Policy Officer (Midlands Engine Observatory)

This is a full-time role (37 hours a week), initially on a 12 month Fixed-Term Contract with benefits (including: pension, free parking, flexi-time scheme and generous annual leave entitlement).

Black Country Consortium Ltd offers a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic challenges and opportunities in the Black Country and the wider West Midlands area. Established in 2002 our Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) provides rigorous, best in class, economic analysis across People, Place and Business. This intelligence is used to inform different stages of the policy-making cycle, including: critical assessment of the socioeconomic challenges of the area; evidence-based strategy and policy development; project and programme design and feasibility; programme management; monitoring and evaluation.

Currently the Economic Intelligence Unit provides a range of products to support the strategic intelligence needs of the Black Country Local Authorities, the Black Country LEP, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Midlands Engine. In 2021, the Black Country EIU is also directing and co-ordinating the work of the Midlands Engine Observatory (MEO). The Midlands Engine Observatory [www.midlandsengine.org/our-programmes/observatory] provides comprehensive and contemporary data, analysis and intelligence on the whole of the Midlands economy in order to inform regional and national level policy and projects.

This post is essential in the MEO and the role purpose is in assisting in the provision and application of intelligence to inform, support and influence policy and decision-making. Supporting the Director of the Midlands Engine Observatory, the post holder will assist in the translation and interpretation of the outputs from research across the Midlands Engine Partnership including the Midlands Engine Intelligence community (MEIC), the ME Research Partnership, Thematic work areas, etc into informed policy briefings, providing the ‘so what’.

Responsibilities:

• Provide policy advice and support to the Director of the Midlands Engine Observatory and wider team, including supporting the co-ordination and development of the MEO research programme.
• Assist in the translation and interpretation of the outputs from research across the Midlands Engine including the MEIC, research partnership, themed work strands into informed policy briefings.
• Assist in the sharing and dissemination of the findings with the partnership.
• Assist in the production of papers for the ME Observatory Programme Board and supporting Intelligence and Research Partnership meetings and provide briefings as required for the ME Executive and Operating Board to the MEO Director.
• Providing policy input into research scopes and co-ordinating bids for new funding.
• Co-ordinate and curate the Quarterly Economic Briefings and other events as required.
• Oversee website development for Observatory.
• Linking the Observatory activity with the ME Communications team.
• Proactively seek opportunities for the Observatory and ME and represent the Observatory work externally, as may be required.
• Support stakeholder management with regional and national partners.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience of policy development and/or implementation.
• Understanding of local government and how it works.
• In depth understanding of the main policy agendas and their significance.
• Experience of researching complex issues.
• Experience of writing reports and preparing briefings in a policy environment.
• Experience of facilitating meetings, events or other high-profile activities.
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to accurately summarise and convey complex information.
• Excellent oral and influencing skills, with the ability to give clear advice on issues.
• High political and commercial awareness, with the ability to exercise discretion, judgement and confidentiality.
• Ability to deal with politicians and key stakeholders at every level.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• Flexible approach to work, with a keenness to adapt to meet changing work requirements.
• Ability to research, prepare, communicate and represent WMCA across broad range of policy areas.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior people.
• Ability to exercise discretion and operate in confidence when dealing with officers and politicians and to demonstrate political neutrality at all times.
• Ability to apply judgement and assume decision-making responsibility.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and assimilate complex issues.
• Good problem solving ability.
• High standard of communication, presentational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to plan, manage and monitor multiple projects involving internal and external partners.
• Ability to work on own initiative.

This will initially be a home-working position due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the appropriate time, travel around the Midlands will be required.

To apply, please submit your up to date CV and covering letter (stating why you think you are suited to the role) to jobs@blackcountryconsortium.co.uk

* No agencies please *