At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytical support for the Secretary of State and manage a junior analyst.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, the UK's largest public service department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on government priorities and support millions of people every day.
- Qualifications: Must be a member of a professional body or meet eligibility requirements.
The predicted salary is between 67928 - 79415 £ per year.
The Department for Work and Pensions is recruiting for the role of the Principal Private Office Analyst (PPOA) to the Secretary of State (SoS) for Work and Pensions. The PPOA is responsible for advising the SoS on some of the most critical policy areas of this Government’s priorities. DWP is the UK’s biggest public service department, and administers the state pension, a range of working age, disability, and ill health benefits to around 22 million claimants and customers. What we do matters to millions of people every day.
This is an analyst job and so candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the ‘Essential Qualifications’ sections of the candidate pack; which is either to be a member of one of the following professional bodies: Government Economic Service (GES), Government Operational Research Service (GORS), Government Social Research (GSR) or Government Statistician Group (GSG) or have the required qualifications to become a member of one of these professions. Knowledge will be tested at interview.
If you are not already a badged member of GES, GORS, GSR or GSG, you must apply through one of these professions and meet its eligibility and professional assessment requirements. Successful candidates will be badged into their chosen profession as a condition of appointment. Please check you are eligible and follow the instructions on the Essential Qualifications section of the candidate pack when completing your application form.
When completing the additional questions at the end of the application form, ensure that you only state one of the professions that you wish to align with. If multiple professions are stated or it is not clear which profession you are applying under then your application will be withdrawn. If you meet the eligibility requirements you should then provide evidence against the Essential Experience Criteria listed in the Person Specification section of this job advert.
The analyst community in DWP operates a Managed Moves system. Given the nature of this role, the successful candidate will not be able to opt in to the Managed Moves until a) they have been in this post at least two years and b) there are surplus Managed Moves roles available.
This is a unique role where the post holder will directly support the SoS to progress their priorities and regularly interact with Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials. This is a fast-moving, dynamic and, at times, challenging environment in which to navigate complex issues at the highest level. The post-holder will be an excellent leader; demonstrate a high degree of political acumen, curiosity to identify and produce helpful work; and an outstanding communicator.
The post-holder will also be a key part of the Private Office senior management team, and will manage one junior analyst. In this role, the Principal Private Office Analyst is responsible for:
- Being the main analytical point of contact in Private Office for all analysts within DWP. This requires regular engagement with senior analysts and subject experts across the Department.
- Leading analytical support to the Secretary of State and Ministers on a range of analytical questions to support their decision making and parliamentary activity. This includes co-ordinating cross-cutting analytical commissions which span across DWP.
- Leading analytical support to prepare analytical and statistical briefings for the Secretary of State, Ministers and senior officials for appearances in Parliament (DWP Orals, debates, speeches) and Select Committees.
- Oversight and quality assurance of all analytical work, including briefing for Ministers, and any ad-hoc analysis the team produces.
- Supporting briefing to Ministers and press office on Official Statistics.
- Leading, managing and developing a team within the Private Office structure to ensure the Ministerial team receive the highest level of service.
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £67,928 to £79,415 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: SW1H 9NA
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 3 Nov 2026
Closing date: 15 Nov 2026
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Principal Private Office Analyst employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Private Office Analyst
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Private Office Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Government Recruitment Service, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Government Recruitment Service.
