Parliamentary Assistant / Researcher

Mr Thomas is seeking a full-time (37.5 hours) Parliamentary Assistant to work in his Westminster office. The role would suit a highly organised, energetic graduate with a strong interest in local and national politics and policy. The role will involve occasional travel to the constituency and the ability to drive would therefore be a benefit.

Key responsibilities (non-exhaustive):

• Develop and maintain an up-to-date knowledge on relevant areas of parliamentary business including Parliamentary Questions, Motions, legislation, Hansard and debates
• Accrue a working knowledge of relevant legislation and upcoming business including how these might impact on the constituency
• Draft and send the MP's correspondence in response to policy queries from constituents
• Undertake research projects on relevant subjects as directed, including in relation to Mr Thomas’ ESNZ Committee and shadow role
• Assist in writing external communications, including speeches
• Attend and participate in meetings as appropriate
• Drafting of briefings, meeting notes and appropriate submissions
• Occasional cover for colleagues, including diary, inbox and file management, ensuring the office complies with data protection law throughout
• Work with the Office Manager, Caseworker and Constituency Communications Manager to identify potential impacts from research work and disseminate them effectively, and in reverse feed constituents’ concerns into policy formation
• There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours and travel for work occasionally

Ideal skills & experience:

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• An interest in politics and current affairs and the ability to discuss these with confidence
• An understanding of the principles of Conservative government and of the Party’s values and aims
• Good communication and excellent research skills, with an ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced office environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and able to work to tight deadlines
• Capable of triaging and resolving large workloads at times
• Compassionate, proactive and willing to help
• An ability to work effectively as part of a small team but also independently when required