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Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of local/national policy agenda and understanding of the key issues facing local government.
  • Experience of working in a policy/strategy related role for at least 2 years.
  • Experience of working with senior managers in a multi-disciplined organisation in a professional and co-operative manner.
  • Experience of working with elected members or in a political environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, senior management, including those from other departments and disciplines

Desirable

  • Previous working knowledge and experience of developing policies and strategies.
  • Experience of securing external grant funding.
  • Experience of working in partnership with a variety of different stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Excellent, clear and concise written oral and written communication skills.
  • Political awareness.
  • Proactive with a 'can do' attitude and track record of delivering successful outcomes.
  • Ability to plan, organise and co-ordinate effectively.
  • A commitment to own development and to supporting training and development initiatives.
  • A professional approach when dealing with officers at all levels of the council, external partners, elected members and residents.

Desirable

  • Strong data analysis skills
  • Strong relationship management skills.
  • Ability to use initiative and identify innovative solutions.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to degree level in a related field or evidence of equivalent learning through experience
  • A full driving licence and access to own transport.

Desirable

  • A postgraduate qualification relevant to Policy / Strategy etc.

Essential Behaviours

Collaborative:

  • 'I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input'.
  • 'I listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge'.
  • 'I celebrate success with my colleagues'.

Ambitious:

  • 'I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'.
  • 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'.
  • 'I work hard to build relationships inside and outside my own area of work'.

Results Driven:

  • 'I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan'.
  • 'I understand our council priorities and how I make a difference.'
  • 'I keep to my promises and challenge myself and others to deliver high-quality services'.
  • 'I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions'.

Empowering:

  • 'I show energy and drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo'.
  • 'I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'.
  • 'I look for and act on opportunities where we can generate an income or drive down costs'
  • 'I appropriately challenge unacceptable behaviour'.
  • 'I ask for help and support when needed'.

Supportive:

  • 'I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience'.
  • 'I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me.'
  • 'I treat others as I would want to be treated myself ensuring I am welcoming, friendly and approachable'.
  • 'I care for my colleagues, taking an interest in them, showing support for their personal identities and what's important to them'.
  • 'I give time to colleagues who need help or support, even when the pressure is on'.

Health & Safety (exposure to risk)

  • As an employee of Breckland Council you must comply with the Health & Safety policy and attend the compulsory Health & Safety training as and when requested. You will be required to undertake any necessary training to enable you to perform your duties effectively

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Last modified on 10 October 2025