Location
Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, Westminster.

Hours
Four days per week (28.8 hours), with flexible workload management in conjunction with your line manager.

Salary
£49,155 per annum.

About the Role
As Research and Support Officer for the Leader of the Opposition, you will play a key role in supporting a high-profile and driven group of councillors to deliver on their ambitions. This early career-level position offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into local government policy and politics by working within Governance and Councillor Liaison. You will provide high-quality briefing, research, and casework assistance to ensure the Leader of the Opposition is well-informed on key council policies and delivery. The role involves commissioning and drafting briefings, speeches, and other materials, as well as providing seamless administrative and secretarial support including diary management, minute taking, and following up on agreed actions. You will engage with officers and services across the council, helping to identify trends and insights from casework to keep the Leader of the Opposition fully informed. This role offers a chance to witness the inner workings of an exceptional local authority and contribute to Westminster’s success.

Experience
Experience working with senior internal and external stakeholders, with confidence to build trust and communicate effectively at all levels. Experience supporting politicians or senior officers at Director level is advantageous.

About you
You understand the demands of working in a politically sensitive environment, demonstrating diplomacy and sound judgement in handling information and competing priorities. You have a good understanding of issues facing local government. You are comfortable working independently, using your initiative to conduct research, follow up cases, and provide flexible support to the Leader of the Opposition. You remain calm under pressure, manage shifting priorities and deadlines effectively, and know when to seek support. You can process large volumes of information, identify key points, and challenge details as necessary. Strong research skills enable you to horizon scan local and national issues relevant to the Council and Leader of the Opposition. You are an excellent communicator, skilled in drafting reports and written materials, and work well collaboratively to build effective relationships within a team.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated; however, a commitment to professionalism, strong research and communication skills, and the ability to work in a political environment are essential.