Research and Policy Manager

London Assembly and Secretariat

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

The London Assembly has 25 Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities.

The Communications Team supports service to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

About the team

We are a team of 12 officers who support the seven Conservative London Assembly Members in scrutinising the work of the Greater London Authority and Mayor of London.

About the role

This is a chance to take on a unique role as Research and Policy Manager for the City Hall Conservative Members of the London Assembly.

The role specialises in managing the provision of research and policy support to the Members of the Group, including managing the related staffing team.

Working closely with the Head of Office, this position plays an important role in supporting Assembly Members with Assembly business and holding the Mayor of London to account.

You will ensure the provision of research, policy briefings, reports, advice and support to Assembly Members, as well as develop and implement comprehensive, proactive, and effective outreach and communications plans.

Excellent organisational, research, analytical and problem solving skills are essential for this role, and a background in any related policy areas and management would be an advantage.

This role is based at City Hall, Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

GLA Competency Framework guidelines further detail each competency and the different level indicators.

What your day will look like

• Working with the Head of Office, you will have day to day management and leadership responsibility for the Senior Researchers within the team and their work.
• Lead responsibility for the delivery, publication and related activity of the elected Members' reports, to reflect Members' priorities in relation to the major policy areas under the remit of the GLA.
• Develop and implement comprehensive, proactive, and effective outreach and communications plans for assigned Assembly Members, working in close coordination with the communications, research and support officer colleagues at all times.
• Ensure the elected Members receive an excellent research service and policy support, and liaise with relevant external bodies in the public, private sector and/or voluntary sectors, in order to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas and information to support the proposals and work of the elected Assembly Members.
• Act as a point of escalation for GLA officers in respect of London Assembly scrutiny activity related to the Group Members' roles and interests, ensuring an effective and efficient two way transmission of views and suggestions, in order to maximise the Members' positions and impact in the work of the Assembly; and to contribute effectively and proactively to the Members' functions in respect of Mayor's Question Time, Plenary meeting, committees and other Assembly meetings.
• Assist the Head of Office in the leadership and work of the wider team as required, providing effective problem solving capability and delivery capacity for the team.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience of successful working in a similar role within a political or comparable high profile environment, including resolving complex issues effectively and efficiently, and liaising with relevant external bodies in the public, private sector and/or voluntary sectors, in order to facilitate an exchange of ideas and information.
• Evidence of an ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of staff to ensure that policies, programmes and strategies are implemented.
• Ability to produce authoritative clear and concise oral and written reports and research on complex issues for a range of audiences and present in a way that can be used by Assembly Members to their best advantage.
• Proven experience of policy briefing in a political/public sector organisation. Evidence of effective research skills and an ability to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics.
• A thorough understanding of current policy issues affecting London, together with knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework in which the GLA works.

Benefits

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks. Benefits include 30 days' annual leave, an interest free season ticket loan, an interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to three days a week in our offices and remotely, depending on their role. You will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. Applicants who meet the essential criteria and wish to be considered under the scheme will automatically be invited to interview. If you require adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

Additional Information

All candidates must confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they will be disqualified from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. If you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.