Research and Parliamentary Officer for Mark Ruskell MSP

Salary: £35,278 per annum

Hours: 30 hours per week. Please note, as part of the Scottish Greens Parliamentary Group, Mark operates a four-day working week, and 30 hours is full time.

Location: Hybrid role: Parliament and home working.

Contract: Permanent.

Mark Ruskell MSP is seeking an experienced researcher to join his team. In the role of Research and Parliamentary Officer, you will be responsible for supporting Mark’s Parliamentary work – from relevant parliamentary committees to support with legislation. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to lead impactful research projects and campaigns focused on Transport and Environment issues amongst others, and building positive working relationships with relevant stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of Mark Ruskell MSP in serving his constituents and shaping public policy.

Job Description

• 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
  • Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data and statistics.
    
    
• 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
    
    
• Organising diary commitments and preparing for all parliamentary activities
  
  
  • Coordinating Mark Ruskell’s parliamentary business, including committees
  • Producing relevant briefing papers and speeches and supporting with relevant legislation,
  • Communicating with parliamentary officials
  • Representing on my behalf as and when required
  • Identifying forthcoming events in turn promoting my work
  • Supporting with the delivery of parliamentary and regional events, including CPG administration
    
    
• Carrying out general office administration and acting as front of office for parliamentary enquiries
  
  
  • Responding to all incoming correspondence while professionally managing each enquiry within agreed timescales
  • Coordinating, tracking and monitoring the handling of enquiries and ensuring they are dealt with timely and professionally.
  • Drafting written correspondence such as letters, requests for information and parliamentary questions and motions.
  • Producing content for social media output.
    
    
• Maintaining office records and compliance with data protection
  
  
  • Maintaining filing system and managing records
  • Ensuring compliance with data protection and GDPR
  • Ensuring administrative and secretarial support is provided.

Job Requirements

• Experience of conducting public policy research or working in a policy or campaigns related role.
• Have an interest in Scottish politics and an understanding of how the Scottish Parliament works.
• Have excellent organisational skills while being flexible in prioritising workloads during busy times.
• Have excellent communication skills with accurate attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• 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.
• Be sympathetic to the aims and objectives of Mark in carrying out his parliamentary duties.

For any questions about the role please contact: [email protected]

To apply, click on "send CV" and upload your CV and supporting statement as one document. When you've clicked "send CV" use the text box to provide wording for the cover email. Your supporting statement should outline how you meet the requirements detailed above for this role. Applications that do not include a supporting statement may not be considered.  

If you are experiencing any issues with the applications process, please send your CV and supporting statement directly to: [email protected]         

Closing Date: Monday 25^th November 2024 at 9am.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 2^nd December.