Policy and Public Affairs Assistant – Colegau Cymru / Colleges Wales

Policy and Public Affairs Assistant

Contract Type: Full Time – fixed term to 31 July 2026
Salary: £24,242 per annum
Location: A combination of office (Cardiff) and home-based working

Overview of Role   

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to take on an exciting policy and public affairs role in the further education and work-based learning sector.

Working closely with Policy and Communications Team colleagues, the successful candidate will help promote the benefit of post-compulsory education and training in Wales. They will represent further education colleges on a national stage, working closely with MSs in the Senedd and with Welsh Government officials. This includes meeting and briefing relevant political party spokespeople and members of key Senedd Committees, as well as undertaking research, analysis (qualitative and quantitative), and helping to develop public policy recommendations. The successful candidate will be able to work on their own initiative as well as part of a team, and will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to form positive working relationships.

This post will require the successful candidate to work regularly from the ColegauCymru offices in Cardiff, so the ability to commute here is essential. Willingness to travel across Wales, within the UK and occasionally internationally, and work outside of normal working hours may also be required.

Main Responsibilities

• Monitor parliamentary briefings provided by external contractors to identify priorities
• for public affairs activity.
• Positively promote and highlight ColegauCymru and the work of the further education
  sector, including work-based learning, to politicians and their staff across all parties and
  with other external partners in government, business, academia and the third sector.
• Support the drafting of consultation responses to policy documents.
• Ability to develop and implement effective digital strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Ability to create Innovative approaches to content creation and problem-solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively.
• Strong ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Team player with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis – including surveys and evaluation – to inform a range of policy, project and campaign content and in response to requests from the sector.
• Help develop messaging, including responses to political announcements in Wales, advising on key policy and political positions.
• Support the Policy Officer in the running of the ColegauCymru Cross Party Group on FE and Future Skills, including dissemination of information, prior to and post events.
• Help organise relevant events to support the ColegauCymru policy and public affairs work.
• Maintain record system for all MS engagement, including meetings, events and Plenary debates.
• Ensure effective administration systems to record and store consultation responses and other correspondence.
• Represent ColegauCymru at meetings, conferences and events as required.
• Maintain an interest in developments in the public policy and political arenas and the
  education sector more broadly.
• Work to agreed budgets with approved suppliers.
• Any other related tasks as directed by the Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

Essential

• Knowledge of the Welsh political system.
• Qualified to degree level.
• Experience of working in policy, public affairs or the political system within Wales (paid or voluntary).
• Experience of conducting research, analysing data and statistics and presenting findings.
• Experience of formal writing e.g. consultation responses and reports.
• Experience of building positive working relationships across a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent standard of written English including the ability to write in different styles to suit different audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills including the ability to effectively prioritise, working within tight timescales and in line with available resources.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Packages and social media platforms

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of post-16 education policy, including work-based learning, within Wales.
• Welsh language skills.

Welsh Language Requirements

ColegauCymru is a proudly bilingual organisation and Welsh language skills are considered an
asset to the organisation. We acknowledge the importance of developing and growing a
bilingual workforce and encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh
language skills in the workplace.

Welsh language skills are desirable but not essential for this role. Applicants who do not
possess Welsh Language skills or whose skills do not currently meet the desired level but who
are able to demonstrate a commitment to acquiring or improving their level of competency are
encouraged to apply. Applicants are welcome to contact ColegauCymru to discuss this
requirement

Application:

Please send a CV which demonstrates how you meet the Person Specification, along with
a short covering letter that addresses the questions below. The answer to each question should
not exceed 500 words.

1. What do you think are the main policy issues specifically facing the further education
   and work-based learning sectors in the next 18 months?
2. How do you think ColegauCymru should try to address these issues?
3. What are the main opportunities and barriers?
   Applications should be submitted by email to HR@colegaucymru.ac.uk

Closing date for the role is : 20 November 2024

Interviews will be held on 28 November 2024 at the ColegauCymru offices in Tongwynlais, Cardiff