At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Advocate General with diary management, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join a dynamic government office in London or Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Open to diverse candidates; flexible working arrangements available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working closely with senior officials and ministers.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
The predicted salary is between 40313 - 42859 £ per year.
Position: Assistant Private Secretary (Private Office) in the Office of the Advocate General, providing high-quality private office support to the Minister and senior government officials. The role is based in either Dover House, London or Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh, with some travel and occasional weekend duties. Salary range: £35,335-£37,847 (Edinburgh) or £40,014-£42,859 (London) + Private Office allowance £5,799 per year. The posting is for a loan basis of two years, with a one-year extension possible.
Responsibilities
- Lead logistics for ministerial meetings, engagements and diary management, coordinating the minister’s diary.
- Provide timely, accurate information and briefings, support meetings and engagements, and arrange travel.
- Develop and maintain relationships across the department, wider government and external stakeholders, advocating for the minister’s priorities.
- Engage with other departments to secure effective advice and support for the minister.
- Lead on priority portfolio areas and cover for the Senior Private Secretary as required.
- Manage occasional travel to Edinburgh or London and national or overseas visits with the Advocate General.
- Adapt to some evening and weekend working according to a rota.
- Work in-person when business needs dictate, in accordance with the office attendance policy.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
- Excellent team player who can collaborate effectively and work independently.
- Great communicator with strong interpersonal skills, experience building relationships with Ministers and senior officials.
- Effective decision maker with strong organisational and detail-oriented skills, able to absorb large volumes of information and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
- Experience delivering a high-quality service, managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and implementing improved ways of working.
- Experience working in a private office is desirable but not essential. Legal experience is not required.
Employment Details
- Salary and allowance varied by city.
- Location: London or Edinburgh.
- Working pattern: full time.
- Post type: loan for two years, optional one-year extension.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, 30 days after five years.
- Pension: choice among civil service pension schemes.
- Training: extensive opportunities for professional development.
Eligibility
Open to existing civil servants and employees of accredited NDPBs, and to Higher Executive Officers and Executive Officers on temporary promotion.
Equality and Diversity
MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes all candidates. The recruitment process is fair and open competition. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments; support is available for disabled applicants.
Application Process
This role is cross-government and will be filled by loan. All applicants must discuss the loan with their current department prior to applying. Contact Max Graham (max.graham2@advocategeneral.gov.uk) for further discussion.
Assistant Private Secretary to the Advocate General employer: Ministry of Justice
As an Assistant Private Secretary to the Advocate General, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work environment that values collaboration and professional growth. With locations in both London and Edinburgh, the role offers competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and extensive training opportunities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful public service employment. The Office of the Advocate General is committed to equality and diversity, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Private Secretary to the Advocate General
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
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Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
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✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Private Secretary to the Advocate General
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Ministry of Justice.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Ministry of Justice that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
