Position: Parliamentary Officer
Location: London (Westminster)
Salary: £30,000-35,000 p/a (pro rata)
Contract length: 10 months (maternity cover)
About CFI:
Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) works to promote its twin aims of supporting Israel and promoting Conservatism in the UK. CFI educates and informs Conservatives about Israel, organises numerous events in and around Westminster, takes Conservative parliamentarians on delegations to Israel, campaigns in support of the Conservative Party, and works to ensure that Israel’s case is fairly represented in Parliament.
The Role:
CFI is seeking an ambitious, highly organised, and motivated individual with a keen interest in a career in public affairs and proven research experience.
As Parliamentary Officer you would play an integral role in the continued growth and success of the organisation and in strengthening the UK-Israel relationship.
This 10-month maternity cover presents an exciting opportunity to produce high-quality research into current events in Israel/Middle East and key policy areas shaping the UK-Israel bilateral, and to develop experience in delivering successful policy-driven campaigns in Parliament.
Previous experience of working in Parliament is beneficial, but non-essential. The position will suit a new graduate or someone with 1-2 years of experience in a think tank, public affairs or campaign group.
The Parliamentary Officer will be required to assist with all office jobs at busy times, for example in the lead up to Conservative Party Conference and the CFI Annual Business Lunch.
Key Duties:
Campaigns and Political Activity:
- Assist with delivery of CFI’s parliamentary activity and policy campaigns;
- Parliamentary monitoring of all debates and Questions;
- Build and manage relationships with Conservative parliamentarians, activists and think tanks;
- Assist with maintaining database of CFI’s parliamentary activities.
Research and Briefings:
- Assist with parliamentary research for House of Commons and House of Lords debates and Questions;
- Produce ad hoc research for parliamentarians, i.e. casework;
- Assist with preparing speeches, articles, letters, and written and oral questions for parliamentarians;
- Assist with researching and writing news stories for CFI website and Weekly Briefing.
CFI Literature and Digital Content:
- Assist in the production of CFI literature, including CFI’s “Informed” magazine;
- Assist with production of digital content, including videos and infographics;
- Assist with CFI’s online communication platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and website.
Events Management:
- Assist with CFI’s wide-ranging annual events programme, including Annual Business Lunch, Conservative Party Conference activities, Annual Parliamentary Reception and regular events in Parliament.
Essential:
The successful candidate should have the following qualities and abilities
- Understanding of, a sympathy for, and a desire to promote CFI’s aims and values;
- Proven experience in producing high-quality, digestible research, preferably on Middle East current affairs;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues;
- Experience of contributing to the production of publications, including article writing;
- Ability to work under pressure and produce work to tight deadlines;
- Ability to work in a small team environment;
- Highly organised with the ability to manage and prioritise competing demands, including multiple projects at any one time;
- Confidence in dealing with a wide range of senior stakeholders, including parliamentarians and businesspeople;
- A confident user of MS Office applications (especially Word and Excel);
- The candidate must be available to attend Conservative Party Conference’s (subject to Jewish holidays), campaign for Conservative candidates, and be prepared to assist in coordinating events outside of usual working hours (i.e. breakfasts, dinners and CFI delegations);
- Candidates will need the right to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 1st May 2023
Interview/Start Dates:
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis throughout April and May, with an intended start date being in June.
Application Details:
Please send a CV to James Gurd at james@cfoi.co.uk, outlining your relevant experience and skills. Please also look to provide samples of written work.
If you have any queries relating to the position, please contact James on james@cfoi.co.uk.
Please note, that we may not be able to reply to all applicants, and we may make a decision before the closing date.
Thank you for your interest.
Website: www.cfoi.co.uk
