Policy officer

About the role Strategy and Communications Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation-wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities. The work of the directorate rsquo;s teams includes delivering major events; designing and leading public affairs and marketing campaigns; providing data, evidence and analysis; leading cross-organisational programmes; and making sure we plan for, and can respond, to emerging events and emergencies in our city. About the team This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team that is responsible for supporting the Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience in their oversight of London Fire Brigade (LFB); and for coordinating and contributing to a wide array of policies relating to Londoners rsquo; safety. You will have the opportunity to develop relationships across the GLA and LFB. You will also gain insight into the operations of one of the world rsquo;s busiest fire services; and explore how these operations intersect with other parts of the GLA. LFB, and the fire sector as a whole, is undergoing significant and wide-ranging transformation ndash; meaning this opportunity comes at a pivotal moment. LFB is in the process of responding to the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and inspections from His Majesty #39;s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Rescue Services. As it makes improvements to its culture, it is critical that LFB is properly supported in navigating this change. More widely, LFB is working to meet new and ongoing challenges posed by climate change, new technologies, and London #39;s complex built environment. About the role This role is part of an exciting team expansion. It represents an opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the development of the team and its work programme. The successful candidate will have excellent policy development, research and evaluation skills. Previous experience working in fire policy is not necessary, as the role does not require specialist knowledge of this area. You will support a wide-ranging portfolio of work relating to the oversight and assurance of LFB and wider fire policy. This includes supporting the statutory Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience in their decision-making and oversight role, and in policy and strategy development. Working alongside the team rsquo;s Strategy and Performance Advisers, its Policy and Stakeholder Adviser, and colleagues from across the GLA and LFB, you will contribute to work that supports oversight of LFB and policy development. This includes undertaking research, drafting briefings and reports, and managing projects such as events and workshops. Your work, while focused on fire, will relate to various policy areas related to London rsquo;s safety. These may include, for example, how climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires; or how to store and charge e-bikes safely to support sustainable travel. What your day will look like * Working with senior members of the fire team and other GLA teams; and assisting with the development, implementation, review and evaluation of policy, strategies and decisions. * Managing smaller projects and helping coordinate the delivery of larger projects with other agencies, where required, to ensure that deadlines are met, and key issues of concern to the Mayor are identified and addressed. * Providing analysis on policy information, research and legislation. * Contributing to written reports and briefings for the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and senior GLA officers and managers; and to consultation responses and letters for government and other relevant stakeholders. * Working with officers and managers across the GLA, LFB and other relevant agencies to enable efficient management of information; and to participate in cross-organisational working. * Supporting the Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience at meetings with key stakeholders, including senior GLA officers, LFB, the government and parliamentarians. * Representing the Fire team at external events and in wider GLA activities. Skills, knowledge and experience * An ability to analyse and interpret complex issues in relation to their political, social, environmental and economic impacts. * An understanding of the requirements of working in a sensitive political environment. * Knowledge of public policy relating to local government or emergency services is desirable but not essential. How to apply If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following: * Up to date CV * Personal Statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria and person specification outlined in the advert. Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement to the lsquo;Additional Documents rsquo; section of the form. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and personal statement documents are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. ldquo;CV ndash; applicant name - (phone number removed)) Please note, if you do not provide both a CV and a personal statement, you will not be considered for the role so please ensure the above has been submitted before the deadline