Assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Scotland

The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland supports the Secretary of State in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Scottish interests are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government's responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland.

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious individual to join the Private Office Directorate as Assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Scotland. The successful candidate's portfolio will focus specifically on science and technology, the environment and rural affairs, and culture and sport, although this may change depending on business need and the Secretary of State's priorities. The role involves close collaboration with the Secretary of State, Private Secretaries, Special Advisors and officials within the Scotland Office.

Requirements include impeccable organisational skills, strong written and verbal briefing skills, confidence in judgment, strong political awareness, the ability to work independently at pace, and the ability to deliver through others across Whitehall. The role demands flexibility, responsiveness to ministerial direction, pride in high quality timely work, and a proven track record of delivering under pressure. It requires unsociable hours including weekends when required, and a Private Office Allowance will be payable while in post. The position is based in London at the Scotland Office in Dover House, requires regular in person responsibilities and frequent travel around Scotland, and is not suitable for part time or job share arrangements. Position level is HEO, and candidates must hold Security Clearance (SC).

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a sleek, professional and high standard of service to the Secretary of State in a high pressure environment.
• Build working relationships with officials across the Scotland Office and develop an extensive cross Whitehall network within the brief.
• Identify potential issues early, mindful of political sensitivities, and keep Ministers and senior colleagues across the department appraised.
• Take responsibility and ownership for the quality of advice that goes to the Secretary of State, working with officials during the policy process to communicate preferences and actively shape advice.
• Commission briefings and submissions, provide background and handle advice, and produce thoughtful, high quality box notes to guide decision making and provide essential context.
• Translate the Secretary of State's asks into tangible and deliverable action.
• Work creatively and kindly, remaining cognisant of resourcing pressures unique to a small Office.

Skills

• Experience working in a pressurised, fast paced environment requiring high levels of personal organisation and resilience.
• Experience working in a private office, either directly or through working as a locum.

EEO and Equal Opportunity

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. As a Disability Confident employer, the Civil Service is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and to make adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The 'Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans' initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces. The Civil Service Nationality Rules apply to this role.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre settled status
• Individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service