Constituency Coordinator & Researcher
Job Title: Constituency Coordinator & Researcher
Employer: Scott Ainslie MEP (Green Party MEP for London)
Location: Brixton, London
Length: Fixed term contract to 31st October 2019, with the potential to extend should the UK remain in the EU
Start date: 1 August 2019 (if possible)
Key relationships: Scott’s Brussels and London staff
Hours: 35 hours per week, some flexibility in timing required due to the parliamentary calendar. Some evening and weekend work may be required, for which there will be time off in lieu.
Salary: £35,000 p/a (inc. London weighting)
Want to be part of a dynamic team fighting for the UK to remain in the European Union and tackle the climate crisis?
Scott Ainslie, London’s new Green Party MEP, is looking to build a small, creative, enthusiastic and strategic team to help him work towards these goals.
He has a strong track record of challenging injustice and inequality, and will be bringing this energy to his new role in the European Parliament.
As London-based Constituency Coordinator, you will be responsible for taking the lead on constituent enquiries and managing Scott’s London office.
The ideal candidate will be flexible, quick thinking and extremely organised. They will know the UK’s political landscape inside out, be committed to social and environmental justice, and enjoy working in a dynamic and ideas-driven team.
Job description:
Managing constituency enquiries and Scott’s London diary
1. Act as the primary point of contact between Scott and his constituency, including individuals and organisations.
2. Manage correspondence from constituents, liaising with the Brussels office as necessary.
3. Maintain a database of regional organisations and contacts.
4. Manage Scott’s constituency diary, coordinating with the Brussels office.
5. Represent the MEP at meetings in London as necessary, and report back to Scott and other relevant staff.
Research and policy development
6. Provide strategic and policy advice to Scott Ainslie MEP with the rest of the team.
7. Undertake research for Scott - including compiling background research for events and constituency matters, and briefings for meetings and media appearances.
Office management
8. Manage the London office, and provide secretarial support to Scott including managing and responding to mail, telephone and email enquiries, booking meetings, taking minutes, organising travel arrangements, and general office support.
9. Help ensure streamlined communications between London and Brussels offices.
10. Communicate with relevant bodies, including the offices of other MEPs as necessary.
11. Be responsible for basic office management and oversee matters relating to the provision and maintenance of IT platforms, equipment, telephones and office supplies in the London office as necessary.
12. Contribute to the website, specifically taking responsibility for financial transparency, including ensuring relevant financial information and receipts are published online.
13. Coordinate gathering and holding financial information relating to the work of the office (e.g. petty cash, receipts etc) in coordination with Scott’s accountants.
14. Occasionally manage volunteers and, where agreed in advance, project staff.
15. Other tasks as appropriate to the position and agreed from time to time.
Person specification
Essential
· Experience of managing the day-to-day workings of a small office.
· Experience of diary management, including excellent organisational skills, initiative, and a problem-solving attitude.
· Excellent interpersonal skills: confident, diplomatic and remains calm under pressure.
· Excellent verbal and written communications skills: able to produce clear, concise and accurate written work.
· Excellent IT skills and quick at learning new systems, including the ability to update simple websites.
· Systematic attention to filing, handling expenses forms and compliance with regulations, including GDPR.
· Political sensitivity. Must not be a member or active supporter of another political party.
· Excellent understanding of current affairs and the UK political landscape, specifically relating to Brexit.
· Confidentiality is required about the work of Scott Ainslie and his team.
· The ability to be both a self-starter and to work as part of a team.
Desirable
· Experience of working with the public and/or civil society organisations.
· Understanding of local issues in London.
· Commitment to Green politics.
· Knowledge of the workings of the European Parliament.
To apply, submit a CV and cover letter (as email attachments) outlining how your skills and experience meet the job description and person specification.
Deadline: 11pm on Sunday 7th July 2019.
Send these to [email protected], naming the role you are applying for in the subject line.
Interviews will be conducted via Skype during the w/c 8th July.