Senior Parliamentary Assistant (full time – £36,575; permanent)

James Murray is looking for Senior Parliamentary Assistant to support his work in Westminster, including his parliamentary business, media work, meetings with stakeholders, and correspondence with constituents and organisations about policy matters.

The full-time role will be based primarily at Westminster (virtual during covid), with some work possible in the evenings and weekends, and in the constituency. We would like to particularly encourage applications from disabled candidates and Black and minority ethnic candidates.

Key responsibilities

• Support the MP with ongoing projects in parliament and the constituency
• Maintain and utilise knowledge of relevant legislation, including impact on the local constituency
• Manage the diary and email inbox
• Keep up to date with the priorities and views of other politicians, trade unions, constituency stakeholders, and others relevant to the MP’s work
• Work with other members of the team to draft responses to policy enquiries from constituents
• Draft or prepare notes for speeches, committees, parliamentary questions, articles, and press releases
• Liaise with parliamentary authorities
• Ensure accurate personnel records of the team are kept
• Research and monitor local, regional and national media coverage online and through social media and brief the MP on relevant issues
• Research local, regional or national issues to support the MP’s work
• To advise and ensure the MP is fully briefed on potential questions and motions to be put to the House
• Undertake supervisory responsibility of other members of the team as required

Skills and qualities

• Sound political judgement and in interest in a broad range of issues
• Organised, eye for detail, ability to delegate and work independently
• An excellent understanding of the British political system
• Sympathetic to the aims and objectives of the Labour Party

Senior Policy Researcher (£14,630 for two days/ week – full time equivalent £36,575; six month fixed term, with possibility of extension)

James Murray is looking for Senior Policy Researcher to support his work across a range of policy issues that affect his constituency and his work in Parliament, including those he leads on as the Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury. As a part-time role, it may be well suited to someone with another part-time job or in academic research.

The role will be two days a week (likely Mondays and Tuesdays, subject to discussion) and based primarily at Westminster (virtual during covid), with some work possible in the evenings and weekends. We would like to encourage applications from all candidates, including particularly disabled candidates and Black and minority ethnic candidates.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out in-depth research into areas relevant to the MP and his constituency
• Carry out analysis and research to support MP’s work as a member of shadow Treasury team
• Establish and develop appropriate strategies around research development
• Lead on project work as required
• Maintain and utilise knowledge of relevant legislation, including impact on the local constituency and the MP’s parliamentary priorities
• Produce and present high-quality written reports, briefing notes, and advice
• Undertake research on relevant subjects as directed

Skills and qualities

• Ability to work independently to a schedule
• An interest in a broad range of issues, including the economy and taxation
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and source-checking in all written work
• A good understanding of the British political system and policy landscape
• Sympathetic to the aims and objectives of the Labour Party

Closing Date: 14 March 2021

Interview/Start Dates

Applications close midnight on 14 March. Interviews expected 18/19 March. Start as soon as possible.

Application Details

Please send a CV (max. two sides) and cover letter (max. one side) to lauren.parker@parliament.uk