Alliance Party East Antrim Constituency Head of Operations
Job Specification and Job Description
The key attributes for the position are proven managerial and leadership effectiveness, enthusiasm and the ability to organise constituency business and possess appropriate gravitas to represent Stewart Dickson MLA. Sympathy and understanding of the aims and principles of the Alliance Party are essential.
Personnel Specification: E = Essential. D = Desirable.
Qualifications
Relevant third level qualification or appropriate experience (E)
Background and Experience
Management and leadership experience (E)Research and policy experience (E)Campaigning experience, political or otherwise (E)
Skills
Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work with a wide range of people (E)Excellent written and oral communication skills (E)Ability to manage, monitor, record and complete caseload (E)Ability to understand and act on direction (E)Computer skills (E)Research and policy skills (E)Previous Accounts experience (D)Online communication skills (D)Publishing skills (D)
Knowledge
Knowledge of the NI Assembly, devolved issues and current affairs (D)Knowledge of benefits, housing and similar issues (D)
Other
Ability and willingness to represent the aims and objectives of the Alliance Party (E)Flexibility with working hours and attendance at conferences etc (E)
Job Description
The person appointed to this position will head and lead the Alliance Party East Antrim Constituency Office (based in Carrickfergus), its staff, resources and facilities. He/she will also coordinate outreach locations in Jordanstown, Larne and at other locations within the constituency boundaries. The incumbent will not only work directly with Stewart Dickson MLA, but will be responsible for the line management of other constituency staff (full time, part time or voluntary), and for actioning and overseeing casework and other administrative functions, including campaigning.
The main responsibilities of the post are:
To represent the MLA to constituents, local groups, businesses and statutory bodies;To provide an outstanding service to constituents;To provide an extension of services across the wider constituency in the form out outreach services;To assist the MLA with constituency surgeries, surveys and outreach;To deal with day-to-day enquiries from members of the public; taking the appropriate initial action to document and resolve casework or escalate their concerns to the MLA;To action, oversee and manage the caseload, ensuring all casework is appropriately allocated and progressed;To provide research briefings and potential questions as required by the MLA, including speech drafting;To ensure the MLA’s diary/office diary is maintained.To manage office accounts;To work with other elected representatives throughout the constituency.
These are the main responsibilities/duties, however, when considered necessary and appropriate, other duties will need to be undertaken as reasonably required.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of government structures and the political system and to attend relevant training.
Responsible and reporting to: Stewart Dickson MLA.
Location: primarily based in the Constituency Office but operating in Parliament Buildings, Stormont as appropriate.
Salary: the salary range £20,000 – £22,000.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexibility required).
Holidays: 25 plus public holidays.
Duration: for the remainder of the four years of the current NI Assembly mandate and subject to a 6-month probationary period.
To apply forward a covering letter stating why you consider yourself a suitable candidate together with a CV to: Stewart Dickson MLA, Alliance Party Whip, Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3XX.
Closing date for applications is – 12:00 pm on Friday 19 Aug 2011.