South Scotland Regional MSP Colin Smyth is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join his team as a full-time Researcher, based primarily within the Scottish Parliament.

Job Role
To provide rapid, accurate and detailed research on a wide range of devolved policy issues to deliver written and oral briefings as required, along with proactively engaging internal and external expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities
-Preparing and delivering regular briefings and updates for the MSP to assist them in the preparation of speeches and Parliamentary Questions.
-Drafting letters to interest groups and to constituents in response to policy inquiries, as required;
-Maintaining the highest standards of accuracy in your own work;
-Obtaining, understanding, analysing, presenting and communicating the required information and statistics.  This will sometimes require rapid familiarisation with new subject areas;
-Liaising with other elected representatives in the region and beyond and with other colleagues in the Scottish Parliament and elsewhere;
-Liaising with think-tanks, NGOs and other external groups;
-; Other duties in support of the MSP carrying out their parliamentary duties as required;
-; Supervising/line managing staff as appropriate.

Skills and experience
-Essential
-; Excellent research and writing skills reflecting attention to detail
-; Good communication and people skills
-; Politically aware
-; Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
-; Be a team player but able to lead on some tasks and work very much to their own initiative
-; A working knowledge of standard office practices and computer packages such as MS Office

-; Desirable
-; A relevant degree
-; Prior research experience
-; Knowledge of Scottish Politics
-; A full UK driving license would be beneficial

Salary will be between £22,777 and £29,447 based on skills/experience

Applicants should send their CV along with a cover letter, using the subject “Application -; Researcher”, to colin.smyth.msp@parliament.scot and cc it to fiona.rae@parliament.scot.

Interview
Expected to be held mid-August in Edinburgh or Dumfries -; although we will try to be flexible if necessary.

Expiry/Closing date
5pm on Monday 31 July 2017

To apply please see: http://www.mspjobs.scot/job/colin-smyth-msp-holyrood-edinburgh-3-researcher/

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