Mayor's External Affairs & Communications Adviser

WE ARE NEWHAM.

Newham is one of the youngest and most dynamic boroughs in London with a diverse population representing cultures from around the world. We are proud of our rich community vibrant growth and innovations in work from public participation to just transition and models of service delivery. Driving forward at pace on a journey of improvement and stepping up to significant financial pressures like so many councils were committed to ensuring that every part of Newham thrives sustainably equitably and inclusively.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE who grew up and has live her whole life in Newham has been the Labour Directly Elected Mayor since is focused on delivering her Building a Fairer Newham agenda through the councils own work and in collaboration with communities and partners within and beyond the borough and ensuring a culture of good governance transparency and accountability in all we do. Particular priorities for her are giving all young people in Newham the best support to explore and fulfil their potential unlocking Newhams regeneration opportunities in a way that supports Community Wealth Building helping families to build their own resilience in the face of financial pressures and supporting the cohesion and integration of our diverse communities and faiths and tackling racism and inequality through all the councils services and actions.

The Mayors Office provides strategic advice and administrative support to the Mayor and her Cabinet. Helping to facilitate effective working between the political and officer leadership it operates as a lynchpin in the heart of the council playing a key role in supporting the shaping of strategy and policy the oversight and assurance of delivery and the maintenance of strong relationships with residents and partners. Following a restructuring we are now seeking to recruit three officers to provide the leadership to the Office to help the Mayor and council to deliver on her ambitions and make a tangible difference to the people and communities of this wonderful borough. Strong candidates will demonstrate a sensitivity to Newhams diverse local context and ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving and intense political environment.

Mayors External Affairs and Communications Adviser SMRA 58818 - 71412pa

You will advise and support the Mayor on her externally facing responsibilities including as a leader of place working with residents VCSF and partners in the borough and with London and national government and other funders and influencers. Working closely with Strategy Communications Resident Engagement and other functions you will advise on give impetus to and ensure co-ordination and impact of actions to realise the Mayors ambition for Newham to be a campaigning council not just delivering for our residents but making the case for them and what is needed to Build a Fairer Newham. You will also advise the Mayor and work with colleagues to ensure strategic and responsive communications with a consistent clear narrative and style that reflect her commitment for people at the heart of everything we do and support the reputation of the council. You will be an inspiring and empowering manager for the Mayors Assistant and Labour Group Political Assistant supporting them to provide political support

You will be experienced in planning and delivering at least one of public affairs communications and resident to both shape and drive coherent strategic plans and craft impactful communications and campaigns with a clarity on audience and a relentless focus on purpose and impact and youll be able to balance a long-term perspective while being quick to spot emerging issues and have the judgement to advise on and help deliver appropriate swift responses where needed. An excellent drafter and able to make a persuasive case you will build effective and trusted relations with politicians and officers and with external partners quickly to enable you to shape and influence impact beyond your immediate control. You will have a good understanding of local government politics and how to work effectively with politicians respecting and recognising their and officers respective roles. An inspiring and empowering manager you will lead your own staff to thrive deliver to high standards and develop in their roles and careers as well as ensuring a co-ordinated and positive environment in the Mayors Office as a whole.

This post is politically restricted.

To view the job descriptions and person specifications please click here

For more information or to have a confidential discussion about the role please contact Sarah Sturrock Interim Chief of Staff to the Mayor.

Closing date for applications Sunday 22nd June 2025 at 23.59.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age disability ethnicity faith gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values and you bring the experience and skills we need thats all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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