---

Job description

Paul Boggs MLA is recruiting a temporary Parliamentary Assistant until then end of the current Assembly mandate. This role will be based in Stormont, Parliament Buildings but occasional travel may be required to support the MLA at engagements, including in his Constituency.

Responsibilities

• Give advice on policy issues in the MLA’s primary policy area.
• Assist the MLA in preparing for statutory and standing committee meetings.
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure MLA is accurately informed on key issues.
• Assist in writing external communications including speeches for the MLA
• Attend and participate in meetings as appropriate.
• Have working knowledge of relevant legislation and upcoming business.
• Compilation of briefing packs for MLAs, take notes of meetings and draft appropriate submissions.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge on relevant areas of Assembly business including legislation, motions and debates.
• Advise the MLA in considering the submission of Private Member’s Bills.
• Drafting motions, Assembly questions, matters of the day, urgent orals and members statements for consideration of the MLA.
• Assembly Diary Management.
• Efficient data and file management to ensure the office complies with the data protection legislation.
• Help draft consultation responses and prepare briefing material.
• Maintain positive on-going relationships with all parties including members of the public, and sectoral groups.
• Monitor local, regional and national media coverage, including social media, and brief the MLA on relevant issues affecting their area of responsibility.
• Respond to routine correspondence, lobby letters and enquiries relating to assembly business and/or policy issues.
• Undertake research on relevant subjects as directed.
• There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours and travel for meetings outside the institutions.
• Work with colleagues in the Party communications, press and social media teams to communicate effectively the work of the MLA.
• Duties may vary depending on the political landscape or the MLA's portfolio. Therefore, the list above is not an exhaustive list and job duties may vary throughout the MLA's period in Assembly.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) and 5 years’ experience in a policy role or at least 8 years’ relevant experience in a policy role. (Experience must be recent, within the past 10 years).
• Experience working in a Parliamentary role.
• A thorough knowledge of the political landscape and the broad policy platform of the MLA.
• Excellent knowledge of the political landscape.
• An ability to analyse and communicate complex information.

Desirable Skills

• A working knowledge of Gaeilge.

Further Information

CVs will not be accepted. Completed application forms must be returned by email to paul.boggs@mla.niassembly.gov.uk by the stated closing date and time.