23618 – Deputy Principal Private Secretary, Office for the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary

Fixed-term 12-month maternity cover post in the Office for the Permanent Secretary and Second Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice. The holder leads three G7 Private Secretaries and acts as principal adviser to the Second Permanent Secretary. The role is high-profile, with regular ministerial contact and a cross-criminal justice system remit, and offers hybrid working. SC clearance is required, with three years’ continuous UK presence.

What the job involves

• Lead the Permanent and Second Permanent Secretary’s Office, managing a team of Private Secretaries so it runs smoothly and efficiently
• Act as principal adviser to the Second Permanent Secretary
• Drive the two principals’ priorities through the Executive Team, supporting them to work together and build a collaborative culture
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Second Permanent Secretary’s cross-criminal justice system role, including the G7 Private Secretary who holds it
• Work with the Deputy Director Principal Private Secretary to support both principals and deliver their priorities
• Ensure the team communicates and collaborates well, both internally and with other Private Offices and the department
• Act as a trusted confidential adviser, flagging risks and sensitive matters proactively

What’s required

Experience

• Proven senior-level track record in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Experience of working with or supporting very senior leaders or ministers
• Experience of leading and motivating a team to build an inclusive, high-performing culture

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent written and oral communication, synthesising complex information quickly
• Strong interpersonal skills and political awareness, building trusted relationships at the most senior levels
• Ability to influence, challenge and gain the trust of senior officials, stakeholders and partners
• Sound judgement, resilience and managing competing priorities under pressure
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Checks & eligibility

• Security clearance (SC) under National Security Vetting
• Continuous UK presence for the past three years
• DBS Basic check
• Right to work in the UK under Civil Service nationality rules

Other

• Existing Civil Service employee or accredited NDPB employee appointed on merit through fair and open competition

Nice to have

• Private office, parliamentary or legislative experience
• Understanding of constitutional and legal matters relevant to the Permanent Secretary’s role
• Familiarity with the justice system

What’s offered

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 after five years’ service
• Scheme to buy or sell up to three days’ leave each year
• Public holidays plus one privilege day
• Choice of Civil Service pension schemes
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee-run networks
• Flexible benefits and discounts, plus family-friendly policies such as reduced hours or job share

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