Senior Political Advisor

**Description**:

- **Hours**: 37 hours
- **Contract**: Permanent
- **Salary**: £44,428 - £47,420 (pending pay award)
- **Location**: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

**Applications must include a cover letter to outline your interest and suitability for the role.**

**Key Responsibilities**:
A Senior Political Advisor you will provide the Mayor with well-researched, political advice and ensure the Mayor is fully briefed and advised on key priorities. You will build and maintain effective, positive, political relationships, developing a clear insight into the priorities of local and national politicians.

You’ll work effectively as part of the Mayor’s team and intervene and interact across the organisation, posing challenging questions on the Mayor’s behalf, explaining the Mayor’s point of view and protecting the Mayor’s position. You will write speeches including adding to material prepared by MCA Executive or constituent local authority officers.

Working closely with senior officers, you will represent and interpret the views of the Mayor, and lead the collation, development and presentation of information for any negotiations with government on Levelling Up policy and delivery.
- **Please note that this is a politically restricted post.**

**Skills, Knowledge and Expertise**:
You will have a track record of working in a political environment, working with MPs and / or Councillors and Mayors of different political parties and in a local and national context.

**We would love to hear from those that have the following**:

- Experience in research, analysis of and policies and their applicability to a local area.
- A proven record of establishing successful working relationships, both internal and with partners in order to get results in an economic growth context.
- Proven experience of report writing and delivering presentations.
- Understanding of and sensitivity to working successfully within a political context and governance framework.
- Understanding of national and local political positions and perspectives.
- High degree of political awareness and skilled at political negotiation.
- Strong organisation, planning and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, being self-motivated and able to use own initiative to complete tasks.

**Benefits**:
All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

**In addition to the above, some of benefits include -**

**Annual Leave Purchase Scheme** - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave

**Hybrid working** - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.

**Rewarding You** - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway

**Training on the job** - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications

**Holiday**- Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

**Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority**

**About South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority**:
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the SYMCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

In recent years significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, and further funding has recently been secured through the region’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As result we have a large and growing capital programme to deliver in support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor’s 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together - and are proud of the work they