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Job description

The Policy, Research, Communications and Digital Media Officer supports the MLA in delivering high quality constituency, legislative, and communication work. The role combines policy research, briefing preparation, digital media management, and public facing communications to ensure the MLA is well informed, responsive, and effectively represented across traditional and online platforms.

Responsibilities

• Liaising effectively with all sections of the media including political and specialist journalists, editors and other spokespeople for external organisations as appropriate.
• Doing press releases, monitoring and arranging media coverage.
• Identifying media/press opportunities and advising on press strategy.
• Updating/maintaining Internet social networking media.
• Planning and organising press conferences/media events.
• Preparing newsletters/mail shots/publicity material.
• Establishing personal networks/attending conferences.
• Monitoring events in assembly and ensuring MLA is fully briefed on potential questions and motions to be put to the House.
• Conducting research/providing research briefing.
• Developing knowledge and relevant legislation and policy.
• Developing Private Members’ Bills.
• Preparing and developing motions and Assembly Questions.
• Drafting speeches/briefing papers.
• Preparing material for meetings/conferences.
• Providing rapid, accurate and detailed research on a wide range of devolved policy issues to deliver written and oral briefings as required.
• Reviewing professional publications/participating in professional societies.
• Liaising with think-tanks, government departments and agencies, voluntary groups and other external groups.
• Analysing evaluating and interpreting data to ensure Member is accurately informed on key issues.
• Providing policy analysis and advice.
• Responding to correspondence and inquiries from constituents, the media lobbyists and pressure groups.
• Analysing patterns of inquiries and producing reports.
• Attending surgeries and other meetings as appropriate.
• Supervising/managing staff were appropriate.
• Leading on work as required.
• Manage digital channels including website, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.
• Develop engaging digital content (graphics, videos, infographics, blogs) tailored to different audiences.
• Monitor analytics and performance metrics to inform content planning and continuous improvement.
• Devise plans to improve the performance of posts and web content as well as drive increased social media followers and visits to our website.
• Other duties as required in support of the MLA carrying out their Assembly duties.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Minimum of one years’ experience in a paid capacity undertaking policy research and analysis in a political context.
• Minimum one years’ experience in a paid capacity working in communications role such as PR, social media, marketing, journalism.
• 5 GCSE’s / O’ Levels or Equivalent at Grade C or above including both English Language and Mathematics.
• Third level qualification in Communication or Media Studies.
• Excellent written communication skills to write strong and engaging copy for diverse target audiences and to work within and to promote tone of voice and brand guidelines.
• Good IT skills and ability to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint, website CMS and social media platforms effectively.
• Experience of speech writing and scrutinising policy.
• Proven ability to support the communications, digital marketing and social media elements as part of an integrated brand marketing communications campaigns team.
• Experience and knowledge of the legislative process and working of the Northern Ireland Assembly in a paid or unpaid capacity.
• Knowledge of Northern Irish political context.
• Understanding of Northern Ireland Governance arrangements, roles and responsibilities.

Desirable Skills

• Third level qualification in Journalism.
• ICT Qualification.
• Experience working in a Communications role in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Experience of assisting with campaigns and communications.
• Experience of dealing with sensitive and confidential information (both verbal and written) in line with relevant GDPR provisions.
• Ability to update and maintain a database.
• Experience managing and generating content for professional social media channels.