Deputy Head of Policy - Northern Ireland (NI)

Job Description

FSB seeks a research or policy professional to assist in driving the NI operation, ensuring the interests of FSB members are represented to all layers of government and scrutiny.What will you doThis role requires someone with judgement, who displays a strong work ethic and passion for their subject, and who knows that great results only come about by working as a team. The successful candidate will:

• Research, using primary and secondary methods to gather evidence and form recommendations that help SMEs thrive in NI
• Act as an advisor on key policy issues and represent FSB on external groups, bodies and forums
• Support the wider NI team to lobby and advocate FSB policy to key stakeholders including Ministers, politicians, civil servants, representative bodies and the wider policy community
• Produce briefings and articles for both internal/external publication.

Who are we looking for

• You will be a highly motivated, curious, team-player who is keen to build relationships and achieve results
• You will have demonstrable experience which could be in one of the following: A policy/research post in a political party, Civil Service, NI Assembly, academia or think tank
• You will have a thorough knowledge of the political processes and systems of NI Local Government, the NI Assembly and central Government
• You will have excellent oral/written/presentation skills, the ability to carry out survey work using qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Job details

• This role is primarily based in our Belfast office with some flexibility around home working on an ad hoc basis.
• 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday, with activity also undertaken outside these hours
• 33 paid holidays per year including bank holidays

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, youll also benefit from:

• An annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
• Group Personal Pension (GPP)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Health cash plan*
• Critical illness and income protection insurance*
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders

*Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to termsHow to applyAll applications to be received by 09.00 on Monday 20 February 2023. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 3 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.Who are weEstablished nearly 50 years ago to help smaller businesses and self-employed people achieve their ambitions, FSB is a not-for-profit organisation that is run by members, for members.Members get an exclusive package of great value business services including advice, financial products and support. These cover a wide range of needs such as tax, legal and HR, local network groups and business banking.FSB is the UKs leading business campaigning organisation, focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to succeed and grow. With teams across the UK, we work with governments, elected members and decision-makers to make real change happen.During the COVID-19 pandemic, FSB campaigned on numerous issues that affected our members, not least ensuring that as much government support as possible was put in place, as quickly as possible, for as many members as possible affected by the Coronaviruspandemic. At the same time, we created and delivered resources and tools to help members with their survival and opportunities for new growth in the midst of a very different world.In Northern Ireland, as well as intensive engagement with all of the main political parties on core business policies, FSB has been a leading advocate at the highest levels within the UK Government and the EU regarding the operation and challenges associatedwith the Northern Ireland Protocol. We conduct critical analysis of the Protocol and proposals for its revision, understanding how its application affects our members, and developing options for the improvement of its operation.Additional information All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity,religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department.Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the advertised closing date if a high number of applications are received. If applicants are successful in being shortlisted for interview they will be contacted by email.

Keyskills :
Communication SkillsPolicyPoliticalStakeholder Management