Principal Private Secretary for the Chief Scientific Adviser

3 weeks ago

Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

Position Overview

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is dedicated to fostering economic advancement within the UK. Our mission is to assist enterprises in investing, expanding, and exporting, thereby generating employment and opportunities nationwide.

The Global Futures Directorate (GFD) operates at the core of DBT, forming an integral part of the strategic center, alongside the Strategy and Private Office, and Analysis Group directorates. GFD's mandate is to ensure that the department's decisions regarding economic growth are supported by a strategic approach to long-term and systemic challenges in science, technology, research and development, and innovation that impact the UK economy.

Under the leadership of Professor Julia Sutcliffe, DBT's Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), GFD plays a pivotal role. Julia not only leads GFD but also serves as the department's specialist adviser on science and engineering, offering direct support to ministers, senior officials, and teams throughout DBT. Julia collaborates with the cross-government CSA Network, addressing key cross-government policy matters.

Role Responsibilities

As the Senior Private Secretary (SPS), you will oversee the daily operations of the CSA's Private Office. This small, dedicated team is essential for enabling Julia to fulfill her senior leadership responsibilities.

The Private Office environment is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring you to work closely with a tight-knit team while becoming well-versed in the extensive scope of the CSA and GFD. Your work will encompass cross-departmental strategic initiatives on science, innovation, technology, net zero, and climate-related issues, in addition to providing DBT with high-quality futures analysis and foresight capabilities.

Your Key Duties Will Include:

  • Leading and managing the CSA's Assistant Private Secretary (HEO) and Executive Assistant (EO), offering clear guidance and support.
  • Building and maintaining strong working relationships with private secretaries in other DBT offices and across the government, including ministers, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretary, Directors General, Directors, and other CSAs.
  • Representing the CSA's interests in various meetings, acting as an ambassador and liaising with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Coordinating the planning and execution of a comprehensive external engagement program for the CSA, which involves close collaboration with DBT's international network, trade and investment teams, and relevant government departments.
  • Collaborating with the Chief of Staff to advise and support the CSA on urgent matters requiring her attention, utilizing policy expertise from the broader department as necessary.
  • Working directly with the CSA, Chief of Staff, and Assistant Private Secretary to ensure that the CSA's schedule accurately reflects her priorities, preparing her for key meetings, visits, and events. You will accompany the CSA to select meetings, documenting discussions, capturing actions, and following up with relevant teams.
  • Ensuring an effective flow of information to and from the CSA, monitoring shared mailboxes, commissioning and clearing briefings and other documents, and assisting the CSA in prioritizing her workload.
  • Taking the lead as the Private Secretary for the CSA on specific projects or policy matters.
  • Playing a significant role in enhancing the corporate presence of the directorate and assisting the Chief of Staff with business management duties.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

  • Experience in a private office or a similar environment directly supporting senior leaders.
  • Exceptional drafting and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex and technical issues for non-experts.
  • Demonstrated experience or a strong interest in science, innovation, and technology policy.
  • Proven leadership experience in managing and developing a team.

Desirable Qualifications:

  • A relevant qualification in science, innovation, or technology.

Personal Attributes & Skills:

  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, directly accountable to a senior leader.
  • Capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously, effectively triaging and realigning your workload.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to quickly establish strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and represent their interests effectively.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills to keep teams motivated during challenging periods, ensuring focused efforts.

Key Behaviors:

  • Delivering at Pace
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, the Department for Business and Trade contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include:

  • Tailored learning and development opportunities.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
  • An average employer contribution of 27% to your pension.

The Department is committed to creating an inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with gender diverse identities.

For further details on our benefits, please refer to the attached candidate pack.

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