What's involved with this role: Job Title: Policy Officer Ref: E Cheshire 5278747 Pay rate: £14.82 per hour PAYE Role length: Anticipated 6 months Working arrangements: Hybrid working - two days per week in the office The role: We are seeking a Policy Officer to provide policy advice and support to the Corporate Leadership Team senior officers and Members within the Council to ensure alignment with the strategic ambitions set out in the council's plan. You will have a relevant graduate qualification or equivalent experience, with strong skills in stakeholder negotiation, research, analysis, and communication. You should possess a sound understanding of local and national government policies and the political and legal context of public sector management. Key responsibilities: Ensure that the leadership team and lead officers are aware of the progress against delivery of the Plan commitments and outcomes, and are aware of changing evidence, threats, and opportunities Provide policy support and advice to senior leaders, senior officers and Members helping to guide decisions through the briefing and governance processes Work with the communications team, to ensure external stakeholders know and understand the council’s position and can provide meaningful feedback on key issues Work within the strategy and business intelligence team to horizon- scan key policy developments across central and local government, think tanks, public and private sector bodies and through legislative case law and the media Handle and draft letters /responses on policy issues and consultations to major stakeholders, including Government Forward planning with senior leaders, senior officers and Members to ensure they are briefed and provide input ahead of key meetings and events and decisions are made in a timely manner Proactive development of key briefing materials, including speaking notes where required What the client is looking for: Relevant graduate qualification or relevant equivalent knowledge and experience Experience of brokering and negotiating solutions in complex situations with multiple senior stakeholders Knowledge of the issues facing local government, together with the legal, financial and political context of public sector management Good understanding of Microsoft suite of product Knowledge of current local and national government policies Understanding of the impact of working within a political environment and the consequences of potential policies and decisions Ability to quickly develop an understanding of current and emerging themes and to ensure that these are taken into consideration in decision making. Proven research, problem solving, analytical skills and presentation skills Developed interpersonal skills, influencing skills and communication skills How to Apply: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.