JOB Titlepolicy Support Officer

JOB TITLEPolicy Support Officer

SALARY RANGEUp to £20K dependent on experience

CONTRACTPermanent

ROLE SUMMARY

The Sport and Recreation Alliance believes that the power of sport and recreation can change lives and bring communities together. Together with our members and in partnership with the wider sector, we make the most of opportunities and tackle the areas that provide a challenge. We provide advice, support and guidance to our members and the sector, who represent traditional governing bodies of games and sport, county sports partnerships, outdoor recreation, water pursuits, and movement and dance exercise. As the voice of the sector, we work with Government, policy makers and the media to make sure grassroots sport and recreation grows and thrives. Having an active nation is important as it delivers huge benefits to society and the millions of participants, volunteers, staff and spectators.

Research and evidence informs much of the work we do at the Alliance; we analyse data to shape our positions on policy proposals and campaigns. We also maintain an evidence bank of relevant research so that we are constantly armed with facts and figures to share with our members, to speak to the press, talk to MPs and include in consultation responses. The Policy Support Officer will help to strengthen the Alliance’s evidence base and assist the policy team toprotect and promote the interests of our members and the wider sport and recreation sector.

The role will require high-level policy analysis and research skills to support our policy work in a range of areas, including: the contribution of sport and recreation to economic and social outcomes, the role of grassroots sport and recreation in communities and a range of technical and regulatory issues that impact on sport and recreation in the UK.

This role will require strong communication and analytical skills and high attention to detail. It will demand a flexible approach, the capacity to recognise and proactively address organisational needs and the ability to work across a wide range of policy issues. Strong administrative skills will be required.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy Support Officerwill work within the Alliance’s Policy Team and undertake the following tasks:

• Lead at least one project or defined area(s) of policy work for the Alliance;

• Draft internal and external briefings on priority policy areas;

• Analyse and summarise research and statistics to add to our current evidence base;

• Undertake desk research and support with surveys where appropriate;

• Provide administrative support to policy working groups and member meetings;

• Provide support and advice, where appropriate and required, to the Alliance and its members;

• Provide support as part of cross-organisational projects;

• General administration duties when required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Good interpersonal skills with both internal and external audiences

• Strong analytical skills relating to quantitative and qualitative data with the ability to synthesise relevant information to a high standard and in a meaningful way

• Good IT skills – Microsoft Office 2013 (or equivalent)

• Be able to work autonomously, take ownership and use initiative

• Be able to prioritise work and meet deadlines

• Be able to work as a member of a team but also have the confidence and self-motivation to work alone when required

• Be willing to support team members across the Alliance, as necessary, with administrative tasks

Desirable Attributes

It would be an advantage for the Policy Support Officer to demonstrate:

• Degree level qualification, or equivalent

• Knowledge of sports policy and the structure of national governing bodies of sport and recreation and sports clubs

• Some previous experience of undertaking quantitative and/or qualitative research

• Knowledge of CRM systems/software