Policy Adviser for the Migration Team at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, THE REFUGEE, ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND POLICY (RAMP) PROJECT

About The RAMP Project
The RAMP (Refugee, Asylum, and Migration Policy) Project is a cross-party initiative that supports politicians and regional leaders to think more deeply and collaborate more widely on immigration, asylum and integration issues. Our aim is to support politicians and Combined Authorities to develop fair, effective and locally grounded migration policies. We launched our Metro Mayor’s Programme building on our expertise in seconding specialist advisors into parliamentarians’ offices. Advisers will work with Metro Mayors and Combined Authorities to shape practical, community-focused approaches and contribute to better regional and national policy on the questions of migration and integration.

About The Role
Greater Manchester is in an exciting phase of growth and expansion, as new trailblazer deals mean an expanded strategic role for the Combined Authority across a great many policy areas. GMCA is pioneering these changes with our rapidly expanding migration team, sitting under the Migration Portfolio held by Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett and overseen by the city-regional leadership of Mayor Burnham. The Policy Adviser will provide policy analysis and strategic support to drive forward the migration and inclusion agenda in Greater Manchester. As part of the Homelessness and Migration team within GMCA’s Public Service Reform Directorate, it will work with local authorities, voluntary and faith sector partners, and communities to identify and articulate opportunities for positive change at the city-regional and national levels.

Key responsibilities for the role will include:

• Holding shared responsibility for supporting effective responses to migration and driving migrant-inclusive approaches across all public service areas and through partnerships with the voluntary sector and communities.
• Playing a key role in the day-to-day development and co-production of the GM Migration and Inclusion Strategy, through facilitating engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, drafting outputs and supporting coordination of collaborative governance and decision-making structures.
• Keeping GMCA and its leaders at the forefront of developments in national asylum and immigration policy, by producing policy briefings, updates and clear analysis for different audiences, including the GM Mayor and relevant Portfolio Leads.
• Supporting GM Local authorities’ response to migration trends, issues and pressures, including through quantitative and qualitative analyses of available data and production of guidance and resources.
• Supporting the development of shared, evidence-based policy positions related to migration across the GM system, through collaboration and engagement across public service areas and with partners.
• Providing flexible policy and communication support to GM Chief Executive and Political Portfolio Leads for Migration, as needed.
• Contributing to the RAMP network and others, building relationships with stakeholders nationally, allowing GM and RAMP to benefit from insights and good practice from other UK regions and beyond and forging opportunities for joint working and collaboration.

Person Specification
We are looking for an organised, self-starter with a passion for improving public policy and outcomes for Greater Manchester residents. Prior professional experience of Combined Authority work is not required — we’re open to people with a range of professional backgrounds. What we’re looking for:

• Strong people skills: Demonstrated ability to build relationships and communicate credibly with a wide range of stakeholders, including local government officers, community leaders and voluntary sector organisations.
• Comfortable working in a team and able to collaborate with others respectfully and constructively.
• Interest in public policy and migration: A good grasp of the UK’s asylum, migration and integration policy landscape, with the ability to engage thoughtfully and critically with it.
• Aware of the role and functions of Combined Authorities and local government, particularly in the Greater Manchester context.
• Clear communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and engaging briefing, reports or summaries for different audiences.
• Experience presenting information or recommendations in a structured and persuasive way.
• Organised and reliable: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, deliver to tight deadlines and work with a degree of autonomy in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
• Willing to pitch in when needed and learn new systems or ways of working.
• Curious and reflective: Interested in learning on the job, asking questions, and improving how things are done. Open to feedback and willing to reflect on your practice.

Desirable (but not essential) experience:
Experience (paid or unpaid) working with communities, voluntary organisations or campaigns. Lived experience of migration, or supporting others through the migration system. Confidence with basic research or analysis (e.g. reading reports, looking at data).

Conditions
The successful candidate would be contracted as a consultant at a rate of up to £200 per day ideally for 4 - 5 days per week for an initial 3 month contract, with a strong likelihood of extension to 6 month rolling contracts at that point if the initial period goes well. There is additional budget for work-related expenses to be determined post-appointment. Applications deadline: midday, Monday 7th July.