Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Policy Advisor to join our dynamic policy and performance team. Whilst this contract is offered on a full time and permanent basis, it comes with a flexible and hybrid working pattern (blend of working from home and office). In this critical role, you will lead the development and implementation of policy initiatives that shape our organization’s impact and influence. Working closely with senior leadership, stakeholders, and partners, you’ll provide high-level advice and analysis on complex issues, ensuring that our policies are evidence-based, forward-looking, and aligned with our values.

As a senior policy advisor, you will provide comprehensive advice and support to the Leader of the Council, helping shape and drive policy that supports the Southend vision and delivers meaningful outcomes for our communities.  You will provide guidance both internally and externally to help develop policy and challenge the thinking that underpins the Council’s ability to influence and lobby. You will develop and maintain collaborative internal relationships and lead on the provision of mentoring and coaching support throughout the council that ensures the work of the policy service is integrated and informs/enables policy led system and outcome based solutions; You will provide proactive, good quality advice and reasoned arguments to officers and members on key policies to enable their effective engagement with government, partners, wider stakeholders and the communities of Southend-on-Sea.

You will lead and support the development of activities which support better equality, diversity and inclusion outcomes including (but not exclusive to):

• Lead on policy management across the organisation, ensuring coherence, quality and alignment with corporate priorities.
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based advice and briefings to the Leader of the Council and senior officers.
• Support the development of impactful policy products, strategies, and activities—including initiatives that ensure the Council meets its Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Undertake proactive research, horizon scanning, analysis to inform decision-making & support the Council’s lobbying & influencing work.

N:B – Please be aware that this is a politically restricted post.

To be successful in this role, deep understanding of government processes, UK parliamentary process, legislative systems, and stakeholder engagement is essential. It is also essential that you have sound knowledge of business management developments and issues particularly relevant to the public sector.

Previous substantial experience of developing policy and writing policy submissions including government consultations is critical for this post. You must be able to develop and sustain collaborative and influential relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, external policy advisers and service users.

To be considered for this role, you must have relevant qualification or two years equivalent experience.

If you join the Council, you will enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working (with a blended approach to office and home working), 25 days holiday in a full-time contract (excluding bank holidays) and excellent training and development opportunities. A full list of benefits provided by Southend-on-Sea City Council can be found on the Jobs at the council web page under the "Why Work for us Tab".

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.