The Role
Post: Senior Public Affairs Officer
Salary: £43,736.00 per annum
Grade: FRS E
Salary range: £43,736.00 - £52,242.00 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: Wednesday 1st May at 16:00 GMT
London Fire Brigade is one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world and the busiest in the country. As an organisation we are committed to delivering our services in ways that best suit the needs of our communities.
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Public Affairs Officer to join our busy Communications team. Reporting into the Public Affairs Manager - campaigns, the post-holder will have a strong focus on ensuring that the Brigade’s policy positions and safety messages are communicated effectively in a range of external forums including correspondence, consultation responses and high-level briefings in order to help shape the legislative, regulatory and policy environment and make London safer.
Applicants should have at least 3-5 years experience of working in a large, complex organisation or political environment, and will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the UK’s political systems, parliamentary procedure and how policy is made. Applicants should also have an understanding of the political environment in London and the key issues facing fire and rescue services in the UK.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience of working with policy specialists to agree policy positions and solutions to problems identified, and how best to present these to decision-makers. The ability to write persuasively and with impact is an essential requirement in order to present highly complex issues to stakeholders, including non-expert groups.
The post-holder will also need excellent organisational skills to be able to manage their own projects and core work to very tight deadlines, as well as being able to respond quickly to new and unexpected events associated with working in a fast-paced political environment for a busy emergency service.
Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
Eligibility
This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates
Assessment Overview
Stage 1
Online application, CV and cover letter (sift). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to stage 2.
To apply, please complete the online application, provide a cover letter clearly outlining the relevant experience, skills and knowledge you have to successfully perform this role (see the highlighted areas on job description below) and upload a copy of your up-to-date CV.
Please note that we will review and score the cover letter based against the competencies highlighted in the selection criteria section of the job description. The CV is for information purposes only and will not be marked.
Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.
Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.
Stage 2
Assessment for this role is due to take place Mid May and will involve a pre-prepared presentation, a written exercise and Interview. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.
Please note: Should you be shortlisted you may need to be able to conduct an interview over Microsoft Teams (a video conferencing service). You will be asked to provide relevant contact details for that to take place if shortlisted.
Additional Information
Benefits of working for LFB
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Option Absence Scheme (which can result in an additional 12 days annual leave for staff at this grade)
• Flexible working including job share
• Welfare Scheme
• Use of Brigade Medical Adviser/physios
• Season ticket loans
• Equality Support Groups
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation
In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.
Please note that this post is classified as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This means that, among other things, the post-holder cannot stand for election to a range of public bodies, act as an election agent for candidates for such elections, canvass on behalf of a candidate or a political party or speak in public, (or publish material), in apparent support of a political party. Any candidate currently holding such a position must explain how they would expect to deal with this, if appointed, in their application.
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