Office
MSP Staff
Advertising Salary:
£33,063 - £34,742 pro rata

About The Role

Pauline McNeill MSP is looking for a Research Officer to join her team on a fixed term contract 

Salary: £33,063 - £34,742 pro rata 
Hours: 33.5 hours 
Location: based in Glasgow, some travel to Edinburgh and around Glasgow may be required 
Contract: Approximately 6 months as maternity cover 
 
Job Purpose: 

MSPs are employers in their own right. Under their employment, you will become part of a team supporting them in carrying out their duties. You'll work in a dynamic and fast paced environment to provide an outstanding service for constituents. 
 
Responsibilities:
 
Gathering and distributing valuable data that supports my activities.
  • Keeping your knowledge of policy areas and local issues up-to-date.
  • Carrying out research projects.
  • Obtaining and compiling relevant research documents from external bodies.
  • Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates.
  • Writing parliamentary questions for the chamber, including FMQs, and researching and writing speeches.
  • Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
  • Analysing legislation and suggesting amendments for Parliamentary Bills.
  • Researching and writing a proposal for a Private Member’s Bill.

Engaging with the wider research community to ensure I have access to (accurate and contemporary) data.
  • Collaborating with colleagues from different services areas across the Parliament.
  • Liaising with various external groups e.g. think-tanks, NGOs, other elected representatives.
  • Developing effective relationships with counterparts in other UK legislatures and wider research community.
  • Performing casework-related research and preparing responses where necessary.

Ensuring office is kept up-to-date with its relevant legislative and compliance obligations.
  • Ensuring all office research complies with data protection legislation and GDPR requirements.
  • Checking for any updates to compliance related legislation and communicating changes to colleagues.
  • Providing secretarial support to a cross-party group

About You

Requirements:

 
You will:
  • Be a quick learner with the ability to multitask and work within tight timescales.
  • Be a proactive problem solver with the motivation and resilience to adapt and deal with challenges.
  • Have skills in developing research networks and communicating complex information to others at various levels.
  • Have analytical skills with the ability to identify and investigate trends while interpreting data.
  • Have the creative flair and expertise to produce accurate and influential work. 

The Selection Process

Closing date: midnight on Thursday 28 September 2023  

To apply, click on “apply” to upload your CV and a Supporting Statement.  The supporting statement should be of no more than two pages and demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the role.   Candidates who fail to provide a supporting statement may not be considered for the role.