At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic digital portfolio, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, shaping global diplomacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, location allowance, Civil Service pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology integration in foreign ministry operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex digital projects and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69500 - 69500 £ per year.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is seeking a Head of Digital Portfolio. The total package includes £69,500 plus a location allowance of £5,000 (London), £1,750 (Milton Keynes), or £69,500 (East Kilbride). This is a full-time, permanent position with a minimum of 60% in-office work required.
The Digital Technology and Security (DTaS) directorate aims to make the FCDO the world's most technologically integrated and innovative foreign ministry. This involves harnessing digital, data, technology, IT security, and information management to achieve diplomatic, development, and consular goals while ensuring safety from hostile actors.
Main purpose of the job: You will provide strategic oversight of the digital, data, and technology portfolio, leading a collaborative team and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Responsibilities include:
- Shaping and maintaining a robust governance framework.
- Ensuring effective prioritisation, resource allocation, and risk management.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders for evidence-based investment decisions.
- Providing clear, data-driven insights and recommendations.
- Championing best practices in strategic portfolio management.
- Supporting the development of business cases and reporting mechanisms.
- Identifying, categorising, and prioritising new demand for service groups.
- Coordinating reporting from service groups and analysing performance.
Who we're looking for: Successful candidates will have experience managing large-scale, complex digital and technology projects, with a focus on strategic portfolio management for organisational change. Key qualifications include:
- Proven knowledge of strategic risk management and agile planning cycles.
- Strong leadership skills to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), or Management of Portfolios (MoP) certification is preferred.
- Proactive approach to work and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
Applicants must be British Citizens at the time of application and will need to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all communities. Benefits include a Civil Service pension and support for skill development.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 29th June 2026.
Head of Digital Portfolio in Paisley employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in London, East Kilbride, or Milton Keynes, our offices foster a hybrid working model, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while empowering you to make a meaningful impact on global diplomatic and development efforts.
Contact Details:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Portfolio in Paisley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your past projects, highlight how you’ve managed complex portfolios and delivered results. We love hearing about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Portfolio in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing large-scale digital projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the FCDO!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead teams. Use your application to share examples of how you've motivated cross-functional teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves providing clear, data-driven insights, include specific metrics or results from your past projects. This will help us see your impact and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
✨Know Your Digital Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of digital portfolio management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in technology and data management, especially those relevant to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Digital Portfolio position.
✨Understand Their Governance Framework
Research the governance frameworks commonly used in strategic portfolio management. Be prepared to discuss how you would establish and maintain a robust governance structure within the FCDO, ensuring effective prioritisation and risk management across their digital initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Prepare to share strategies you've used to engage stakeholders and ensure alignment with organisational objectives. This will show that you can navigate the complexities of stakeholder management in a diplomatic context.
