Job Title: Political Advisor to the Spokesperson on Social Protection & Irish Language

Job Description

Responsible to: Leinster House Political Manager

Main Responsibilities and Duties

The Political Advisor will work:

(i) As part of the Leinster House Team to develop a radical political of engagement. (ii) To support the individual TD to whom s/he is designated.

The Political Advisor will work in conjunction with the Leinster House Team Manager in developing the Sinn Fein political programme for Leinster House and work principally alongside the Dáil Spokesperson on Social Protection and Irish language, but also a number of hours per week with the Seanad Spokesperson on the Irish Language.

The position is based full time in Leinster House unless otherwise specified.

Key tasks of the Political Advisor will include:

 To develop and implement a programme of work, in consultation with the Team Manager around the portfolio and party responsibilities of the Spokesperson including Social Protection and the Irish language respectively.  To monitor Government initiatives and policy and to provide whatever assistance is required to facilitate the Spokesperson in holding the government minister whom they are shadowing to account.  To provide legislative support relevant to the portfolio including providing briefing points and speaking notes on legislation, as well as preparing amendments where appropriate and participating in the drafting of legislation to be published by Sinn Féin alongside our Legislative drafter.  To provide briefing notes and other support, including proposals for inclusion in committee work programmes and the drafting of reports, required by the Spokesperson to assist in their participation in the Dáil.  To participate in the preparation of campaign and electoral material and policy positions and papers as directed by the Leinster House Manager.  To agree and submit parliamentary questions to Ministers and to monitor and process responses.  To prepare publicity material for the Spokesperson to be released by the press office daily.  To provide ongoing administrative support to the Spokesperson and manage the Leinster House office efficiently.  To work with all appropriate personnel in the Six-County Assembly and the European Parliament in the development of joint programmes of work, positions, initiatives etc.

 To assist the Spokesperson in developing links and engaging external stakeholders and with other progressive individuals and organisations and to participate in the party’s work.

The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of a political advisor.

Essential skills:

 Experience in political outreach with sectoral stakeholders  Proven record of political analysis on an all-Ireland basis  Ability to working to tight deadlines  Good interpersonal skills  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Excellent organisational skills.  Ability to work professionally as part of a team and on own initiative.  A commitment to the political philosophy of Sinn Féin  Strong ability to write and speak fluently as gaeilge