Speechwriter to the Secretary of State

1 month ago

London, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Full time

Job summary

The position of Speechwriter to the Secretary of State is a high-profile and influential post at the heart of one of Whitehall�s busiest and biggest government departments.�

Your work will be a shop-window for the Ministry of Defence and our Armed Forces. You will have a key role in conveying Defence messages both internally and externally.

Your focus will be providing high quality, personalised speeches (including for Parliamentary debates), articles and other content for the Secretary of State.

You will manage the overall process to achieve these outputs and will be able to call on the support of the departments other speechwriters (G6 � Chief Speechwriter & Grade 7 - Speechwriter

Content will cover a wide range of subject matter, including UK assistance to Ukraine, our operations in the Red Sea, significant commemorations, and the modernisation of Defence to cope with a more dangerous age.

You will provide strategic advice to help shape editorial programme as a strategic communications tool. �

This is a high profile role which involves working closely with the Secretary of State. You will have direct access to them, and the opportunity to attend meetings and accompany them on visits.

Organisation background

This key post is in the Directorate of Defence Communications. DDC is responsible for communicating the activities of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces both internally and to the outside world. Its aim is to help people understand what Defence is about.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week but you may be required to work out of hours given the parliamentary cycle.

Job description

Delivering outstanding speeches, articles and editorial products for Secretary of StateExplaining policy positions accurately while building strong, creative and lively arguments which engage audiences.Taking a big picture, strategic perspective on MOD issues.Building strong relationships with SofS, SpAds and ministerial offices.Contributing to maintaining a first-class editorial team which provides consistency of service across the ministerial team.Increasing the speech writing skills of the wider Communications Directorate and wider MOD.An ear for how SofS expresses himself and an ability to translate that into speeches and other products.

Person specification

Essential

Confident, self-starting and imaginativeVery strong communication skills � both written and spokenComfortablLe dealing with Ministers and the most senior people in Defence � both military and civilianAbility to work under pressure to achieve tight deadlinesResilience � able to withstand criticism and assimilate salient facts from a mass of informationExperience of speechwritingFlexible � ability to capture the distinctive voices of our Ministers and �translate it into compelling prose that we will be delivered before audiences worldwide.Outstanding writing skills (to be assessed via a written assignment).Knowledge of UK Defence policy and the workings of MOD or wider HMG.An ability to work collaboratively with Ministers and a wide range of senior colleagues from across HMG.Excellent judgement, proven while working effectively in fast-paced environments.�An ability to see the connections between politics, policies and issues.

Desirable

Speech writingAn interest in the work of the department and the Armed Forces

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Communicating and InfluencingSeeing the Big PictureWorking Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Communicating and InfluencingSeeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �67,820, Ministry of Defence contributes �18,311 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA with an average employer contribution of 27%Free use of gym at Main BuildingLondon weighting of �3250 per annumSeason ticket advance to assist with travel costs to/from home and your permanent work location�

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.� This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey � we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

  • Chief Speechwriter for the Secretary of State

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Full time

    Position OverviewThe role of Chief Speechwriter for the Secretary of State is a prestigious and impactful position within one of the most dynamic and significant departments of the government. Your contributions will serve as a prominent representation of the Ministry of Defence and our Armed Forces, playing a crucial role in articulating Defence narratives...

  • Senior Speechwriting Advisor to the Secretary of State

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Full time

    Position OverviewThe role of Chief Speechwriter for the Secretary of State is a prestigious and impactful position within one of the most significant departments in government. Your contributions will serve as a public representation of the Ministry of Defence and our Armed Forces, playing a crucial role in articulating Defence narratives both within the...

  • Speechwriter to The Secretary of State

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Department for Education Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 324561**Salary**: - £57,498**Job grade**: - Grade 7**Contract type**: - Fixed Term**Length of employment**: - 12 Months**Business area**: - DFE - Strategy Group**Type of role**: - Administration / Corporate Support - Communications / Marketing**Working pattern**: - Full-time**Number of jobs available**: -...

  • Senior Speechwriter

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 357649**Salary**: - £52,960 - £62,190- - A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - Grade 7- E**Contract type**: - Permanent**Business area**: - HMT - Ministerial and Communications**Type of role**: - Communications / Marketing**Working pattern**: - Flexible working,...

  • Deputy Principal Private Secretary

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 328985**Salary**: - £58,847 - £66,670- G7 Private Secretary Allowance of £8,271- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - Grade 7- MoJ Grade 7**Contract type**: - Permanent**Type of role**: - Administration / Corporate Support - Communications / Marketing - Secretarial -...

  • Diary Secretary to The Secretary of State for

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Full time

    Salary 1 - £37,174 - £40,403 Number of jobs available 1 - 1 Detail of reserve list 1 - 12 Months Region 1 - London City/Town 1 - London Building/Site 1 - NIO 1 HORSE GUARDS ROAD, LONDON, SW1A 2HQ, SW1A 2HQ Grade 1 - HEO Organisation Grade for MoJ 1 - HEO Post Type 1 - Permanent Working Pattern 1 - Full Time Role Type 1 - Operational Delivery Job...

