We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
The Ministry of Justice Private Office and Parliament Directorate are looking to fill a number of vacancies at EO grade. These roles are right at the heart of the department, and the group is the interface between senior officials, Ministers, and Whitehall. No one day is the same – you could be writing the reply to an urgent question in Parliament, or scheduling meetings for a Minister.
Location:
Successful candidates will be based at 102 Petty France, London
In order for Policy Group to meet its evolving business needs and for us to continue to progress towards our pre-pandemic levels of attendance, all Policy Group staff are expected to attend their location (102 Petty France) at least 3 days a week. This hybrid working arrangement is not contractual and as a result staff could be asked to attend their location more frequently.
Job Description overview
These roles are based in the Private Office and Parliament Directorate. The roles available range from diary manager to Ministers and drafting roles in our Parliament team. Whilst the roles on offer differ, all play a part in setting the long-term direction for the Department and supports Ministers in delivering their objectives. We also have roles available providing support functions to the group.
The work is fast-paced and requires the ability to adapt to new information, constantly reprioritise and work closely with senior stakeholders and Ministers. They are best suited to a self-starter who relishes a challenge and working closely within a team.
Successful applicants will be matched to an EO role in the directorate depending on the outcome of their interview. If we receive applications from more suitable candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without a new competition.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
MOJ is one of the largest government departments, employing over 80,000 people (including those in the Probation Service), with a budget of approximately £9 billion. Each year, millions of people use our services across the UK - including at 500 courts and tribunals, and 133 prisons in England and Wales.
Skills and Experience
We are looking for candidates with strong communication skills and who are confident delivering at pace and managing a quality service. Excellent organisational, prioritisation and relationship building skills are essential. You will need to demonstrate personal resilience, sound judgement and political awareness.
Application process
You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework.
Experience
You will be asked to provide a CV during the application process in order to assess any demonstrable experience, career history and achievements that are relevant to the role.
You will also be asked to upload a Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words stating what you would bring to the role, with reference to the Skills and Experience listed above.
Behaviours
Please provide examples of how you have met each one of the behaviours listed below (see Annex A for more information):
- Delivering at a Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working together
- Seeing the bigger picture
Please also refer to the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade (Level 2 – EO or equivalent):
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
Should we receive a large number of applications, we will sift primarily on the lead behaviour of Delivering at Pace. Successful applicants will then be invited to an interview, testing both behaviours and strengths.
Candidates invited to Interview
Please note that interviews will be carried out in person.
During the interview, we will be assessing you on Behaviours and Strengths from the success Profiles framework.
You can refer to the CS Strengths dictionary for more details: Success Profiles - Civil Service Strengths Dictionary (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Interviews are expected to take place early November 2022
Contact information
Please do get in touch if you would like to know more about the role or what it is like working in our team. Susannah Keogh at Susannah.keogh@justice.gov.uk
Annex A - The STAR method
Using the STAR method can help you give examples of relevant experience that you have. It allows you to set the scene, show what you did, and how you did it, and explain the overall outcome.
Situation - Describe the situation you found yourself in. You must describe a specific event or situation. Be sure to give enough detail for the job holder to understand.
- Where are you?
- Who was there with you?
- What had happened?
Task - The job holder will want to understand what you tried to achieve from the situation you found yourself in.
- What was the task that you had to complete and why?
- What did you have to achieve?
Actions - What did you do? The job holder will be looking for information on what you did, how you did it and why. Keep the focus on you. What specific steps did you take and what was your contribution? Remember to include how you did it, and the behaviours you used. Try to use “I” rather than “we” to explain your actions that lead to the result. Be careful not to take credit for something that you did not do.
Results - Don’t be shy about taking credit for your behaviour. Quote specific facts and figures. Explain how the outcome benefitted the organisation or your area. Make the outcomes easily understandable.
- What results did the actions produce?
- What did you achieve through your actions and did you meet your goals?
- Was it a successful outcome? If not, what did you learn from the experience?
Keep the situation and task parts brief. Concentrate on the action and the result. If the result was not entirely successful describe what you learned from this and what you would do differently next time. Make sure you focus on your strengths.
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