Graduate Policy Officer

Job Introduction Do you have a passion for policy development and a desire to contribute to the growth and evolution of the West Midlands? If so, we have the perfect role for you.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking a Graduate Policy Officer to join our Insights Team within the Education, Health, Skills, and Communities Directorate.

As a Graduate Policy Officer, you will be instrumental in supporting evidence-led policy and programme development, helping shape the future of our region. This two-year role will offer you extensive professional development and exposure to a wide range of projects and policy-focused work in a local government setting.

**About the Insights Team.**The Insights Team plays a crucial role in supporting policy development and evidence-based decision-making across various areas, including adult skills, economic development, employer services, and health. We are looking for an individual who embraces a participative, curious, and creative approach to solving complex issues, and is who eager to contribute their ideas and expertise to our team.

**About the Role.**In this two-year role, you'll receive training and exposure to a wide range of project-based and policy-focused work. As a Graduate Policy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in contributing to the development of economic and social policies that impact the region.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Conducting research and analysis to inform policy and programme development.
- Identifying and summarising research and policy developments for use in policy briefings, reports, and other communications.
- Producing weekly directorate insights briefings on key external developments, such as Central Government announcements, Think Tank pieces, research, and upcoming events.
- Delivering briefings and presentations internally to the Insights Team and key stakeholders.
- Providing administrative support for policy projects, including coordinating meetings, taking notes, and supporting stakeholder events.

**About You**.We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a desire to learn and grow in either data analysis or policy development roles. Graduate calibre, or with equivalent experience, you will be able to communicate effectively with various audiences and produce engaging reports and presentations. Your excellent organisational skills enable you to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines effectively.

To be successful in this role, you should meet the following criteria:

- Exhibit excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage varied workloads and meet deadlines effectively.
- Showcase analytical abilities, with the skill to derive essential insights from data.
- Exhibit problem-solving skills and a willingness to identify effective solutions to challenges.
- Be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Possess the ability to communicate data insights to non-technical audiences.
- Show a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including the willingness to develop analytical and presentation skills.

**Why Join Us?** As part of our team, you will work in a friendly, collaborative, and multi-disciplined environment. We are committed to your professional development and support your growth throughout the two-year role. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the West Midlands' prosperity and growth, making a real difference in the lives of people in the region.
- Describe the quantitative and qualitative research elements of your degree (or equivalent qualification).
- How would you approach conducting research and analysis to explore a policy issue? Provide an example of when you have undertaken a research and analysis project in the past.
- Embracing a participative, curious, and creative approach is crucial to solving complex issues. Describe a time when you contributed your ideas and expertise to address a challenging problem? How did your approach lead to a successful outcome?

There is no word limit, but we would encourage you to be as clear and concise in your answers.

**Hybrid working, location and working pattern.**We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 3 days a week spent in the office.

**Creating an inclusive workplace.**We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied