Local Government Jobs

Local Government Association Brussels office

We are looking for a talented all rounder to work on secondment. The position will be for an initial 9 month period (Sept 2009-June 2010) with possibility of extension.

The decisions made by the European Union have a very real impact on the day job of local government in the UK. Around 50% of UK domestic legislation has its origins in EU law. Ensuring that local government is properly represented when EU legislation is formulated is therefore crucial.

The role:
• Help us to identify the crucial proposals that will impact on the day job of local authorities
• Lobby EU institutions on specific policy areas to make sure local government’s voice is heard
• Help us to communicate the impact of proposals to local authorities

This secondment opportunity will allow you to gain a vast array of skills to advance your career.
• You will work with senior politicians and officials in EU institutions
• You will operate in international networks
• You will gain first hand experience of influencing the very legislation that local authorities implement

The candidate:
• Will currently be working in a policy or communications role in a local authority
• Will have a good in-depth knowledge of a variety of key local government departments (e.g. Chief Execs office, Environment and Waste, Transport, HR, Equalities, Children’s Services, Adult Care Services, Public Health, Community Cohesion and Safety, Regeneration, Finance and Procurement)
• Will have considerable experience of developing position papers, writing briefings, working with members, excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment
• NB we are not looking for existing EU experience. The post holder will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the EU policy making environment during the secondment.

Salary
The current salary range for this post is £29,714 – £35,953. The position will be for an initial 9 month period (Sept 09-June 10) with possibility of extension.

If the successful candidate is seconded to the LGA, they will remain an employee of their exporting organisation for the duration of the secondment. The successful candidate will be paid their current salary if it falls within the salary range for the post. (see above).

If their salary is below the minimum point in the range, then the LGA will ask their organisation to top up their salary to the minimum point in the range and will pay this amount plus oncosts on receipt of invoices.

If their salary is above the maximum point in this range the candidate should obtain support from their existing employer that the employer is prepared to pay the difference between the salary for the post and their existing salary whilst seconded to the LGA.

The exporting organisation will be responsible for the candidate’s salary, plus employers on costs and will invoice the LGA on a quarterly basis.

An additional allowance will be made to assist with accommodation, details of which to be negotiated on appointment. A small relocation package is also available.

For further details please visit our website at http://jobs.local.gov.uk/lga or contact LGconnect on 020 7072 7444 or by email at quoting reference LG180

For an informal chat about this opportunity please contact Helen Jackson (European and International Programme Manager, Brussels Office) on 00 32 2 502 36 80, email or Jasbir Jhas (European and International Programme Manager, London Office) on 020 7664 3114, email

Closing date: 12 noon, 14 July 2009

Interviews: To be held at our London offices in Westminster – 22 July 2009

Secondment start date: September 2009