Public Affairs Assistant British Video Association

The responsibilities of the public affairs assistant include general monitoring and reporting of the political and policy environment. You will be the foot on the ground, keeping a watching brief on all areas of copyright, film, broadcasting, broadband, internet regulation, intellectual property and enforcement policy, protection of minors, responsible marketing, content regulation in the UK and, where relevant, in the EU.

The Director General runs the BVA’s lobbying to influence the political community on behalf of video distributors. The role will include understanding and contributing to policy development on issues that affect the video entertainment sector and more generally the audiovisual industry, liaising with officials, MPs and to a lesser extent MEPs to ensure the BVA’s communications are well understood. Work will include:

• Drafting research and policy papers on political matters, providing insights on emerging issues that have the potential to affect the BVA and its members.
• Liaising with other industry groups and understanding the opportunity to work co-operatively, balancing video industry interests with the need to maintain alliances.
• Drafting consultation responses and co-ordinating with other industry organisations, such as our anti-piracy and consumer communications bodies, to ensure consistency in messaging.
• Organising meetings with MPs and officials and attending these with the Director General. Drafting letters to MPs, MEPs and Ministers following parliamentary developments and proceedings. Liaising with political researchers to understand MP (and MEP) requirements.
• Developing a forward planning calendar of relevant events and attending these. Attending and reporting on Party Conferences.
• Writing briefs for meetings being attended by the Director General. Attending some meetings as representative of the Director General and co-ordinating follow-up activities.
• Good interpersonal and communications (including writing) skills are required for the success of this role.

Others qualifications required include:

• Education to degree standard
• Comprehensive understanding of the UK political environment and the operations of political institutions as well as some knowledge of the EU and European Commission
• Ability to present with enthusiasm and conviction
• Self-motivation and determination
• Familiarity with key PC programs
• Willingness to help out and a happy disposition to fit in with a small staff

Salary: £18-22,000 plus benefits, depending upon experience
Contact: aurelia@bva.org.uk
Closes: 22 February 2012