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Job description overview
Are you passionate about improving the delivery of public services? Do you have experience of leading projects and producing evidence-based recommendations?
The Ministry of Justice Implementation Unit (IU) improves the implementation of Departmental priorities, by combining data analysis with insights from fieldwork on the frontline. We are looking to recruit a Lead Implementation Adviser to carry out project-based work, across the entire Ministry of Justice remit.
We are looking to recruit enthusiastic people, who can get to grips with complex problems quickly across a range of policy and operational areas. In return, we are committed to supporting your development and encouraging you to develop new ways to improve what we deliver and how we work together.
The Implementation Unit - who are we and what do we do?
The IU sits at the centre of the Ministry of Justice. The key focus of our work is carrying out ‘deep dive’ projects, which help colleagues understand implementation problems and support the development of deliverable policies.
To inform our project findings we blend policy, data analysis and gather evidence from the frontline. We present our projects to Ministers and senior officials, providing evidence-based recommendations and actions to improve policy implementation.
The team has a wide range of experience, some who are new to the Civil Service from Local Government and the third sector, and others who have worked in different parts of MoJ and other central government departments. We want to maintain a diversity of background and experience to help us deliver the best results.
Why work for the Implementation Unit?
You will have the ability to build influence at the heart of the department and within the centre of government. The areas you work on will make a real difference to the department and those we provide services to. There will be a high degree of independent work and close engagement with senior stakeholders across the MoJ.
You will lead fieldwork and get experience of frontline operational issues across the whole MoJ remit.
We understand the importance of supporting our teams. People are our most valuable resource and through flexible working, network events and mentoring we strive to ensure our directorate is a positive environment to work in. We have a friendly, supportive and collaborative team culture and invest heavily in learning and development.
We are using the right technology and the right tools (such as OneDrive and Skype) to provide a modern and forward looking working environment. We encourage a culture of change and innovation and adopt smarter ways of working to provide flexibility.
Key responsibilities
As Lead Implementation Adviser you will:
Lead ‘deep dive’ projects, using structured problem-solving tools to understand implementation and policy challenges and make recommendations based on robust evidence.
Work with a high degree of autonomy, leading small project teams and being held accountable for delivering project outputs.
Be confident in leading interviews and focus groups to gather views and evidence from stakeholders, frontline providers and service users.
Understand and analyse quantitative data and delivery systems to challenge/support your project’s findings.
Build relationships with colleagues with differing and occasionally conflicting priorities, both within MoJ and across delivery agencies, to deliver solutions which work for the department.
Communicate project findings clearly and persuasively to Ministers and other senior stakeholders, using excellent oral and written communication skills.
Provide enthusiastic leadership to the wider Implementation Unit, coaching and generally supporting members of the team.
Promote the work of the IU across the department and build our pipeline of work.
Build capability across the department, leading training sessions on IU skills such as project scoping and problem definition.
Success Profiles: Application and Interview stage
To apply, you will need to submit a statement of suitability (no more than 750 words). This statement should explain your relevant experience and why you believe you are a suitable candidate for this role, providing evidence against the key skills listed below:
Delivering projects – experience of leading projects and being accountable for outcomes. Effectively scoping, planning and managing delivery, mastering new areas quickly. Â
Decision making - experience of managing large amounts of sometimes conflicting data. Assessing options and formulating recommendations, which take account of the broader context of your work area.
Communication – the ability to focus on the big picture, whilst understanding and articulating complex issues to a wide range of stakeholders through effective and accessible communication.
Leadership – the ability to set clear direction for those in your team, provide feedback and advice and build the capability of yourself and your team.
Interview
Due to government recommendations in light of COVID-19, interviews are likely to be conducted via video call. Full instructions for how to access the call will be provided to those invited to interview.
The interview will be a blend of questions about the Strengths and Behaviours needed for the role. You will also be asked to prepare a presentation - details will be provided to candidates invited to interview.
Strengths are assessed blind (i.e. we will not tell you the specific strengths before or during the interview process). The behaviours we are looking for are as follows:
We will be looking at how you meet the Behaviours and Strengths expectations for the grade of role you are applying for: Level 4 – Grade 7 equivalent.
Location of Post
We are currently all working from home, but when we return to the office this post is available in either London (102 Petty France) or Leeds (5 Wellington Place). We are happy to discuss flexible and remote working arrangements.
Salary
Please note this is a Grade 7 role. Anyone new to the Civil Service is appointed at the beginning of the pay scale which is £52,845 in London and £43,958 in Leeds.
Point of contact
Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about the role, previous projects or what it is like working in our team. Contact Laura Thompson (Head of the Implementation Unit), email: laura.thompson@justice.gov.uk and mobile: 07973 721 774. We look forward to hearing from you.
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