An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced housing strategy professional to take on a key leadership role in the Greater London Authority (GLA). This is a rare opportunity to take up a senior leadership role at the heart of the team charged with addressing London’s housing crisis and to have a tangible impact on London’s future. The role sits at the heart of the team tasked by the Mayor to address London’s crisis, within a directorate uniquely placed to both shape London’s housing strategy and to deliver on that strategy through its devolved powers and funding programmes.

Key priorities during the first six months include: advising, and developing a productive working relationship with, our new Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development and their senior advisor; preparing for the transition to a new Mayoral administration following the 2020 Mayoral elections; and seeking to influence key Government decisions on housing policy and spending that effect the GLA’s work. You will also take on responsibility for a wide range of live policy development initiatives spanning intermediate housing, council delivery, land assembly, building safety and homelessness – all while supporting the directorate to deliver the most ambitious affordable housing targets since housing was devolved to the GLA.

The role

·         You will be responsible for the development and implementation of the strategy, policy and actions to support the Mayor’s strategic housing objectives in London,

·         providing expert advice and guidance to the Mayor’s Office, the Housing & Land Directorate and other parts of the GLA on all housing policy issues,

·         managing strategic relationships with Government departments, London boroughs and a range of other organisations and stakeholders, and

·         overseeing strategy, briefings and research and analysis functions.

The role contributes to the effective leadership of the Housing & Land directorate as a member of its Directorate Management Team, including deputising for the Assistant Director, Housing and the Executive Director, Housing & Land as necessary. It is supported by a high-performing team of approximately thirteen policy experts, project managers and analysts.

The person

You will have broad and extensive professional experience and knowledge of current housing issues and policy and how they relate to London. Extensive experience and knowledge of affordable housing and planning policy is desirable.

You will have excellent knowledge of the stakeholders and relationships that are key to the development and delivery of strategic housing policies in London and a track record of successfully managing and leading a team.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, a well-informed and creative approach to problem solving, and the ability to lead in a busy and complex political environment are all essential.

Please read the JOB DESCRIPTION and PERSON SPECIFICATION

This role is politically restricted’ under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

This role will be based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)

London's diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates will be particularly welcomed as they are currently under-represented in this area of our organisation.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan, childcare voucher scheme and a career average pension scheme.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role then you can contact James Clark, the current postholder, on 020 7983 4966 or email - james.clark@london.gov.uk.

If you have a question about the role or the recruitment process then please contact a member of the recruitment team via email on glajobs@london.gov.uk quoting reference GLA0696

Application closing date:  Sunday 23 February 2020 at 23:59 GMT

Interviews will take place on: Union Street W/C 9 March 2020

Please note we do not accept CV’s for this role. All applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. To apply and for a copy of the Job Description and Person specification, please click the "Apply Now" button below.