Job Description

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.

Job description We have an exciting opportunity for a C1 Private Secretary to join the Climate Action and Rural Affairs Private Office on a temporary basis. The role will involve working in a high profile and closely scrutinised environment with unparalleled access to Ministers, Special Advisers and a complex array of internal and external or stakeholders.

Ministerial Private Office skills and experience are highly sought after which will serve anyone well for their future career. Time spent in Ministerial Private Office will mean that you learn and understand the intricacies of Parliamentary and Cabinet business whilst observing decision making at its highest level in Government. You will lead a highly performing team to ensure that a first class service is delivered to the Cabinet Secretary and policy colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Operational leadership of a portfolio Private Office including management and countersigning responsibility for B Band and A Band team members.
• Being well prepared and informed to ensure successful management and delivery of all Cabinet Secretary business (with oversight of junior Ministerial Business), enabling Ministers to discharge their functions.
• Supporting the Cabinet Secretary 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 Cabinet Secretary’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.
• Development and implementation of processes to ensure smooth functioning of the Private Office, alongside a continuous improvement approach with a particular focus on compliance and working flexibly within and across portfolio teams.

Experience:

• Strong leadership skills with ability to give honest, motivating messages about priorities, objectives and expectations.
• Ability to communicate difficult messages with clarity, persuasion and sensitivity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain a network of colleagues.
• Strong political acuity with an ability to analyse complex information and exercise careful judgement.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months, with potential for extension.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. There is an expectation for this role that you will provide regular in person support in St Andrews House, the Scottish Parliament and support the Cabinet Secretary on events both domestically and internationally. For this reason this post sits outwith the Scottish Government's standard hybrid working policy.

You are eligible to claim overtime for any hours worked in excess of 35 per week.

If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

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

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Friday 25 September.

If you have questions about your application please contact MPORecruitment@gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.