Committee Specialist - Science, Innovation and Technology

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

You will be working in the Select Committee Team (SCT) which supports the work of the House of Commons' Select Committee. Select Committees are cross-party committees of MPs who examine government policy and spending. You can find out what Select Committees are on this website.

You will be supporting the 11 cross-party MPs who sit on the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. The Committee looks the work of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and associated public bodies, such as Ofcom, UK Research and Innovation, the UK Space Agency, and the Information Commissioner's Office.

The Role

As a Committee Specialist, you will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide policy advice and analysis for the Committee. You will be asked to develop expertise in the Committee's area of work. You will advise on, arrange and lead committee inquiries. You will provide written and oral briefing to support committee hearings and produce reports to communicate committee findings. You will also support their media and public engagement work. You will work closely with the MPs and Peers who sit on the committee, as well as engaging with high-profile individuals and organisations in the public, private and third sectors within the committee's areas of interest.

Early on, you are likely to be asked to:

• identify suitable people to speak to the Committee or Committees, prepare briefing material and questions for witnesses;
• attend Committee events and meetings, and events relevant to its area of work;
• conduct analysis of evidence, produce drafts of committee outputs, including correspondence, media and social media materials and reports.

As you develop your skills and experience, you will take on more responsibilities. These are likely to include:

• advising on possible subjects for the Committee or Committees to examine, including terms of reference and calls for evidence for inquiries,
• providing advice during committee meetings,
• proposing, designing and organising Committee events, public engagement and visits (possibly including overseas), and
• maintaining up-to-date knowledge about the Committee's subject area through research and by building on relevant external contacts and networks.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• An ability to research and analyse information to meet tight deadlines by:
  • appropriately using a range of sources to acquire detailed knowledge of unfamiliar subjects; and
  • using that knowledge to provide evidence-based advice, conclusions or decisions.
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of:
  • issues in the area of science, innovation and technology with relevant policy, research, practical or scrutiny experience; and
  • the roles of the key individuals and organisations in that field.
• An ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels by:
  • using interpersonal and negotiation skills to deliver positive outcomes; and
  • promoting collaboration and inclusion within a team

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-3 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.