This is an exciting opportunity to join Molly Scott Cato MEP’s small and dynamic team.
We are looking for a Regional Liaison Officer with a clear understanding of the social, economic and political forces behind the environmental problems we face. This position aims to raise the profile of the Molly Scott Cato MEP’s work by identifying local opportunities for MEP involvement, including following local issues and campaigns and capitalising on local media opportunities. This post will be responsible for developing a greater constituency presence and supporting Molly’s work in Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
We are seeking a professional, confident and persuasive person with considerable advocacy skill. With excellent oral and written communication ability, you will be able to operate at a high level, working with a wide range of stakeholders on varied policy portfolios but with particular interest in some or all of: housing, social policy, farming, environmental policy including air and water quality, agriculture, conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity.
As the post is part-time it will require excellent time management skills, an ability to quickly pick up often complex policy briefs, prioritise and work efficiently in a professional manner. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the work, it is essential that you can work well as part of a small team.
Reports to: Constituency Coordinator, Steve Hynd;
Specialist policy areas: EU: Environmental policy including air and water quality, agriculture, conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity;
Constituent specialisms: Housing, social policy, farming.
Hours: 21 hours per week during office hours, with some occasional weekend/evening work;
Salary: £24,170 pro rata, part time, FTC until May 2019 (6 months’ probationary period);
Location: Bristol office with some flexibility of home working.
Main tasks
- Replying to constituents’ letters/requests for help;
- Undertaking research into constituency issues e.g. the application of European Directives to particular planning issues, writing responses to regional and local consultations;
- Representing Molly at meetings or conferences she is unable to attend, and speaking at events on her behalf;
- Liaising with the Press Office, including writing press releases and website content related to constituency day events and local matters;
- Disseminating information about Molly’s activities to local branches of special interest groups. This involves maintaining a database of contacts;
- Collaborating with the constituency manager in organising constituency days, including public meetings;
- Working with a range of actors to promote Molly’s work in the European Parliament and the constituency;
- Providing information on local issues and campaigns to the Constituency Office.
Person specification
Essential
- Proven experience of working with a wide range of customers and partners, ideally including relevant statutory agencies, NGOs and sub regional bodies and local and community groups in the sub region;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills – ability to match style and language to audience needs;
- Proven ability to analyse and convey complex information succinctly;
- The ability to prioritise work, actively co-ordinating multiple projects to deadlines;
- Ability to represent Molly in a professional manner externally;
- The ability to work both as part of a team and independently, as well as being a self-starter;
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills;
- Applicants must be able to work from home and have access to a PC with access to emails and the internet;
- Good computer skills, word processing, email and Internet;
- Thorough knowledge of, and commitment to, Green politics;
- Applicants must not belong to another political party.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of policy and advocacy in at least one of Molly’s key work areas (please see Molly’s work as an MEP for her priority work areas);
- Knowledge of key issues and stakeholders and partner organisations operating across patch covered;
- Experience of drafting policy briefings;
- Ability to use initiative to identifying strategic issues and opportunities in the patch;
- Knowledge and understanding of EU institutions, particularly the European Parliament and UK local government;
- Experience of Press work.