Parliamentary Assistant

An opportunity has arisen to join my team as a Parliamentary Assistant.

The  role is primarily based in my Bristol office but please note, during the Covid-19 outbreak, the role will be based remotely from home and involve a high level of autonomous working.

I’m looking for a candidate with excellent communication and writing abilities, an understanding of current political issues, and an interest in relevant policy areas. Whilst all members of my team are expected to be flexible and cover all policy areas as required, this post is likely to include a focus on the work of the following Government departments: Health, Work and Pensions, Justice, Home Affairs, Women & Equalities, and may also include taking up individual casework within these areas.

The post is full time and is offered for a fixed term period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Salary: In line with IPSA pay scales, starting at £23,839.

Duties will include:

• Undertake research on relevant subjects as directed
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure I’m accurately informed on key issues.
• Develop and maintain current knowledge on relevant areas of parliamentary business including Motions, legislation, Hansard, debates etc.
• Monitor local, regional and national media coverage and brief me on relevant issues.
• Progress casework as required.
• Give advice on policy issues.
• Respond to routine correspondence and enquires.
• Project management.
• Prepare and present briefing notes for committees, press releases, parliamentary questions etc.
• Assist with casework as required.
• Engage confidentially, professionally, with care and integrity with members of the public, through telephone enquiries, social media, email and face to face.
• Have working knowledge of relevant legislation and upcoming business including how they might affect the constituency.
• Assist in writing communications including speeches.
• Help draft amendments for reports and prepare briefing material.

Skills required:

A good working knowledge or understanding of relevant policy areas and of local issues in the constituency is desirable. The successful candidate will demonstrate their enthusiasm to play a key role in a hardworking team supporting me in my constituency work.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a written task as part of the interview process.7

Applications:

The application deadline is 5pm, Friday 12^th February, 2021.

Interviews will take place via Zoom on Friday 19^th February 2021.

Start date to be agreed.

Please send an email with the subject line “Parliamentary Assistant application” to Kerry.mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk attaching a CV and a covering letter.

I value inclusivity and diversity and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO). See Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO) page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.

Employed Intern

I am also seeking  an Employed Intern who will be based at my Westminster office (Please note that during whilst restrictions are in place, the role will be based remotely from home and involve a high level of autonomous working.)

The role involves working almost exclusively on environmental issues, including climate change, marine, food and farming, as well as animal welfare.

The post is part-time (2 days per week) and is offered for a fixed term period of 6 months to end at the start of Summer recess.

Salary: £15,990 pro rata – in line with IPSA pay scales (London Area).

Duties will include:

• Assist on projects
• Assist with diary management
• Assist/learn how to manage casework
• Assist/learn how to monitor media coverage
• Basic administrative support
• Attend surgeries and other meetings as part of training
• Learn how to analyse and interpret data
• Learning/assisting in appropriate research
• Learning/assisting in drafting responses to constituents
• Open, handle and action email, post and social media enquiries

Skills required:

Candidates must be able to demonstrate an interest in, and understanding of, some or all of the relevant topics, for example, through relevant studies, volunteering or work experience.

Closing Date:   5pm Friday 12^th February, 2021.

Interview date tbc.

Start date to be agreed.

 Application Details:

Please send an email with the subject line “Employed Intern application” to Kerry.mccarthy.mp@parliament.uk attaching a CV and a covering letter.

Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a written task as part of the interview process.