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Ministry of Justice an Inclusive Employer
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer of choice and ensuring equity of opportunity for all. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring in terms of their culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
Overview
This is a unique opportunity for a policy or strategy professional to build their finance knowledge or for a finance professional to gain a more strategic overview of the department’s work. You will work on some of the most high-profile and fast-moving issues in Government. You will gain an unrivalled overview of the whole justice system and lead within the team on a portfolio of issues, collaborating with senior leaders and colleagues from other departments to set the financial strategy for the Ministry of Justice.
Role Purpose
The Finance Strategy & Planning Team is responsible for setting the financial strategy for the Ministry of Justice and delivering our medium-term financial plan. We work with colleagues in every area of the department and at every level to make sure that finance is at the heart of decision making and that when developing our strategic plans, we understand and have gained buy-in from policy, operational and corporate colleagues. We also represent the department to HM Treasury, for whom we are the main link, including in negotiations over the department’s financial settlement.
FSP is a friendly multi-disciplinary team, representing policy, finance and strategy experience. We work hard to foster an inclusive atmosphere and value a broad range of experiences in the team. We have a good record of colleagues leaving these roles on promotion and to other high-profile roles in Private Office and at the centre of Government.
As a Strategic Finance Adviser, you will work at the intersection of financial planning with policy and operations. You will manage the team’s relationship with a portfolio of business groups and support them in developing their financial narrative and in resolving any financial issues. We operate flexibly across the team as new priorities emerge and you will have opportunity to work on some of the most high-profile projects in the department and across government.
Key responsibilities
- Managing, on behalf of the team, the relationship with business groups across the department including developing a detailed knowledge of how the business group operates, its key objectives and challenges and supporting the business group to resolve any financial issues.
- Acting as a critical friend to business groups and policy leads, challenging assumptions where appropriate and using your expertise to advise on handling strategies.
- Providing high quality, accurate advice to Ministers and senior stakeholders on the financial implications of policy proposals or proposals that change key assumptions underpinning the strategic financial plan. This will include quality assuring and challenging plans and proposals submitted by business groups.
- Leading for Finance Strategy and Planning on one-off high-profile projects and key strands of cross departmental work that will feed into the overall financial strategy for the department or may have a downstream financial, operational or policy impact.
- Reviewing cross-government policy proposals, including clearance requests and Cabinet Committee papers, to ensure that the financial implications are understood and managed appropriately.
- Supporting the development and delivery of options for upcoming Spending Reviews, working with business leads across the department, including analytical services and private office, to ensure these align to Ministerial priorities.
Other duties
The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly within the team and be willing to take on additional responsibilities where necessary.
Travel
Occasional travel to London (Westminster/Canary Wharf) will be required if candidates are based nationally. This is unlikely to be more than once per month.
Key skills and knowledge
Essential criteria
You do not need experience of working in the finance function. First and foremost, you will be professionally curious and motivated to understand the aims and needs of multiple stakeholders.
We are looking for a confident communicator who can explain complex concepts and proposals clearly and succinctly to colleagues, senior officials and Ministers. You will be numerate and able to grasp new concepts quickly. You will excel at building relationships and utilising influencing skills to develop a good understanding of the department’s priorities and strategic direction.
This can be a fast-paced role and you will be comfortable managing the conflicting demands of a focus on long-term objectives with emerging day-to-day issues. Good prioritisation skills are essential and you should be able to work autonomously and take the initiative to make links between relevant teams and projects to resolve issues.
Desirable criteria
Understanding of key issues in the criminal justice system and of the Ministry of Justice’s services and stakeholders.
Success Profiles
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
Civil Service Behaviours
Select the required Civil Service Behaviours from the list below that are most relevant to this role, delete those that are not applicable. Click on the link to access the Behaviours booklet for more details.
The following SEO Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Seeing the Big Picture
Specific Skills Required
- A Statement of Suitability is required consisting of a maximum of 500 words
- CV
The Selection Process
To apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses.
Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements and strengths will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Interview dates: Expected Mid-March
For further information please feel free to contact Maeve.OConnor@justice.gov.uk
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