Senior Researcher

Greater London Authority (GLA); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public authority in London is looking for a Policy Researcher to support Assembly Members in housing and environment portfolios. This role involves conducting vital research and drafting policy reports, assisting Members in addressing key issues affecting Londoners. Candidates should possess strong research and communication skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and engage with diverse stakeholders. This position is based in City Hall and allows for hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Flexible working arrangements

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Demonstrable research skills from various sources on policy topics.
• Proven experience in policy briefing within a political/public sector.
• Knowledge of media handling techniques and communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and provide solutions for pressing issues facing Londoners.
• Draft reports on housing and environment issues for Assembly Members.
• Update Assembly Members on latest developments in policy areas.

Skills

Research skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Media handling techniques

Political awareness

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

London Assembly and secretariat

The London Assembly scrutinises the Mayor's activities by questioning the Mayor about their decisions. The Assembly also investigates issues of importance to London.

There are 25 Assembly Members, elected every four years at the same time as the Mayor. The Secretariat works for the Assembly to support its activities. The Communications Team support service to promote the work of the Assembly through press office, social media, publicity and events.

The London Assembly Labour Group support the work of the 11 Labour Assembly Members in representing their constituents, scrutinising the work of the Mayor and championing the needs of Londoners.

We achieve this by delivering three main functions:

• Dedicated Research and Support Officers act as stakeholder engagement specialists for the Labour Group, dealing with casework, diary management and events.
• Senior Researchers provide policy support for the Labour Group across areas such as economy, environment, fire, health, housing policing, transport etc.
• Press Officers promote the work of the Labour Assembly Members through writing local and regional press releases, helping prepare our politicians for TV/ radio interviews and creating social media content.

About the role

In this role you will work as a part of our Policy Team, working with our Policy Officer and the Labour Group Assembly Members that lead on the Housing and Environment portfolios. The portfolios that can change over time depending on political priorities.

In this role, you will undertake research and come up with solutions for the most pressing issues facing Londoners. You will provide research, policy briefings, advice and support to Labour Assembly Members in the housing and environment portfolios. Working with Members, you will draft reports to a publication standard on issues of importance to Londoners, ensure Members have the latest policy research and you will play an important role supporting Members in holding the Mayor to account through Mayor's Question Time.

This role is based at City Hall, in the Royal Docks (Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE).

What your day will look like

This is a busy role that is a combination of proactive work to generate new policy solutions to current issues to providing accurate briefings and political advice to Assembly Members. Your day might look something like:

• Updating Assembly Members on latest developments in the Housing and Environment policy areas.
• Meeting with Assembly Members to discuss committee papers, questions to the Mayor or an upcoming issue in the policy area.
• Undertaking research by delving into relevant datasets or providing briefings on issues within the policy area.
• Meeting with external stakeholders in the housing and environment sectors.
• Providing advice and solutions to Assembly Members on procedural or political problems within the policy areas.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrable research skills, to enable quick and effective grasp of information from a range of sources on a wide range of policy topics, and proven experience of policy briefing in a political/public sector organisation.
• Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including experience of writing a range of different styles of document for different audiences, often within very short timescales; experience of producing information specifically for media work and/or briefings for media interviews; the ability to use a range of software and media.
• Experience of working directly with influential, high profile people in a pressured environment and in dealing with confidential/sensitive issues and documents; the ability to work in a politically complex organisation and apply political awareness.
• Knowledge and understanding of media handling techniques, including strategies, including designing and delivering an effective communications plan for an elected politician.
• Ability to utilise the latest information and communication technologies in relation to media issues, including designing or commissioning leaflets, newsletters and other documents.

Behavioural Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
• Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
• Persuades others, using evidence-based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
• Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
• Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally

Building and Managing relationships

is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Develops new professional relationships
• Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
• Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
• Fosters an environment where others feel respected
• Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals

Problem Solving

is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance

• Processes and distils a variety of information to understand a problem fully
• Proposes options for solutions to presented problems
• Builds on the ideas of others to encourage creative problem solving
• Thinks laterally about own work, considering different ways to approach problems
• Seeks the opinions and experiences of others to understand different approaches to problem solving

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV - applicant name - 012345”).

As part of GLA's continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role is currently not open for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in some circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you'll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: 22 December 2025.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We are also happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role.