Location
London Borough of Newham

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£54,267 - £57,402 per annum

About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of local government, helping to shape and deliver the Mayor’s vision for Newham. As Deputy Head of Mayor’s Office – Policy & Public Affairs, you will lead the policy, stakeholder engagement and public affairs function of the Mayor’s Office. You will ensure that the Mayor’s priorities are translated into clear plans and deliverable activity across the Council, while building strong relationships with partners, communities and key stakeholders.

Working closely with Communications, Corporate Strategy and senior leaders across the organisation, you will help coordinate policy development, oversee key programmes and ensure the Mayor is connected to the issues, opportunities and partnerships that matter most to Newham residents.

Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting the Head of Mayor’s Office to coordinate and track delivery of the Mayor’s priorities across the organisation.
- Working with services and Corporate Strategy to embed Mayoral priorities into plans, programmes and performance arrangements.
- Collaborating with Corporate Strategy and Communications teams to oversee stakeholder and public affairs activity, building relationships with public sector partners, community organisations and key external stakeholders.
- Overseeing engagement plans, visits and external activity on behalf of the Mayor.
- Managing the Mayor’s Political Assistant and ensuring effective coordination of political support and intelligence.
- Overseeing high-quality briefings, insight and forward planning to support effective decision-making.
- Acting as a central point of coordination between the Mayor’s Office, Communications, Corporate Strategy and Council services.

Newham Council employees receive an annual leave allowance starting at 24 days per year (rising up to 32 days based on length of service), alongside 8 UK public bank holidays and 3 additional days of leave to be taken over the December holiday period.

Experience
Experience working in a senior support, policy, public affairs or political environment.

About you
A strong understanding of how policy development, stakeholder engagement and organisational delivery come together to achieve outcomes.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence with elected members, senior officers and external partners.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion.
A commitment to improving outcomes for residents and supporting the delivery of the Mayor’s ambitions for Newham.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but relevant experience and skills in policy, public affairs or political environments are essential.