Political Advisor

Job Description

Political Advisor - Reform Group

Salary: £39,027 - £44,463 per annum

Grade: E

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract - 48 months

Hours: 37 Hours per Week

About the Role

Are you interested in working in a political environment within a Local Unitary Authority? If so, then this could be the job for you!

We are looking for an engaging, experienced and committed individual to join us as a Political Advisor for the Reform Group. 

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to provide a variety of services to the Reform Group, ranging from policy research and development to supporting senior Reform councillors in their strategic aims. You will be involved in note taking, organising meetings as well as assisting with wider duties required of you.

You will provide high-quality political advice, policy research, and strategic support to the Reform Group Leader and Members of the Group, enabling effective decision‑making, policy development, and representation within the Council and across wider political and stakeholder networks.

Sitting within the Governance Teams at the Council, you will act as a key link between the political group, council officers, and external partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment of priorities, and effective collaboration, including engagement with national and sector‑wide political structures. 

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience and knowledge of providing high quality support to a team and working with others to complete projects to a high standard and on time. 
• You will be highly organised with great ICT, English language and time management skills.
• You’ll be an effective communicator across the organisation, from residents and officers to senior managers and politicians. 
• Experience of working in a political environment is desirable, as is a sound understanding of local government and its governance. 
• Full support in all aspects of the role will be provided to the successful candidate. 

Your work time will largely be based at the Civic Offices in Grays, Essex, with some opportunity to work from home. You may be expected to attend some evening events across the year. 

DBS Check: At Basic check will be required. 

Benefits of Working with Us 

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Local Government Pension Scheme 
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) 
• Ongoing training and professional development 
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support 
• Staff discounts and local offers 
• A supportive and inclusive working environment 

Important Dates 

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th August 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 30th August 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information 

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: 

Matthew Boulter - Head of Democratic and Scrutiny Services

[email removed]

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: 

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. 

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council