The House of Commons Library research service provides politically impartial briefings to MPs of all parties and their staff. We run a confidential briefing request service and publish briefing papers and other online information. We are asked questions on, and write about, the most topical issues of the day on a diverse range of subjects.
The House of Commons Library is committed to increasing diversity and to maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
We have two vacancies. One is based in the Social Policy Section, which covers health services, housing, education social security and social services. The successful applicant will work with colleagues focusing on further and higher education policy and law in the first instance. The other is based other in the Business and Transport Section and the successful applicant will be based in the section’s Transport Hub and will focus on aspects of transport policy and law, particularly railways and aviation policy. The successful candidates may be required to develop specialisms in a range of subjects.
A3 is a development grade. On completion of a 9-month probationary period, subject to reaching satisfactory performance levels, the successful candidates will be eligible to apply for progression to the A2 grade. The A2 grade currently has a starting salary of £50,870. Progression to A2 involves passing an assessment process.
The Role
Further and Higher education is a busy policy area, subject to fast-moving policy changes. We are not asking for detailed pre-existing subject knowledge for these posts. We are seeking applicants with strong research skills, a demonstrable interest in education or transport policy, and a willingness to learn and develop.
The job involves developing and maintaining expertise in the relevant subject area(s) in order to:
- Respond to individual MPs’ questions orally and in writing, including briefing shadow ministers and senior backbenchers.
- Develop and keep up to date a range of published briefing products. This will include briefing papers and shorter online articles. Examples of our briefing products, including shorter Insights and constituency casework articles, can be found on the Library’s website.
- Provide ad hoc policy advice to colleagues across Parliament (e.g. in select committees and the House of Lords Library)
The Person
The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:
- You will be expected to demonstrate that you have a relevant degree, postgraduate or professional qualification; and/or you will be expected to demonstrate significant relevant work experience and relevant experience of policy analysis.
- Experience of collating complex, technical material and of analysing, interpreting and presenting it clearly for a specified purpose/audience.
- You will have excellent written and oral communication skills. You will be able to explain complex information clearly, succinctly, and with authority, while maintaining strict political impartiality.
A full job description with employment and application details can be downloaded here
Please visit our website for further information and to apply online.