We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
Overview
Would you like the opportunity to play an active role in supporting Ministers shape the future of the UK and Scotland within it? Do you want to take an active role in supporting Ministers respond to Covid19?
We are looking for HEO/Band C Policy Advisors to join the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (OSSS). These posts will be located in the Constitutional Division and Policy Division and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of policy functions and activity as part of their advisory role. The roles will fill immediate vacancies and vacancies expected to arrive in the next 6-12 months.
The successful candidates will be expected to support and in some instances lead on a wide variety of work including policy, strategy and relationship management. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to manage projects while collaborating and building trust in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The roles will also have an active role in supporting Ministers respond to Covid 19 priorities. Applicants should understand and have a keen interest in the contemporary political landscape, and be motivated by being involved in shaping the direction of the country.
The roles may be based in our London or Edinburgh office. The roles will have opportunities to directly support Ministers and you will develop a detailed understanding of the devolution settlement, working closely with the senior leaders across Whitehall, the Scottish Government, Scottish stakeholders, the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland and Special Advisors.
All staff are currently working from home and interviews will be conducted via video conference facilities. We are recruiting using Ministry of Justice terms and conditions. This process is open non-civil servants. For substantive civil servants we are able to offer the MoJ terms or offer the option of a loan agreement with the home department.
Main responsibilities may include :
- Supporting OSSS Senior leaders and Special Advisors to drive progress on a number of key policy priorities relating to Scotland.
- Supporting Ministers to respond to Covid 19. This will include drafting written and oral briefing and advice in a clear, concise and timely fashion for Ministers and officials.
- Drafting Cabinet Committee, Ministerial and official correspondence on policy issues. In addition, preparing responses to correspondence, Parliamentary Questions and FOI requests as well as briefing for meetings, visits and events to the expected standard and within timeframes.
- Preparing policy advice for OSSS (and other UK) Ministers’ parliamentary activity – including Scottish Questions and debates in both Houses of Parliament.
- Representing the team leader at meetings with government departments or industry stakeholders.
- Collaborative cross-team and cross-division working to inform policy work on ad hoc work strands of work.
- Occasional travel between London and Scotland will be expected once social distancing measures have ended. (No relocation / excess travel will be given).
- Some roles may include line management responsibilities.
Background
OSSS supports the Secretary of State for Scotland in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Scottish interests are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland.
In OSSS you’ll get a huge range of opportunities to get involved in interesting and exciting pieces of work. We are part of the UK Governance Group, which brings together Cabinet Office’s Constitution Group, Wales Office, and the Office of the Advocate General, (the UK Government’s Scottish legal advisers). The role is a great opportunity to develop the following skills:
- A policy skill set, including briefing Ministers and working closely and frequently with Special Advisors and supporting on high-profile areas of policy development.
- A detailed understanding of devolution.
- Working at pace with colleagues across the UK Governance Group and Whitehall to deliver policy outcomes.
Essential criteria
- Strong planning and organisation skills including the ability to balance competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Adaptable, demonstrating flexibility in supporting colleagues in a fast paced environment.
TOP