Leader's Office Parliamentary Political Advisor

Job Title: Leader’s Office Parliamentary Political Adviser

Responsible to: Chief of Staff

Hours: Full Time (40 per week)

Salary: £34,000 - £38,000

Tenure: Permanent

Location: Parliament/Liberal Democrat Head Office

Closing Date: N/A - Advert will remain open until the role is filled.

Purpose of the job

The Liberal Democrats reclaimed our place as the third largest party in the House of Commons, winning an incredible 72 seats in the 2024 General Election. Ed Davey has led the party through historic victories, set the Liberal Democrats up as the largest third party in 100 years and is the most popular leader in British politics. Now, there is an exciting opportunity to join his team at the heart of a movement that is simultaneously holding the Government to account whilst taking on the rise of populism. The Parliamentary Political Adviser is situated in the Liberal Democrats’ Leader’s Office, working closely with the Party Leader, Whips Office and other key party figures.

Working across both Parliament and Liberal Democrat HQ, this is a unique post that would suit an enthusiastic individual who is looking to hone their high-level political skills. You will be directly responsible for coordinating the Leader’s parliamentary activities and managing parliamentary campaigns and projects.

We are looking for someone who is organised, skilled at multitasking and has excellent political judgement. Strong written communication skills are key, as you will be drafting speeches, articles and scripts on behalf of the Leader - often on tight deadlines.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic office, and join a winning team and a powerful movement.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting the Leader in Parliament, includes (but is not limited to):

• Oversees the Leader’s parliamentary activities, which includes drafting and tabling parliamentary questions and Early Day Motions; managing the Leader’s activities with All-Party Parliamentary Groups; and arranging for the Leader to speak in parliamentary debates.
• Provides advice to the Leader’s Office on how best to use parliamentary interventions in support of political and campaign objectives.
• Manages the Leader’s Correspondence team, overseeing all correspondence the Leader receives and drafting and signing off responses where necessary. Line-manages one permanent member of staff in this role.
• Provides research and communications support for the Leader by drafting articles, speeches and scripts on his behalf.
• Builds relationships and liaises with internal and external groups on behalf of the Leader.
• Providing efficient and effective ad hoc support to the Leader and his team on a wide variety of tasks and projects.

Person Specification:

We are looking for a candidate with excellent communication and research skills, a strong understanding of the British political system and parliamentary procedures and the policies of the Liberal Democrats.

The ideal candidate is someone who is organised, able to work under pressure, skilled at multitasking and has excellent political judgement. Strong written communication skills are key, as you will be drafting speeches, articles and scripts on behalf of the Leader - often on tight deadlines.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Excellent written communication skills
• Sound political judgement
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changeable environment
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Good time management and the ability to prioritise effectively and to work on competing projects with tight deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Discretion
• A strong understanding of the British political system, parliamentary procedures and the policies of the Liberal Democrats

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience working in Parliament or politics
• Experience of management, including remote management
• Project management experience
• A drivers licence

Starting date: ASAP

How to apply:

To apply, please send the below to recruitment@libdems.org.uk

1. A copy of your CV, including complete work history
2. A covering letter, no more than one A4 page in length, indicating clearly how your experience and skills meet the criteria stated in the job, key responsibilities, and person specification (please put your name on the top of the letter), and;
3. A completed diversity monitoring form (linked).

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

Please let us have details of your current salary and two referees including one from your current employer – if you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know.

We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at shortlisting stage.

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.