EXTERNAL RELATIONS ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Transcription

1 EXTERNAL RELATIONS ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

2 1. Job details Job title: External Relations Assistant Responsible to: Senior External Relations Officer Directorate/Department/Team/Unit: Public Policy and Volunteering / External Relations 2. Job purpose To provide administrative support to NCVO s parliamentary, media and public affairs work. This role will be directly supporting two members of the External Relations Unit. 3. Dimensions The post holder will have frequent contact with journalists and parliamentarians and senior staff in member organisations. 4. Organisation chart External Relations Manager Senior External Relations Officer Senior External Relations Officer Media Network Coordinator Senior External Relations Officer (EU) External Relations Assistant Trainee External Relations Officer

3 5. Duties and key responsibilities Provide administrative support to NCVO s parliamentary and media work Provide administrative support to NCVO s public affairs consultancy service Be responsible for setting up and managing effective monitoring systems for media, parliamentary and public affairs services Develop and maintain information and support systems and databases suitable for each of the above areas of work including for opinion formers Servicing relevant networks and working groups including the All Party Parliamentary Group for Charities and Volunteering Day to day management of the sub-teams budgets Leading on NCVO s internal communications, overseeing the activities of the internal communications working group Undertaking research and other support for parliamentary and public affairs work Supporting the external relations team s use of NCVO s CRM system Supporting a variety of events Dealing with media enquiries Manage all work related contacts and projects on NCVO s CRM system. 6. Work context Each day, millions of people make a difference to the causes they believe in through voluntary organisations and volunteering. This thriving voluntary sector and volunteer movement are essential for a better society especially in times of challenge and change. That s why, inspired and empowered by our 13,000 members, NCVO champions the voluntary sector and volunteering. We do this by connecting, representing and supporting voluntary organisations, from the smallest community groups to the largest charities. The post is located at NCVO s London office.

4 The public policy and volunteering department is led by the director of public policy and volunteering. It comprises the following: Policy and public services team Research team External relations unit Volunteering development unit We have a reputation as an authoritative voice for the sector: our robust, actionable policy positions and campaigns are built upon a strong research and evidence base and an engaged membership. We develop and maintain excellent relations with stakeholders in the voluntary sector, business, government and the media to ensure that the sector is represented effectively at the highest levels. Our primary aim is to champion the voluntary sector and volunteering by influencing the external policy environment, both nationally and internationally. We also aim to strengthen voluntary organisations by providing advice and support around areas such as lobbying and campaigning. In short, we re serious about public policy because we want to help volunteers and voluntary organisations make the biggest difference they can. The external relations unit leads our parliamentary and media work and on internal communications. The post-holder will be a key team member. The other departments are enterprise and development, and planning and resources. NCVO is an Investor in People and Positive about Disabled People. 7. Autonomy and decision-making The post holder will have regular contact with members, journalists, parliamentarians and their offices under the supervision of the manager. 8. Communications The post holder communicates both internally and externally with a wide range of people and organisations: Regular communication with a broad range of senior opinion formers and across the organisation. Ability to have the assertiveness to deal with journalists and demanding members of parliament. Ability to write to a high standard for a variety of audiences.

5 9. Main areas of difficulty This is a varied post working across two established functions. It will involve juggling a wide variety of tasks and providing support to more than one person. It will need the ability to prioritise and change direction and actions quickly for example in response to a major news story. 10. Essential knowledge and skills required Knowledge 1. Educated to A Level standard or equivalent analytical level 2. Knowledge of IT packages including Windows word processing, spreadsheet and database packages 3. Knowledge of social media, awareness and interest in current affairs especially in media and politics Skills 4. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written including high standard of written English 5. Attention to detail 6. Numerate 7. Manage own workload and good planning skills 8. Relate to and work with people at all levels within and external to the organisation Experience 9. Experience of campaigning and/or the media 10. Experience of managing events 11. Experience of administrative work

6 11. General information To, at all times, adhere to NCVO s policies on: equal opportunities diversity and dignity at work health and safety confidentiality no smoking environment and sustainability.