Democratic Services Officer

The Democratic Services team plays an important role within the new North Yorkshire Council, supporting the Council's governance and decision-making process, ensuring that formal decision-making is open and transparent. The team works closely with Members, senior officers, the public and representatives from outside organisations to provide support and advice to committees and working groups., The team has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Senior Democratic Services Officer to join us following the establishment of the unitary council last year as we look establish support for decision making processes.

The role sits within the Central team, which supports the Council's main committees taking place at County Hall in Northallerton, along with area committees, development control and licensing panels taking place in Harrogate and Selby. The postholder is expected to ensure the provision of comprehensive and efficient democratic services.

This role requires the highest levels of political awareness, communication skills, research skills, organisational ability and tact and diplomacy. The post holder will be at the forefront of supporting and liaising with Members involved in formal decision-making meetings and area committees.

To be successful you must have experience in the conduct of Local Authority decision making processes and have experience of working with external business partners and clients. You will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of working in an environment that demands tact and diplomacy.

You must be an exceptional communicator both written and oral, be able to establish and develop positive working relations with Councillors, senior managers and partner organisations and have the resilience and ability to cope with ambiguity and conflicting and complex demands. You must be able to demonstrate that you have excellent organisational and multi-tasking skills to cope with a varied workload and multiple projects, including the ability to prioritise work accordingly and respond effectively to changing circumstances without losing focus or direction, whilst meeting strict deadlines. You must also hold a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant professional area or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.

The post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.