At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Advocate General with logistics, diary management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join the UK Government's Scottish legal team in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, develop professional skills, and work in a high-profile role.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and collaboration across the UK.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of government decision-making and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Advocate General is a UK Government Minister and Law Officer who provides legal advice to Government departments on a wide range of issues, including human rights and constitutional matters. As the Government's principal legal adviser on Scots law and the Scottish devolution settlement, she is a member of a Cabinet committee and undertakes parliamentary work. The Advocate General is based in Edinburgh, with regular visits to London. The Office of the Advocate General (OAG) is the UK Government's Scottish legal team, with staff based in Dover House in Whitehall and Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh.
Private Office supports the Minister with a busy, high-profile workload and acts as the interface between the Minister and her department, wider Government and external stakeholders. The Private Office currently comprises a Senior Private Secretary, Assistant Private Secretary (Whitehall), and an Assistant Private Secretary (Edinburgh). We are looking for two highly organised individuals with enthusiasm, attention to detail and the ability to work independently. You will work closely with the Minister, identify and implement improved ways of working, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will horizon scan by building a sophisticated understanding of relevant contacts and organisations to anticipate and respond to emerging issues, and you will build strong relationships with the Minister and senior officials across Government, including No.10, and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the delivery of a professional and high-quality private office service to the Minister: lead on logistics for meetings and engagements; provide timely information and briefings; support meetings and engagements; arrange travel; manage the diary effectively, including leading regular ministerial diary coordination.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships across the department, wider Government, and external stakeholders; advocate and drive forward the Minister's priorities while protecting and promoting her interests.
- Engage with the wider office and other departments to secure timely provision of effective advice and support to the Minister.
- Lead on various portfolio areas in Private Office.
- Contribute to the wider responsibilities of Private Office, including cover for the Senior Private Secretary.
- Based in Dover House (London) or Queen Elizabeth House (Edinburgh); travel between locations as required.
- Some travel to Edinburgh if based in London or vice-versa, and occasional travel with the Advocate General to other parts of the UK or abroad; some evening and weekend working with a team rota for weekend duty; in-person attendance as required by business needs.
Conditions of Service and Arrangements
The vacancies will be filled on loan for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension by mutual agreement. If the incumbent is applying on temporary promotion, they will revert to their previous substantive grade and salary after the loan.
Assistant Private Secretary employer: Ministry of Justice
The Office of the Advocate General offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment in the heart of Edinburgh, where you will play a crucial role in supporting a high-profile Government Minister. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have the opportunity to build valuable relationships across various departments and stakeholders, while contributing to significant legal and constitutional matters. The collaborative culture and commitment to excellence make this an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Private Secretary
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Private Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Ministry of Justice and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Assistant Private Secretary role at Ministry of Justice. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Ministry of Justice.
