Job Description

Ministerial Private Office (MPO) is one of the most unique and fascinating areas within the Scottish Government. The First Minister’s Private Office (FMPO) sits at the heart of MPO and represents a challenging and rewarding environment to work and progress in.

The First Minister’s Private Office sits within a wider Unit which consists of the Private Offices to the Minister for Parliamentary Business and the Special Advisers, as well as the First Minister’s Visits team.

We are looking to recruit a Private Secretary to the First Minister. This role will involve working in a high profile and closely scrutinised environment with unparalleled access to Ministers, Special Advisers and an array of internal and external stakeholders.

You will ensure that a first class service is delivered to the First Minister and will be expected to model behaviours and values in line with the Civil Service Code, representing both the Minister and the SG in a positive way.

Private Office is an environment within which your political acuity and judgement will be tested daily. You should have a high degree of political awareness, be capable of working autonomously in a fast-paced environment and be able to provide leadership across the office and to the wider organisation.

Responsibilities

• Operational leadership of policy portfolios within the First Minister’s Private Office and management (and countersigning responsibility) for B Band team members across the Unit.
• Being well prepared and informed to ensure successful management and delivery of all business across the First Minister’s Private Office, enabling the First Minister to take timely and informed decisions.
• Supporting the First Minister on official engagements, meetings and visits by commissioning timely, accurate policy and operational advice and ensuring subsequent recording and follow up.
• Ensuring timely communication flow to ensure that the First Minister’s views are accurately and sensitively communicated to SG policy colleagues.
• Managing internal and external stakeholder relationships with diplomacy and confidence, including delivery of regular outreach sessions to portfolio policy colleagues.
• Using horizon-scanning skills and political acuity in order to analyse complex information and exercise careful judgement.
• Delivering continuous team-focused improvement projects with a particular focus on compliance and working flexibly within and across portfolio teams.
• Ensuring all team members have a thorough understanding of the political context and policy issues within portfolios and are supported and engaged in L&D opportunities.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 6 months.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 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).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Please be advised this vacancy is open only to Priority Movers.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact rosie.mckerron@gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.