Graduate Trainee

Background
The East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) was formed in 1999 as a voluntary regional partnership. It is a broad and inclusive partnership of 111 members, with 70% being local government elected representatives and 30% being partners, including from business, the voluntary sector, trade unions, education, health, housing and environmental groups.
The Regional Assembly has two statutory roles: firstly, to scrutinise and review the work of the East Midlands Development Agency; and secondly, to prepare regional planning guidance/the region’s spatial strategy. Central government also requires a Regional Sustainable Development Framework to be produced. In the East Midlands, the Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS) Framework is the region’s Sustainable Development Framework – the Regional Assembly has the lead role in developing this.
In July 2007, Government released the Sub National Review of Economic Development, which announced that Regional Assemblies will no longer continue in their current form and function. The timetable for the implementation of the review is yet to be announced, but it is likely that the next 6 months will be a time of considerable change for the Regional Assembly.
The major focus for the post holder will be to assist the chief executive of the assembly in all aspects of the assembly’s changing function.

Objective
The development of corporate systems to support the work of the Assembly during a period of organisational transition.

Benefits of the Project Work to the Graduate
This is a massive opportunity for the right candidate to gain firsthand experience at a strategic level, with regard to how an organisation such as the East Midlands Regional Assembly works at an exciting and fast-moving time.
The graduate will also gain skills in building partnerships, working with regional stakeholders and organisations, as well as communicating and promoting the work of the Assembly through a variety of means and to a range of different audiences. In addition, they will increase their knowledge of issues related to sustainable development at a strategic level, and a regional scale. The graduate will also be encouraged to think innovatively with the opportunity to initiate and implement their own ideas.

Employment potential and options post Project Work
The employment potential of the successful candidate will be greatly enhanced due to the scope and scale of the work that the graduate will be involved in.

Numbered Lists: Please note all numbered lists start with the most important through to least important Output or Key Task.
Output 1
To support and further the work of the Assembly within the region and in Europe through a number of projects and initiatives
Output 2
To support the chief executive on internal projects including staff development, and in the management of organisational change
Output 3
Increased professional development in the field of regional governance, European partnership working and sustainable development

Key Task 1
To work with a range of partners and organisations to deliver projects and initiatives, including a Joint Work programme with Romanian County Councils and a Local Area Agreement delivery support group
Key Task 2
To support the Chief Executive on a range of initiatives with regard to the strategic management of the Regional Assembly
Key Task 3
To research, analyse and report on new and emerging regional, national and European issues.
Key Task 4
To communicate and promote an understanding of the Regional Assembly through a variety of means and to a range of different audiences
Key Task 5
To produce written reports, briefing notes and guidance documents to assist in providing appropriate information for stakeholders.
Key Task 6
Any other reasonable tasks associated with this position.