Permanent post – reference number 468
Temporary post for 12 months – reference number 469 (for PCC employees this could be an internal secondment)

The Service
The Strategy Unit is part of the Council’s Audit & Performance Improvement Service. We provide strategic support throughout the Council and are looking to enhance our role in this area. We currently lead on performance management for the Council, providing strategic support to the Local Strategic Partnership and also provide the lead on sustainability and climate change issues.

What is the role?
In the post you will:

• undertake projects responding to the major issues facing the City Council and to strategically plan responses to its priorities.
• develop strategies and undertake policy analysis on a wide range of issues affecting Portsmouth’s social, economic and environmental well-being including arranging consultation with key stakeholders.
• analyse key trends affecting the city and develop a response to them
• support services of the council in preparing business plans and to contribute to strategic plans produced in partnership with other organisations.
• help implement the Corporate Performance Management Strategy
• commission or undertake research projects and to find out best practice in tackling issues facing the council.
• organise events or campaigns to publicise city council policies or the availability of advice, services or benefits.
• devise and implement systems for monitoring the performance and impact of city council services and strategies, including preparing the Corporate Plan.
• prepare reports and present verbal summaries to meetings of councillors, staff and other stakeholders and to answer their questions.

Who is the person?
You will :

• have a Degree or similar qualification or equivalent ability probably demonstrated by way of an excellent academic record. Alternatively, you will have relevant experience for the post
• have a high level of numeracy, accuracy and ability to interpret data and skills to present material verbally to a range of audiences
• be an excellent communicator and strategic thinker, able to respond well in discussions
• be able to produce high quality written material, setting out the pros and cons of complex issues clearly, logically and concisely.
• have a commitment to local democracy, community involvement and continuous improvement and understanding of the politically sensitive and confidential nature of issues and able to take an objective approach these objectively.
• have excellent IT skills and be competent using a range of MICROSOFT packages.
• have good organisational and planning skills to be able to a manage several projects simultaneously and within tight timescales.
• be approachable with good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude toward challenging situations.

How can you apply?

There is NO application form, we will shortlist for interview / assessment based on the information you provide, so:
Send us your details including:

• Where you saw the position advertised
• The post you are applying for
• How we can contact you – by telephone and email
• Your full work history, explaining any gaps. Including employers name, address, dates from and to and reasons for leaving.
• Please provide details for us to obtain two references. If you are currently working we will need a reference from your current employer and previous employer. If you are not currently working, we will need references from your two most recent employers or from your place of study.
• Why you are the right person for this job – Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in ‘who is the person’ above. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.

• Closing Date: 19th September 2008