Assistant Private Secretary to AGS - B2

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Advocate General is a UK Government Minister and Law Officer. She provides legal advice to Government departments on a wide range of issues, including human rights and constitutional matters. She is the Government’s principal legal adviser on Scots law and the Scottish devolution settlement. She is also a member of a Cabinet committee and undertakes parliamentary work on behalf of Government. The Advocate General is based in Edinburgh, with regular visits to London.

Private Office is an energetic and busy team with exposure to a wide variety of the most high-profile and interesting matters within Government. It is the interface between the Minister and her department, wider Government and external stakeholders. Private Office currently comprises a Senior Private Secretary and Assistant Private Secretary based in Whitehall, and an Assistant Private Secretary based in Edinburgh.

We are looking for two highly-organised individuals with enthusiasm for their work, who have a keen eye for detail and are able to work independently. You will work closely with the Minister, with the ability to identify and implement improved ways of working. You will be a team player who will be able to balance competing priorities and a fast-paced workload. You will have the ability to horizon scan by building a sophisticated understanding of the relevant contacts and organisations relevant to the work of the Advocate General allowing you to anticipate and respond quickly to emerging issues. You will build strong relationships and effectively communicate with the Minister and senior officials across Government, including No.10, and a range of external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of a professional and high-quality private office service to the Minister: leading on logistics for meetings and engagements; timely provision of information and briefings; support for meetings and engagements; making travel arrangements; effective and strategic diary management, including leading regular meetings with the Minister to coordinate the diary.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships across the department, wider Government, and external stakeholders, being assertive and confident in advocating and driving forward the Minister’s priorities as well as protecting and promoting her interests.
• Engage with the wider office and other departments to secure the timely provision of effective advice and support to the Minister.
• Lead on various portfolio areas in Private Office.
• Contribute to delivery of the wider responsibilities of Private Office as appropriate, including cover for the Senior Private Secretary.

Qualifications

This role is a permanent level transfer position. Post holders will be based in Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh. The roles involve:

• Some travel to London, and occasional travel accompanying the Advocate General on visits to other parts of the UK or abroad;
• Some evening and weekend working, with a team rota for evening and weekend duty;
• In-person working when business needs require and in accordance with in office attendance policy.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancy closes at 11:59pm.

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact max.graham2@advocategeneral.gov.uk Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.