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Parliamentary Policy and Research Lead for Kate Nevens MSP

Salary: £40,000 full-time equivalent (£30,000 pro rata for 22.5 hours per week)
Location: Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Hours: Part Time, 22.5 hours (3 days per week), 0.75 FTE
Holiday entitlement: 32 days per annum FTE

The Scottish Green Group operates a 30-hour, four-day full-time working week with no reduction in pay. This role is 22.5 hours per week (0.75 FTE). We welcome applications for job shares and will consider hybrid working arrangements.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose backgrounds may be under-represented in politics, for example, trans applicants, applicants from racialised or migrant communities and disabled applicants.  

Working for a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)

MSPs are employers in their own right. Under their employment, you will become part of a team supporting them in carrying out their duties. You'll work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment to provide an outstanding service to the team and in turn, the constituents Kate represents.

Purpose of this role

You will play a lead role within the office of Kate Nevens MSP, leading on research, policy and strategy across Kate's national portfolio of Equalities and International Development and her wider parliamentary responsibilities. You will also support the smooth running of Kate's office, including line managing the Parliamentary Officer. This role will require a high degree of flexibility and will involve working closely with Kate Nevens MSP, her team, regional colleagues and the wider Scottish Green Group in Parliament.

Responsibilities

  • Leading on Kate’s Parliamentary strategy, including monitoring political, legislative and policy developments across Kate’s portfolio and interest areas, and identifying strategic opportunities within the parliamentary week and in the longer-term;
  • Leading in-depth research on key issues within Kate's portfolio, including producing briefings, policy position documents and speeches, and assisting Kate with legislation e.g. in the form of interpreting and drafting amendments; advising on voting intentions, or supporting the development of a Member’s Bill.
  • Drafting and lodging parliamentary questions and motions, preparing correspondence to Government Ministers and wider decision-makers, and drafting responses to policy enquiries and campaigning emails;
  • Building relationships with key stakeholders, including charities, trade unions, community organisations, lived-experience groups and elected representatives, and organising and attending meetings, roundtables and policy events.
  • Working collaboratively across Kate’s office to align parliamentary, regional and casework priorities, and collaborating with Scottish Green Group colleagues on legislation, budget scrutiny, media work and wider parliamentary strategy
  • Providing line management to the Parliamentary Officer and working with the Regional Lead to establish effective team processes, staff wellbeing practices, and learning and development opportunities.
  • Supporting office administration and financial processes as required, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection requirements, maintaining records, and managing the Office Costs budget.

Requirements

Essential

  • Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and accurately, and a high level attention to detail;
  • Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing high-quality policy briefings, reports, speeches or other written materials;
  • Experience leading projects, programmes or policy work and working collaboratively as part of a small team;
  • Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
  • Good understanding of the Scottish political landscape, parliamentary processes and public policy and a demonstrable interest in Kate’s portfolio areas
  • A collaborative approach, willingness to support colleagues across the team, and commitment to Kate's values and parliamentary priorities

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Kate’s portfolio areas including but not limited to migrant and racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, gender equality and international development.
  • Understanding of participatory, intersectional, and anti-oppression approaches to research and engagement
  • Experience producing policy, research or other written materials collaboratively.
  • Budget management experience
  • Experience line managing staff or supporting the development of colleagues.

How to apply

To apply visit the Scottish Parliament jobs portal and click “Apply Online”. Your application must include:

  • A CV (maximum 2 pages)
  • A supporting statement (maximum 2 pages)

Please upload your CV and supporting statement as a single document. Please note that the system does not allow you to upload your supporting statement separately.  Applications that do not include a supporting statement will not be considered.   

In your supporting statement, explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, drawing on examples from employment, volunteering and other relevant experience. Please provide:

  • An example of a piece of policy or research that you led
  • An example of using evidence or research to inform a decision or influence change.
  • An example of building impactful relationships with stakeholders.
  • An example of leading collaboratively

Your CV should include two references and their contact details – referees will only be contacted if a provisional job offer is made and accepted.

We would be grateful if applicants refrain from using generative AI for their applications as we would like to evaluate your original communication skills and understand your personal interest in the role.

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas for this role

For any questions about the role please contact: Kate.Nevens.msp@parliament.scot

Closing Date: Thursday 6th of August at 11.59pm

Interviews to take place: Tuesday 25th of August  – please indicate that you will be available for an in-person interview at the Scottish Parliament on this date. Provision can be made for an online interview if travel is not possible.