SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

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

• Demonstrable research skills, to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics, and proven experience of policy briefing in a political/ public sector organisation
• Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing a range of different styles of document for different audiences, often within very short timescales; experience of producing information specifically for media work and/or briefings for media interviews; the ability to use a range of software and media.
• Experience of working directly with influential, high profile people in a pressured environment and in dealing with confidential/sensitive issues and documents; the ability to work in a politically complex organisation and apply political awareness.
• Knowledge and understanding of media handling techniques, including strategies, including designing and delivering an effective communications plan for an elected politician.
• Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

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.

PLEASE NOTE, ALL CANDIDATES WILL NEED TO CONFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS APPLICATION FORM IS TRUE AND CORRECT. SHOULD A CANDIDATE DELIBERATELY GIVE FALSE INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE USE OF AI SOFTWARE, THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WOULD DISQUALIFY THEM FROM CONSIDERATION.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role you will work as a part of our Press Office, working with our Group Manager and the Leader of the Labour Group to lead our media work. Task managing our Communications Officer and Digital Communications Officer, you’ll be in charge of media engagement to promote the work of the Assembly Members. That means strategising to consider our key messages, planning story ideas and overseeing the production of traditional and social media content.
This role is based at City Hall, in the Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROLE

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

This is a busy role that is a combination of proactive work to generate exciting media stories and reactive work to respond to breaking news stories. Your day might look something like:

• Leading a short catch-up meeting at the start of the day with the Communications Officer and Digital Communications Officer to go through the press grid and plan stories for the day ahead
• Meeting with Assembly Members to discuss their upcoming press ideas and developing plans to deliver them
• Editing local newspaper articles to ensure they are fit for purpose
• Talking to journalists to pitch upcoming story ideas and responding to requests for interviews/quotes

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

• Demonstrable research skills, to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics, and proven experience of policy briefing in a political/ public sector organisation
• Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing a range of different styles of document for different audiences, often within very short timescales; experience of producing information specifically for media work and/or briefings for media interviews; the ability to use a range of software and media.
• Experience of working directly with influential, high profile people in a pressured environment and in dealing with confidential/sensitive issues and documents; the ability to work in a politically complex organisation and apply political awareness.
• Knowledge and understanding of media handling techniques, including strategies, including designing and delivering an effective communications plan for an elected politician.
• Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents

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 outlined above in the advert