Researcher- Ross Finnie MSP

Salary: £16,750 to £19,250 depending on experience plus 10 per cent pension contribution.

Closing Date: 5pm Friday the 10th of September.

Ross Finnie, Liberal Democrat MSP for the West of Scotland, is seeking a committed and energetic person to work as Researcher in his constituency office in Greenock, although some work will be required to be carried out from his Edinburgh office.

Job Description

• Conduct Research on a wide range of local issues.
• Write detailed reports based on the findings of research.
• Develop and maintain local contacts.
• Keep up to date with political announcements released by Government agencies, including press releases and reports.

• Keep up to date with national and local media on a daily basis.
• Write local press releases.
• Draft Parliamentary Reports and leaflets.

• Maintain contact with Liberal Democrat Councillors, MSPs, MPs and MEPs across the West of Scotland.
• Review Parliamentary Questions and Parliamentary Business for possible local issues.
• Draft Parliamentary Motions and Questions.

• Answer telephone calls and dealing with general media enquiries.
• Update website with pictures, press releases, speeches and questions.
• Update facebook page.
• Maintain a record of all press releases, speeches, questions and motions.

Requires extensive political awareness, excellent written and oral communication skills, resilience, ability to work on own initiative, flexibility to share tasks as required, computer literacy, pleasant personality and a sense of humour would help.

Essential skills

• Excellent political knowledge of the West of Scotland and Scottish Parliament.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in word, outlook and pageplus.
• An ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven research skills.

Desirable skills

• Leaflet design and publication experience.
• Experience of new media like facebook and political blogs.
• Previous experience of Parliamentary duties.
• Sympathy with the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party’s values and principles.

Applications

Please send a covering letter which outlines your suitability for the role and CV by email to ross.finnie.msp@scottish.parliament.co.uk or karen.mclean@scottish.parliament.co.uk or by post to Karen McLean Office Manager, West of Scotland Regional Office, 54 Kelly Street, Greenock, Inverclyde, PA16 8TR no later than 5pm on Friday the 10th of September.