  • Diary Secretary to The Secretary of State for

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Northern Ireland Office Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 345777**Salary**: - £37,174 - £40,403- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - Higher Executive Officer- HEO**Contract type**: - Permanent**Type of role**: - Operational Delivery**Working pattern**: - Full-time**Number of jobs available**: - 1Contents Location About...

  • Government Speechwriter

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Full time

    Job OverviewAt the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals by harnessing the power of science and technology.We drive innovation, investment, and productivity through cutting-edge research and development.Our commitment to responsible technology use ensures that both new and...

  • Head of Energy and Transport

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 356716**Salary**: - £54,358 - £66,670- The national salary range is £54,358 - £61,585, London salary range is £58,847 - £66,670. Your salary will be dependent on your base location- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - Grade 7- Grade 7**Contract type**: -...

  • Policy Advisor: Innovation and Education

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 288695**Salary**: - £37,683 - £48,067- The national salary range is £37,683 - £41,506, London salary range is £43,647 - £48,067. Your salary will be dependent on your base location**Job grade**: - Senior Executive Officer- SEO**Contract type**: - Permanent**Type of role**: - Policy**Working pattern**: -...

  • Ministerial Speechwriter

    4 weeks ago

    London, United Kingdom Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Full time

    Job summaryAt DSIT we�re all about improving people�s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.�We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.��We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the...

  • Public Affairs Speechwriter

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Full time

    Job OverviewThe Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals by harnessing the capabilities of science and technology.We are committed to accelerating innovation, investment, and productivity through top-tier scientific research and development.Our mission is to leverage technology for...

  • Policy Business Administration Apprentice

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Office of the Secretary of State for Wales Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 309532**Salary**: - £22,940 - £27,000- The national salary range is £22,940, London salary range is £27,000. Your salary will be dependent on your base location**Job grade**: - Administrative Officer- AO**Contract type**: - Fixed Term**Length of employment**: - For a period of up to 2 years fixed term...

  • Company Secretary, Assistant Vice President

    2 weeks ago

    London, United Kingdom State Street Full time

    Company Secretary for the United Kingdom legal entities - the role will help deliver company secretarial services to a number of State Street UK legal entities and internal governance committees and will be responsible for ensuring adherence to relevant UK regulations and State Street governance  policies.Responsible for leading and delivering effective...

  • Deputy Principal Private Secretary

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Full time

    Salary 1 - £58,847 - £66,670 Number of jobs available 1 - 1 Detail of reserve list 1 - 12 Months Region 1 - London City/Town 1 - London Building/Site 1 - WALES OFFICE LONDON, SW1A 2NP Grade 1 - Grade 7 Organisation Grade for MoJ 1 - Grade 7 Post Type 1 - Permanent Working Pattern 1 - Full Time Role Type 1 - Administration / Corporate Support,...

  • Principle Private Secretary to The Secretary of

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

    **Details**: **Reference number**: - 302018**Salary**: - £73,000 - £83,000- + Private Office Allowance of £7,500- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**: - SCS Pay Band 1**Contract type**: - Permanent**Business area**: - DBT - SI: Ministerial Strategy**Type of role**: - International Trade - Senior...

  • Medical Secretary

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom The London Clinic Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Medical Secretary to join our Histopathology department based at The London Clinic's Harley Street site (London, W1G 6BW). We are offering a competitive salary of up to £28,000. Established in 1932, The London Clinic is one of the UK's largest independently owned non-profit hospital, with state-of-the-art facilities...

  • Diary Secretary to The Secretary of State for

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Full time

    Salary 1 - £37,174 - £40,403 Number of jobs available 1 - 1 Detail of reserve list 1 - 12 Months Region 1 - London City/Town 1 - London Building/Site 1 - NIO 1 HORSE GUARDS ROAD, LONDON, SW1A 2HQ, SW1A 2HQ Grade 1 - HEO Organisation Grade for MoJ 1 - HEO Post Type 1 - Permanent Working Pattern 1 - Full Time Role Type 1 - Operational Delivery Job...

  • Company Secretarial Assistant

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom The London Clinic Full time

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Company Secretarial Assistant to join our team here at The London Clinic, based at our head office in London (NW1 4LJ). We are offering a competitive inclusive salary of up to £35,000 per annum, dependant on experience. Established in 1932, The London Clinic is one of the UK’s largest private hospitals, with 8...

  • Ministerial Assistant Private Secretary in The

    3 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Full time

    Salary - £37,174 - £40,403 Number of jobs available - 1 Detail of reserve list - 12 Months Region - London City/Town - London Building/Site - 102 PETTY FRANCE (MOJ) LONDON, SW1H 9AJ Grade - HEO Organisation Grade for MoJ - HEO Post Type - Permanent Working Pattern - Full Time Role Type - Administration / Corporate Support, Policy, Project...