Job Descriptions

Local Government Officer Job Description

What is the job description of a Local Government Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Local Government Officer? What does a Local Government Officer do?

Job description of a Local Government Officer

Local government officers are responsible for assisting in the development of council policies and procedures and ensure they are put into practice, making sure that local services are delivered effectively.

This Local Government Officer job description example includes the list of most important Local Government Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Local Government Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Local Government Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Local Government Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Liaising with other council departments, such as finance or marketing;
  • Developing and promoting a policy and performance framework, which contributes to the operational and strategic functioning of the department;
  • Coordinating responses to national and local consultations on specific policy areas, such as education.
  • Providing support and guidance to the democratic structure, for example to Cabinet or local committees;
  • Assisting in the formulation, planning and monitoring of policies and procedures;
  • Coordinating the implementation of council/authority decisions and circulating reports to those affected;
  • Arranging and servicing meetings;
  • Researching, preparing and writing up reports and briefing papers;
  • Coordinating departmental and corporate plans;
  • Monitoring and reporting on performance and quality issues, ensuring value for money;
  • Providing information, advice and guidance on policy and performance;
  • Working with members of the public, councillors and other stakeholders, presenting information at meetings when required;
  • Dealing with enquiries and giving advice;
  • Supervising and managing staff;
  • Managing and evaluating projects;
  • Coordinating and collecting data for external inspections, including evidence of compliance with legislation;
  • Managing budgets and funding;
  • Coordinating communication strategies, including publications and departmental websites;
  • Liaising with external partners and agencies, including private and voluntary sector organisations, contractors and other local councils/authorities;
  • Providing support and a strategic steer to the management team relevant to your specific area;

Local Government Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Local Government Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in business studies and management, economics, legal studies, politics, government or public administration, social administration and social policy.
  • Good organisational and negotiation skills
  • Computer literacy and keyboard skills
  • Ability to work well as part of a team
  • An understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunity service delivery.
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills
  • Ability to deal with people from a variety of backgrounds
  • A good working knowledge of the relevant policy area
  • Project management and a logical approach to solving problems

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Local Government Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Local Government Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Local Government Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.