At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Minister by managing logistics, communications, and relationships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the heart of Government in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, develop professional skills, and make impactful connections.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and exposure to diverse government matters.
- Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects and influence important government decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and confidence in building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 40313 - 50000 £ per year.
Want to build influential relationships and help support the delivery of a Minister's priorities?
Please note there are x2 vacancies available.
We are looking for two highly organised and enthusiastic individuals to join a busy and high-profile Private Office, supporting the Advocate General at the heart of Government.
This is a varied and fast-paced role that offers the opportunity to work closely with the Minister, balancing competing priorities while helping to identify and implement improvements to ways of working.
Success in the role will require strong attention to detail, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and confidence in building a sophisticated understanding of the stakeholders, organisations and issues relevant to the Advocate General's work.
You will play a key role in developing effective relationships and communicating with the Minister, senior officials across Government, including No.10, and a range of external stakeholders, enabling the office to anticipate and respond quickly to emerging issues.
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.
In addition to supporting the Advocate General, the Office of the Advocate General (OAG) is the UK Government’s Scottish legal team.
It has staff based in Dover House in Whitehall and Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh.
Private Office is an energetic, small but 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 two Assistant Private Secretaries based in Edinburgh.
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.
- 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.
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Influential Private Office Assistant to a Minister employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Influential Private Office Assistant to a Minister
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Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Government, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Government and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Influential Private Office Assistant to a Minister
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Government and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Government, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Government.
