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5 Days left CLOSING DATE: 21/10/2014

West College Scotland

Policy Officer

HND, Undergraduate Degree, Postgraduate Degree

Closing Date:: 21/10/2014
Skill:: Marketing market research and PR
Region:: Renfrewshire
Salary: £22,000
Length:: 12 months
Ref code: KGMJJEICQI

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Placement summary

West College Scotland have a very interesting 12 month graduate placement opportunity available which will be based at our Paisley campus. The Policy Officer role will involve researching areas of public policy which affect West College Scotland and the wider college sector and we are looking for a skilled graduate who has a genuine knowledge and interest in Scottish public life.

Job description

Project Description

West College Scotland is keen to provide decision-makers and opinion-formers with research-based evidence of the important role the College plays in providing essential vocational provision within the West Region of Scotland, in particular that the recommendations of the Wood Commission’s report on Scotland’s Young Workforce (June 2014) are being met.

We also want to use such evidence to grow our reputation within the sector and among our partners, including businesses, schools and local government.

Placement Objectives

To provide research to senior staff on policy developments in a way which will help West College Scotland grow its business and reputation;
To assist in improved levels of engagement with business and other partners;
Better quality of briefing material to senior management;
Earlier identification of relevant policy trends and developments

Role Description

The Policy Officer role will involve researching areas of public policy which affect West College Scotland and the wider college sector. This will involve monitoring relevant publications, websites and other sources, including political parties, “think tanks”, trade unions and business organisations; briefing College management; research for a range of documents the College is required or may choose to submit to a range of bodies.

The successful candidate will work within the College’s Corporate Development directorate, reporting directly to the Director, Communications, Policy and Planning. The successful candidate will possess the ability to work to deadlines and will be tasked with briefing the Principal and other senior managers, when required.

The College has three main campuses in Greenock, Paisley and Clydebank. This position is likely to be primarily based at our Paisley campus, although there will be a requirement for the successful candidate to attend meetings across the College.

Qualifications

HND or Degree in relevant discipline

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in Scottish public life;
Excellent writing skills;
Research skills;
First class interpersonal skills, a strong team player, able to engage with internal and external stakeholders;
Ability to work effectively on own initiative; Flexible and adaptable approach to task management.

Desirable Skills

Experience of working either in voluntary or paid capacity with a “think tank”, third sector organisation, political party or similar;
First class time management and multi-tasking skills;
Understanding of recent changes of College Sector.

Benefits

Company benefits

The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic and ambitious institution and will be supported and directed by an experienced management team.

Other benefits:

Generous holiday cover includes 25 days annual leave and 19 public holidays
Membership of the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme

Placement benefits

As part of ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the successful candidate will have access to a free two day business and employability skills residential course and also benefit from ongoing support from the ScotGrad team throughout the duration of the placement.

Additional information

Location: Paisley

Planned interview date: TBC

Preferred start date: 10th November 2014