Convener Support Officer (Research) - City Chambers

Job Description

Corporate Services

Convener Support Officer (Research)
City Chambers

Salary: £32,010 - £37,626
Hours: 36 per week

There are 2 posts available - 1 permanent and 1 temporary for 6 months. Secondments will be considered. 

The Convener Support Officer will provide research and analysis to Executive Committee Conveners.

Proven experience of undertaking research and analysis is essential. A recognised relevant qualification at degree level is required (or equivalent relevant experience). Ability to understand and operate effectively within the political and governance framework is essential and requires political sensitivity and a recognition of wider departmental issues.

Ability to research across a broad policy framework and to analyse and communicate both inwriting and orally the required information to brief the convener or political group on context and implications of major policy issues. The post holder must demonstrate analytical, problem-solving skills and the ability to assimilate, summarise and effectively communicate information.

The post holder is required to respond effectively to changing demands, be resilient and capable of working under pressure managing conflicting and changing deadlines. The post will require creativity in solving a range of customer contact problems and issues. Proactively assessing and responding to correspondence and enquiries, utilising their initiative and knowledge of the policies, processes, procedures and requirements of the relevant Conveners or councillors.

The postholder must independently and proactively identity policy challenges and prepare briefings for the Conveners. Close working relationship with elected members and senior officers in directorates are essential. Collaborative working relationships to be developed with a diverse range of contacts including external partners and stakeholders.

The post will involve a wide range of topics and subjects and the post holder will be continually highlighting issues and advising the elected members on a course of action. Versatility and skills in analysis and writing are more important than subject knowledge. Requires sound judgement and ability to identify and focus on key issues as decisions taken can have serious consequences and reputational impact for the Council and the City.

Requirements

The Convener Support Officer will cover the research needs of the Conveners and coordinate activity with directorates as part of the political management, governance and decision-making processes of the Council. To provide specialist research and analysis across the broad remit of the Council, and with the policy leads of the directorates, ensure that the Conveners are fully briefed and prepared for committee meetings, external meetings with stakeholder and partners and other informal meetings.

Independently the post will identify issues of which the Convener should be aware and prepare briefing material for Conveners identifying the consequences and options to be taken in response. This requires an awareness of the broad economic, policy and political context and the ability to identify and communicate complex issues and creative responses.

As part of our goal to improve our organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure that we’re bringing the best people into our roles, not just in their skills and experience but also in their approach to work.

To help achieve this, we’re changing the way we interview and assess candidates by moving from a competency-based interview approach to a behavioural and technical (skills for the job) based approach. This new way of interviewing will allow us to assess how you think and how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

We're committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits that a diverse workforce with different values, beliefs, experience, and backgrounds brings to us as an organisation.

You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page Our Behaviours – The City of Edinburgh Council

Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range.

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