Closing Date – Friday 2^nd November, 5pm

£27,000 to £30,500 pro rata (Position is part-time 4 days per week, Monday to Thursday)

This is a permanent position subject to satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central and Shadow Minister for Exiting the European Union, is seeking a part-time Parliamentary Assistant (Monday to Thursday) in his busy Westminster Office to support him in his parliamentary and shadow ministerial work.

Main Responsibilities

• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure Member is accurately informed on key issues
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of bills, Early Day Motions, legislation, Hansard, debates etc
• Ensure the Member is fully briefed on potential questions and motions to be put to the House
• Give advice on policy issues
• Monitor media coverage and brief the Member on relevant issues
• Prepare and present briefing notes for committees, press releases, parliamentary questions etc.
• Progress casework as required
• Project Work
• Provide generalist admin support
• Respond to routine correspondence and enquiries
• Undertake research, usually from readily available sources, on straightforward subjects

Person Specification

• A working knowledge of parliament and current affairs with good political judgement
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal along with strong research and analytical skills with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to work effectively as part of a wider team as well as the ability to work independently without supervision
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines under pressure
• Key IT skills including use of the Microsoft Office suite and knowledge of social media and basic website knowledge
• Demonstrable commitment to Labour Party values

The successful applicant will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO) in the Houses of Parliament.

A covering letter outlining the reasons why you believe you are suitable for the position along with a CV of no more than two sides of A4 should be sent to jason.read@parliament.uk with the subject line – ‘First Name, Surname – Parliamentary Assistant Vacancy’.

Please also enclose the contact details (incl. tel no) for two people (including your current or most recent employer) who can provide a reference.  References will not be taken up until after the interview date.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 13^th November in Westminster.