Legislative Assistant

General Summary

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this position is responsible for providing legislative, organizational and clerical support for Yukon NDP MLAs.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Clerical:

• Manage correspondence for MLAs and maintaining a comprehensive tracking and filing system for casework and correspondence
• Referring members of the public and/or officials to the appropriate MLA or staff person and responding to requests for information
• Assisting in the maintenance of MLA and general caucus calendars, and scheduling appointments as requested
• Assisting in the maintenance and updating of the caucus database
• Maintaining electronic distribution lists, mailing lists and contact lists for groups and individuals
• Assisting with the logistics of MLA travel
• Other duties as assigned

Constituent Assistance:

• Receiving requests from members of the public for information, advice and assistance on matters related to the territorial government
• Recording, assessing and verifying requests from members of the public and recommending an appropriate course of action to the MLA
• Advising, referring, advocating or letter-writing on an individual’s behalf
• Maintaining current knowledge of the structures and services of the territorial government, including mechanisms available to individuals to have questions answered and/or grievances addressed
• Maintaining current knowledge of advocacy and other community service organizations available to assist individuals
• Ensuring appropriate information disclosure consent forms are completed by individuals seeking advice or assistance
• Maintaining complete confidential records of contact
• Liaising between individuals seeking advice or assistance and governmental or non-governmental agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Legislative:

• Write speeches, questions, motions as needed to assist MLAs in the Legislative duties
• Responding to requests for information from caucus members, staff and others as directed
• Monitoring government legislation, department programs, budget estimates
• Monitoring media for developments related to research assignments
• Developing and maintaining stakeholder relations related to assigned issues
• Analyzing, evaluating and preparing alternatives to government legislation, programs and regulations
• Researching and preparing papers and notes to assist caucus members.
• Liaising with community groups, government departments and others
• Assist with preparation of communication materials for public distribution
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Completion of a university degree or equivalent experience
• Strong writing skills and ability to work under strict timelines
• An understanding of the northern cultural and political environment
• Ability to multitask and meet changing needs and demands, including an ability to respond well to short deadlines
• Proven research and analytical skills including the ability to organize and interpret research findings in ways that provide options and recommendations.
• Demonstrated skills in team building, recordkeeping, analysis and problem solving, stress management, decision making, verbal and written communications
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Punctual, meticulous and reliable
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people and work as part of a team
• Thorough knowledge of Yukon politics and the Yukon New Democratic Party is an asset

Working Conditions:

• Regular work schedule is 5 days/week, between Monday and Friday, 7.5 hours per day
• Occasional evening and weekend work
• Frequent interaction with the public
• Regular critical deadlines and evolving priorities

Pay, benefits and other conditions of employment are determined by the Collective Agreement between the Yukon New Democratic Party Caucus in the Yukon Legislative Assembly and the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Compensation begins at $85,225 annually plus health, wellness and pension benefits. Subject to Clause 5.02 of the Collective Agreement, membership in the union is a condition of employment.