Senior Policy Officer – Skills & Employment

at  Greater London Authority

KEY INFORMATION

Salary: £51,029 per annum
Grade: 8
Contract type: Permanent, Fixed Term
Reference: 047052
Contract details: 1 x Permanent and 1 x FTC for 12 months
Interview date: 11-12 December 2024
Application closing date: Sun, 24/11/2024 - 23:59

COMMUNITIES & SKILLS

Collaborative, open, inclusive and fair - we work with and through partners to ensure Londoners can shape healthy, empowered and productive lives. Communities and Skills is led by Executive Director, Tunde Olayinka and is comprised of the following units: Civil Society & Sport, Communities & Social Policy, Group Public Health Unit, Skills and Employment, and Health, Children and Young Londoners.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in contributing to policy and/ or strategy development within a political context.
• A successful track record in using research and analysis to inform policy and strategy development, a good knowledge of skills and employment policy and delivery.
• Experience in project management, monitoring and reporting.
• A successful track record in working with a range of stakeholders, building and managing relationships; and working in a complex organisational or political environment.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.
Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in contributing to policy and/ or strategy development within a political context.
• A successful track record in using research and analysis to inform policy and strategy development, a good knowledge of skills and employment policy and delivery.
• Experience in project management, monitoring and reporting.
• A successful track record in working with a range of stakeholders, building and managing relationships; and working in a complex organisational or political environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for two Senior Policy Officers (1x permanent and 1x 12-month FTC) to join the Greater London Authority’s Skills and Employment Unit’s Strategy, Policy and Relationships team. The team manages strategy, policy and governance arrangements within the GLA’s skills and employment unit, which runs a range of flagship programmes to deliver high quality adult education in London.
You will join a dedicated team of officers with a range of responsibilities, including strategy planning, policy development, commissioning of research, communications, governance and stakeholder engagement. You will play a vital role in supporting the team’s delivery of London’s Adult Skills Fund and other devolved skills programmes, as well as contributing to the development of skills and adult education policy in line with the Mayor’s London Growth Plan, supporting inclusive growth and the health and wellbeing of Londoners.
We are looking for someone who can effectively work with a range of stakeholders, has experience of policy development, can communicate complex issues, and inspire action. You will be responsible for proactively managing stakeholder relationships, commissioning research, and contributing to policy and programme development and implementation. Your enthusiasm, organisation, and motivation will be invaluable in this exciting and varied role.
This role is based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROLE

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager, Beth Wheaton, would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at beth.wheaton@london.gov.uk
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Contribute to the policy development on post-16 skills and employment policy in London, including the Adult Skills Fund and Community Outreach Programmes, that will help to realise the Mayor’s manifesto commitments relating to skills and employment.
• Contribute to the policy development and delivery of the Skills and Employment Unit’s community and employer engagement programmes.
• Undertake and/ or commission research and analysis on skills and employment policy to help inform and implement priorities within the Mayor’s Skills Strategy, the Adult Skills Fund, and wider mayoral priorities.
• Support research and policy development to help inform the rationale and evidence to make the case for wider skills devolution including basic skills.
• Establish, develop, and maintain good working relationships within and outside the Authority, including government (Department for Education, Department for Works and Pension), relevant government departments and agencies, the boroughs, sub regional partnerships, adult education providers, community organisations, business representative organisations and numeracy organisations.
• Work with relevant community organisations and representative bodies to ensure skills and employment programmes are effectively reaching Londoners most in need.
• Coordinate the delivery of stakeholder engagement and contribute and support communications and marketing activities across the Skills and Employment Unit, in accordance with the GLA’s marketing, brand and digital guidelines.
• Provide high quality written and oral briefings, policy advice and reports for the Mayor and his advisors, the London Assembly, GLA staff, government departments and London and national organisations, to include:a. drafting timely responses to Mayoral questions and correspondenceb. drafting timely responses to letters and questions from the London Assemblyc. providing concise briefings and responses to questionsd. providing meeting management and secretariat functions for key meetingse. representing the GLA at external events and meetings
• Manage resources allocated to the job in accordance with the GLA’s policies and standards.
• Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
• Carry out all roles allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.
• Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience in contributing to policy and/ or strategy development within a political context.
• A successful track record in using research and analysis to inform policy and strategy development, a good knowledge of skills and employment policy and delivery.
• Experience in project management, monitoring and reporting.
• A successful track record in working with a range of stakeholders, building and managing relationships; and working in a complex organisational or political environment

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria and competencies outlined in the advert

The following competencies are also relevant to the role and may be tested at interview stage:

• Research and Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Strategic Thinkin