is desirable together with an extensive knowledge of Parliamentary processes.
• Ability to deal with the public in an understanding and compassionate manner.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to the aims and values of the Labour Party.
• Knowledge of the Hornsey & Friern Barnet constituency is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitoring parliamentary business and ensuring Catherine is fully briefed on relevant issues.
• Drafting written representations to Ministers, local authorities and other organisations as appropriate.
• Responding to constituents’ enquiries and cases including carrying out the necessary research to respond to policy, campaign and casework enquiries.
• Pro-active and re-active communications with local and national media, including blogs, articles and press releases, and with constituents.
• Helping to publicise Catherine’s work on social media and on her website and following up on social media queries and comments as required.
• Accompanying Catherine to advice surgeries and other meetings as required and taking notes.
• Retaining records and information confidentially and in line with the Data Protection Act.

Catherine particularly encourages applications from disabled candidates and Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented within Parliamentary staff.