Private Secretary

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 414106

**Salary**:

- £33,015 - £35,655
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

**Job grade**:

- Higher Executive Officer

**Contract type**:

- Fixed term
Loan

**Length of employment**:

- 24 months

**Business area**:

- DSIT - Corporate Services - HR

**Type of role**:

- Administration / Corporate Support
Operational Delivery

**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

**Number of jobs available**:

- 1

**Contents**:

- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know

**Location**:

- Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Salford

**About the job**:
**Job summary**:
At 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 benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kick-starting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

Find Out More

**Job description**:
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a significant impact within the Department for Science Innovation & Technology (DSIT).

The role will offer the successful individual the opportunity to build an understanding of a wide range of DSIT’s policies and processes, and work with a wide range of other colleagues across the civil service.

This is a fast-paced role which will require the postholder to manage the diaries and inboxes of senior leaders within the directorate, while managing other competing interests and commitments. Collaboration is key, so you will be a talented communicator who can build effective relationships with a broad range of colleagues and stakeholders.

There will be opportunities to expand the role’s responsibilities to support the Chief of Staff by leading on areas of work to support the delivery of departmental priorities.

**Person specification**:
Key activities include:
Provide high-quality advice and support to the senior leadership team (SLT), ensuring their priorities are understood, decisions are informed, and strategic steers are clearly communicated.

Relay feedback accurately and promptly between the SLT and teams to support effective delivery.

Providing executive support and diary management to senior leaders within the directorate. Managing conflicting meetings and prioritising effectively.

Booking travel and accommodation and managing expenses for senior leaders.

Supporting the Senior Private Secretary with business planning, as well as budget and resource management.

Providing support in senior leadership meetings, including accurate minute taking, responding to actions and supporting with materials.

Support with governance processes

Responding to and coordinating the completion and clearing of commissions when appropriate.

Liaising with, and being the first point of contact for, external and cross-government stakeholders.

Coordinating visits and away days, working with hosts and stakeholders on itineraries and preparing briefing packs.

Handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

Support with ad hoc business activities such as raising and closing purchase orders and supporting the onboarding of new staff.

**Essential criteria**

Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work effectively across a range of tasks and stakeholders under pressure.

Strong attention to detail.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and collaborate confidently and professionally with stakeholders of varying seniority.

Strong work ethic and a proven team player, with ability to work under pressure.

Proven ability to work autonomously, whilst using good judgement to manage situations independently and understand when to escalate and how.

Ability to work flexible across a number of competing and sometimes uncertain situations.

**Behaviours**:
We'll assess you against these behaviours d