Strategy and Policy Officer

Description

The starting salary for this role is £40,296 per annum based on a 36-hour week. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity. Do you enjoy variety and making sense of abstract challenges? Have a proven track record of supporting innovative strategies in dynamic environments? Get your energy from working together with internal and external stakeholders to progress shared goals?We are excited to be hiring a new Strategy and Policy Officer  to join our fantastic Corporate Strategy and Policy Team team. We're happy to talk about flexible working, including part-time and job share arrangements.Your administrative base will be Woodhatch Place in Reigate although as a team we support hybrid working , which for us is a combination of working from home and across different Surrey offices. We tend to come into the office two days a week, with occasional requirements to attend other offices. Rewards and Benefits

26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service

Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave

An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing

Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year

Paternity, adoption and dependents leave

A generous local government salary related pension

Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more

2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year

Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team Here at Surrey, our ultimate ambition is that no-one is left behind. This means we help those Surrey residents who need us the most, and improving quality of life for everyone.This is our guiding mission. As a council, we have undergone significant transformation in recent years. We have ambitious plans to continue transforming our services so we can deliver on our priority objectives to grow a sustainable economy, tackle health inequalities, empower our communities, and ensure a greener future.The CSP Team is situated at the heart of the council and our mission is to lead thinking and stimulate collective action to enable delivery of the council's and residents' ambitions for Surrey. We add value and expertise around corporate strategy and strategic planning, policy analysis, design and development, strategic risk management and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. We work in collaboration with colleagues across the Council, and manage many of the council's relationships and advocacy with external partners at a local, regional and national level.Find out more about us on TikTok: . About the Role You will play a role in shaping the council's future; helping to set its strategic direction, and designing innovative new approaches to assist services in delivering on the council's ambitions more efficiently and effectively. You can expect to help develop key council strategies, and work in diverse policy areas to support recommendations, proposals and solutions to delivery problems. You will help to craft evidence-led policies and strategies that provide value for money and improve outcomes for residents and the community. You will also research, identify and analyse emerging issues and requirements locally, regionally and nationally that will have an impact on the council, partners and residents. You will provide policy advice and briefings to the senior officer and political leadership; using a solid understanding of the local and national policy agenda, as well as perspective on potential implications for the council, partners and residents. In return, the work of the Corporate Strategy and Policy team promises plenty of autonomy, collaborative working, and personal stretch aligned to individual development goals. The post holder will grow new skills that engage strategy and policy at a local, regional and national level. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

A creative problem-solver, ready to generate new ideas and insights

An enthusiastic relationship builder

A skilled communicator, with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Able to carry out research and analyse data, presenting complex information and recommendations in a clear manner for both expert and non-specialised audiences

Comfortable working at pace and with some uncertainty

To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions:

What do you think the main strategic issues are facing Surrey County Council?

Please share an example of where you have given advice to a senior stakeholder on a national or local issue. Your answer should demonstrate how you approached researching the issue and communicating your advice.

Can you tell us about how you approach building trust and credibility with stakeholders?

Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.For an informal discussion please contact Adam Whittaker by email and we can arrange a call.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 8th July 2024 with interviews taking place week commencing 15th July 2024.This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.We look forward to receiving your application,