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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Ministers and Special Advisers with high-quality advice and engagement.
- Company: Join the Department for Work and Pensions, the UK's largest public service department.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working at the heart of Government.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting for an Assistant Private Secretary. The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for social security, labour market, pensions, and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department, we administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability, and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers. What we do matters to millions of people every day.
Private Office is crucial to providing effective support and advice to Ministers and Special Advisers across all aspects of Departmental business, acting as the key interface between the Department and Ministers to deliver DWP’s critical agenda.
The Private Office is a high-performing, dynamic, supportive and inclusive team. This is a demanding but rewarding role for someone interested in working closely with the Ministerial Head of Office, Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials.
We have several exciting opportunities coming up, offering the chance to work with Ministers daily, helping to address challenges that affect the lives of people across the country. These roles provide an opportunity to see how Ministers, Special Advisers and the Civil Service operate in a way that is rarely matched in other roles of the same grade. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring high quality and timely advice across the portfolio is provided and will be the interface between the Department and Ministerial Team.
These are fast paced, stretching and a great platform for your future career in the Civil Service. We are looking for candidates who will enjoy and thrive in this unique and interesting environment at the heart of Government.
This post will either report to the Deputy Private Secretary or Head of Office.
Responsibilities
- Advise and work directly with the Deputy Private Secretary, Head of Office, Minister and wider Ministerial Team to support them in delivering their priorities
- Work with senior stakeholders across the Department, including policy and operations, as well as across Whitehall, to provide the Ministerial Team with high quality and timely advice
- Support the Minister in a wide range of internal and Cross-Government meetings and engagements
- Support the Minister or Special Adviser during meetings, responsible for providing an accurate readout, capturing actions and ensuring progress
- Accompany and support the Minister on relevant events and visits, working with the visits team to ensure logistics are properly arranged and acting as an ambassador for your Minister and DWP when meeting high profile
- Play a proactive role in the wider corporate effort within the Private Office
We offer
- The opportunity to work closely with Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials
- An exciting, fast-paced and challenging work environment that involves dealing with complex policy and operational issues
- The chance to be part of a supportive team with plenty of opportunities to learn and develop new skills
- The opportunity to broaden understanding of DWP policy, parliamentary business and cross-government functions
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Private Office: Ministerial Assistant Private Secretary employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Office: Ministerial Assistant Private Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the DWP or similar sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the DWP’s current projects and challenges. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect your understanding of their work and how you can support the Ministerial Team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Assistant Private Secretary role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Office: Ministerial Assistant Private Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Ministerial Assistant Private Secretary. We want to see how you can contribute to the DWP's mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Ministerial Assistant, clear and effective communication is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information simply and succinctly. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can support high-level discussions and provide timely advice.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: The Private Office thrives on collaboration, so make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively in a team. We love seeing candidates who can work well with others, especially in fast-paced environments like ours!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your DWP Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Department for Work and Pensions and its key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with current policies, challenges, and initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
As an Assistant Private Secretary, you'll be working with various senior stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships or provided high-quality advice. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and navigate complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity and Adaptability
The role is fast-paced and requires quick thinking. Be ready to discuss instances where you've taken the initiative or adapted to changing circumstances. This will illustrate your readiness to thrive in a dynamic environment and support the Ministerial Team effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, such as supporting a Minister during a critical meeting or managing conflicting priorities. Think through potential scenarios and formulate your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.