Assistant Private Secretary to the Advocate General

Job Description

Job Summary

Position: Assistant Private Secretary (Private Office) in the Office of the Advocate General, providing high quality private office support to the Minister and senior government officials. The role is based in either Dover House, London or Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh, with some travel and occasional weekend duties. Salary range: £35,335 £37,847 (Edinburgh) or £40,014 £42,859 (London) + Private Office allowance £5,799 per year. The posting is for a loan basis of two years, with a one year extension possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics for ministerial meetings, engagements and diary management, coordinating the minister’s diary.
• Provide timely, accurate information and briefings, support meetings and engagements, and arrange travel.
• Develop and maintain relationships across the department, wider government and external stakeholders, advocating for the minister’s priorities.
• Engage with other departments to secure effective advice and support for the minister.
• Lead on priority portfolio areas and cover for the Senior Private Secretary as required.
• Manage occasional travel to Edinburgh or London and national or overseas visits with the Advocate General.
• Adapt to some evening and weekend working according to a rota.
• Work in person when business needs dictate, in accordance with the office attendance policy.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Excellent team player who can collaborate effectively and work independently.
• Great communicator with strong interpersonal skills, experience building relationships with Ministers and senior officials.
• Effective decision maker with strong organisational and detail oriented skills, able to absorb large volumes of information and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
• Experience delivering a high quality service, managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and implementing improved ways of working.

Experience working in a private office is desirable but not essential. Legal experience is not required.

Employment Details

Salary and allowance varied by city. Location: London or Edinburgh. Working pattern: full time. Post type: loan for two years, optional one year extension.

Benefits

Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, 30 days after five years. Pension: choice among civil service pension schemes. Training: extensive opportunities for professional development.

Eligibility

Open to existing civil servants and employees of accredited NDPBs, and to Higher Executive Officers and Executive Officers on temporary promotion.

Equality and Diversity

MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes all candidates. The recruitment process is fair and open competition. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments; support is available for disabled applicants.

Application Process

This role is cross government and will be filled by loan. All applicants must discuss the loan with their current department prior to applying. Contact Max Graham () for further discussion.