Public Affairs Officer

Job Introduction

About Us

The Public Affairs Team is responsible for promoting the council's policy agenda with central government and ensuring the needs of Oxfordshire are high on the national political agenda, with the aim of influencing and securing policy change and investment. The function is also responsible for looking after the council's relationship with central government and Parliamentarians, including Oxfordshire's seven MPs.

As a new and still forming team, this is a fantastic time to join as you will have a real opportunity to help shape the council's influencing strategy.

About the Role

The Public Affairs Officer is a new role, where you will be will be working in a fast-paced environment to help deliver public affairs campaign activity and advocacy initiatives. Working to the Public Affairs Lead, the post holder will be responsible for delivering wide-ranging functions in support of the council's public affairs strategy, including writing regular briefings for some of our most high-level stakeholders including government ministers, civil servants and MPs; liaising with MPs and their offices; conducting research and political monitoring; and planning and delivering engagement activity including events and ministerial visits.

The team works flexibly, understanding that public affairs often requires travel to Westminster, Whitehall, and beyond. Therefore, the current expectations of this role is that you would work a minimum of one day a week from the office in Oxford. We are open to discussions about how to make this work best for the right candidate.

If you would like to ask any questions or have an informal conversation about this role, please contact Karina Russell, karina.russell@oxfordshire.gov.uk

About you

This role will suit someone with experience of working in a policy or public affairs environment, or a previous parliamentary role, with a detailed understanding of how national government and parliament operate. This will be a fast-paced role, with multiple competing priorities so the ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines is essential.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working
• 30 day's holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to 'buy' additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk