Job Title
Assistant Private Secretary and Diary Secretary to the Secretary of State
Location
1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ (Occasional travel between Belfast and London required)
Salary
£40,014 – £42,859 annual (London starting salary greater than national rate)
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Role Overview
This is a demanding, varied role within the Northern Ireland Office’s Private Office. The successful candidate will support the Secretary of State by managing their diary, coordinating appointments, and organising the logistics for visits. The role also offers the opportunity to drive policy work and, potentially, be responsible for a key Private Office function such as write‑rounds or a policy portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the Secretary of State’s diary, with overall responsibility for all logistics and invitations.
- Drive forward the Secretary of State’s policy agenda, ensuring steers are actioned clearly and timely.
- Ensure compliance with transparency obligations.
- Provide office and estates management support.
- Lead on a key Private Office function (e.g., write‑rounds).
Essential Criteria
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing demands and priorities, remaining calm under pressure.
- Positive work ethic with a can‑do, problem‑solving mentality.
- Capability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Senior Civil Servants.
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and delivering difficult or complex messages.
Desirable Criteria
- Understanding of the Northern Ireland political system and the Northern Ireland Executive.
- Previous experience in a Private Office and/or diary management.
Behaviours (Civil Service Success Profiles)
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Benefits
- Access to learning and development.
- Flexible working options to enhance work‑life balance.
- Inclusion and diversity supportive culture.
- Civil Service pension.
- 25 days annual leave (30 days after five years). Public holidays included.
- Season Ticket Advance.
Security Clearance
This role requires SC level clearance. Candidates must have been continuously resident in the UK for the past five years.
EEO Statement
All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
