Principal Policy and Projects Officer

Together, we are responsible for:

Helping increase civic participation, especially among underrepresented groups, so that Londoners have the voice, power, and influence that they need to thrive.
Delivering the Mayor's statutory equalities duties and helping to address structural inequalities.
Tackling labour market inequalities and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the labour market.
Helping Londoners to access the support they need to avoid or escape financial hardship.
Helping ensure all Londoners can thrive irrespective of their background and immigration status.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to play a leading role within a team that addresses workforce inequalities across the capital.

We are recruiting a role as part of a job-share arrangement in the Equalities team, within the Communities and Social Policy Unit, working three days a week (ideally Weds-Friday, but there is possibility for flexibility) with the existing permanent post-holder. The ideal candidate will be passionate about addressing structural equalities within London and will have a strong understanding of social policy and programme delivery. You will have experience of successfully managing a team and high-profile programme with strong stakeholder engagement skills.

As Principal Policy and Projects Officer you and your job-share colleague will be jointly responsible for the high-profile Workforce Integration Network programme. This programme seeks to create systemic change in London's workplaces, with a focus on addressing labour market inequalities and increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly Black Londoners and Londoners of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including local and national government, voluntary and community sector organisations, commercial organisations and more.

The Equalities team sits in the Communities and Social Policy Unit at the GLA. The team consists of two sub-teams: one that delivers the Mayor's statutory equalities duties and a range of activities to address structural inequalities within London, and this team delivers the Workforce Integration Network programme.

The Principal Policy and Projects Officer reports to the Head of Equalities and plays a key role in the Equalities management team. You will manage a warm and highly motivated team of 5 members of staff.

You can find out more about the Workforce Integration Network here.

Job purpose

Supporting the Head of Equalities in delivering the Mayor's priorities relating to workforce/labour market inequality.
Playing a leading role in the design of, and holding responsibility for, the delivery of a programme which includes projects and policy work relating to tackling workforce/labour market inequalities, in line with the Mayor's priorities.
Managing a sub-team of people working on the workforce/labour market inequalities programme (WIN) and being responsible for the budget associated with it.

Principal accountabilities

To be the lead officer for the GLA's work to address workforce/labour marked inequality within London, working closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver the Mayor's priorities and support employers and other relevant partners to improve their approaches.
Contribute to shaping strategic direction of work to address labour market inequalities. This includes development and subsequent management of a portfolio of work relating to this priority, drawing relevant insights from your team.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across the GLA and from public, private and civil society sector organisations to inform policy and project development and delivery, ensuring these relationships contribute to the successful delivery of the GLA's objectives and deliver impact for Londoners.
Manage a sub-team to develop and deliver a programme of work linked to labour market inequalities – taking responsibility for supporting the team to deliver their principal accountabilities, as set out in job descriptions to the required performance level and in accordance with the Authority's relevant policies and codes. Having oversight of finance and use of resources.
Manage processes in relation to programme delivery, including procurement and contract management.

Maintain an up-to-date and high standard of awareness of legislative, technical and policy changes linked to labour market inequality. Seeking to anticipate and address emerging issues, new developments and innovations that may affect the delivery of Mayoral policies and projects.
Proactively contribute to corporate and unit-level planning and performance management work.
Lead on the preparation of policy reports, briefing and other materials for the Mayor and Deputy Mayors. Prepare responses to questions and correspondence to the Mayor from Assembly members, Government departments and other organisations in the public, private and voluntary and community sectors.
Produce, oversee, and contribute to communications on Mayoral work to address workforce/labour market inequalities to a range of audiences, including presentations at seminars, meetings and conferences, social media output and press releases.
Support the management and leadership of the GLA's Equalities team, working with the Head of Equalities to develop and oversee the overall team work plan and strategy, including plans for the team's development and wellbeing. To deputise for the Head of Equalities as required.
Realise the benefits of London's diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London's communities.
Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

Person specification
Technical requirements/experience/qualifications

Professional experience, expertise and knowledge of social policy, ideally within a London context. Experience of working in roles, or on projects addressing inequalities will be advantageous.

Direct experience of, or the ability to quickly develop expertise and understanding of, work to address labour market inequalities.

A track record of managing multiple projects successfully, delivering results on target and within budget.

Experience and understanding of effective policy development processes within a complex political environment. This includes high quality analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and anticipate longer-term issues and challenges, as well as attention to implementing policy in practice.

Excellent knowledge of the stakeholders and relationships that are key to the development and delivery of effective social policy in London.

A track record of successfully managing and leading a team.

Behavioural competencies

Planning and Organising

... is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

Organisational Awareness

... is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

Uses understanding of differences between the GLA and its partners to improve working relationships
Helps others understand the GLA and the complex environment in which it operates
Translates changing political agendas into tangible actions
Considers the diverse needs of Londoners in formulating GLA objectives
Helps others understand how the media and external perceptions of the GLA influence work

Managing and Developing Performance

... is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA's objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance
Promotes a positive team culture that respects diversity and deals with barriers to inclusion

Communicating and Influencing

... is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation.

Strategic Thinking

using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

Translates GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans for own team or delivery partners
Consistently takes account of the wider implications of team's actions for the GLA
Encourages self and others to think about organisation's long-term potential
Informs strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence
Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform team's work

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.

This role is based at London Fire Brigade's Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

Application Process & Additional Information

Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role.

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

Up to date CV
Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the 'Additional Documents' section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. "CV – applicant name

Applications submitted without a Personal Statement will not be considered.

London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days' annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

On this recruitment campaign, as part of GLA's continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.

Application closing date: 21/08/2024 at 23:59