IMPACTFUL GOVERNMENT CAREERS
Job Description:
The Central Secretariat provides the highest quality support to Cabinet and its committees, and are the advisers on the effective functioning of Cabinet Government. The Prime Minister decides, on the advice of the Cabinet Secretary, a Cabinet committee structure which is designed to relieve pressure on Cabinet. It is through the Cabinet and the committee structure that Ministers make collective decisions on government policy.
The Central Secretariat – the team you would be joining – is the hub of expertise for the good operation of Cabinet government, and oversees the delivery of committee meetings across the board. We are seeking candidates who will be able to work across the Cabinet Office to identify, develop and share best practice and provide support to ensure Cabinet committees operate as effectively as possible.
The ideal candidate will be skilled at building relationships, developing and communicating policy, and logistically delivering meetings. They will also have the ability to manage confidential information and show discretion when dealing with sensitive issues. Experience working in governance, constitutional affairs, or closely with ministers is a benefit but not a requirement. Interest in the working of government and a proactive desire to learn, and to help others to do so, is a key asset.
Person Specification:
The postholder will be responsible for:
Drawing on precedent to developing policy and provide advice on Cabinet committees, with the aim being to ensure the system can effectively process government business, thoroughly consider policy proposals, and relieve pressure on Cabinet.
Providing support to Committee secretariats, through expert advice and operational support.
Ensuring each committee secretariat has the proper skills and knowledge to run their committee effectively, and providing central coordination where this can add value
Identifying gaps in our institutional knowledge and proactively seeking to fill them
Proactively contributing to the culture of the Central Secretariat, including helping to create and maintain an open and collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to develop, shares learning and feels safe to challenge.
In order to be successful in this role, you will need to:
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesise knowledge into effective practical advice.
Be comfortable working in ambiguity, drawing on historic precedents and principles and applying them in a pragmatic way to solve problems
Have strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop constructive and positive working relationships with colleagues.
Be comfortable working on both fast-paced delivery issues, while also progressing long-term proactive work. You should possess excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise and manage your time to meet competing deadlines.
Enjoy developing and sharing your knowledge with others. You should be passionate about your work, and able to enthuse others across the Cabinet Office and the wider Civil Service about it.
Be a team player, working closely and flexibly within the Central Secretariat and the Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat to meet priorities.