Interim Public & External Affairs Manager

at  Essex County Council

CLOSING DATE: MONDAY 8TH JULY 2024

The Opportunity
The borough of Basildon is alive with opportunity and has the ingredients to be one of the most successful and desirable places in the South East. As the largest economy in the Thames Estuary outside London, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved but we are never complacent. We are driving inclusive, sustainable growth to provide opportunity and prosperity for local people and businesses, access to quality homes, vibrant town centres and an enhanced local environment.
We are looking for additional support in Basildon Council’s leader office to offer public affairs expertise to the leader and cabinet members.
Basildon Council enters a new era, and with the prospect of a labour national government becoming more likely, we seek to position ourselves with government and associated stakeholders, so that the residents of our borough prosper. We seek someone to help us navigate the corridors of influence; building relationships; and enabling our newly elected councillors to hone their skills in public affairs.
This is an assignment for an experienced communicator in the public sector, with a background giving specialist advice to senior politicians. You will enable stakeholder relations, coach Members and officers, grow our network of influence, and coordinate a detailed forward plan of communications activity.
You will help us to develop stakeholder maps, tracking opportunities for us to influence and make our voice heard with key government, and partner organisations including South Essex Councils, District Councils Network and the LGA.
You will work closely with the Communications team and other key council officers. However, you’ll spend just as much time with partners, existing and prospective stakeholders and working directly with the leader and cabinet members.
This isn’t a traditional comm’s/public affairs role, and Basildon isn’t a traditional district borough. We want someone who will help us make the most of this new era in local and national politics. Whilst this is not a political role, we seek someone with the acumen and experience to navigate party political environments. We do not seek anyone of a particular political affiliation, and this role will be engaged on standard contract for service terms.
The assignment will require between one-five working days a week and is offered initially on a six month contract for services.
The post will be able to work in a hybrid environment and specialist equipment to enable this will be provided. There is an expectation of onsite attendance in the office for direct report meetings and of course at Westminster!
If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, we look forward to receiving your application.
Please see attached the Job Description and Person Specification .
Please attach your CV and Covering letter detailing how you meet each of the requirements of the Person Specification, including providing suitable examples to support each of the competencies.
Why choose Basildon Council?
Basildon Borough Council is one of the largest local authorities in the East of England region and serves a population of approximately 172,000 people. The town of Basildon is regarded as a key economic hub with the main areas of employment being engineering, research and development, distribution and financial services. Basildon is also the second biggest economy in the Thames Gateway, outside of Canary Wharf.
Working for Basildon Borough Council means making a practical and positive difference to the lives of people living and working in the Borough and provides a fulfilling career.
Each of our employees - whatever job role they are undertaking - can feel motivated by having a unique opportunity to use their skills to make Basildon a better place to live. Whether it is conserving our countryside, by regenerating our Borough, by housing our residents or by collecting the refuse on time.
Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council.
Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.
The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email Ashleigh.Ryan@essex.gov.uk or Curve.Resourcing@essex.gov.uk

Please refer the Job description for details