We have a number of forthcoming Executive Officer (EO) level opportunities across Ministerial Private Office for an Assistant Private Secretary roles, the first instances with the Minister for Faith, Lord Bourne, and the Minister for Local Government, Marcus Jones MP. These roles will give you hands-on experience of how Ministers and the civil service operate that is rarely matched in other civil service roles at this grade. They are stretching, fast-paced and challenging, and would be an exciting step in your future career in the Civil Service.

You will give you a unique opportunity to work closely with Ministers and senior officials and deepen your understanding of policy development and the Parliamentary process. You will be one of two Assistant Private Secretaries in a team of four, alongside a diary manager and the Private Secretary. You will be responsible for delivering Ministerial objectives within an aspect of the Minister's portfolio, by co-ordinating the minister’s work with the civil service experts and external stakeholders working on those areas. In Lord Bourne’s office, this could include faith, housing and migration policy, and in Marcus Jones’ office includes local government and homelessness policy. You will also support the Minister in Parliamentary business, including being present in the chamber of the Lords or Commons to support debates and the passage of legislation. You will work closely on a day to day basis with other ministerial offices, Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, Special Advisors, press office, and senior leaders inside and outside the Department.

This role will require some late working and additional hours when Parliament is in session. Overtime or an allowance is payable in these roles.

• Driving forward and championing Minister's priorities and objectives within DCLG and across Government
• Commissioning and managing high quality policy advice from the Department
• Providing support during Ministerial meetings and ensuring key actions are recorded and delivered
• Organising high quality and verbal briefing sessions with the Minister sometimes to tight deadlines
• Providing timely and consistent support the Minister during Parliamentary business including legislation, debates and Oral Questions

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

• Delivering at pace (Lead Competency)
• Leading and communicating
• Managing a quality service
• Collaborating and partnering
• Making effective decisions

At sift, we will be assessing:

• Delivering at Pace (Lead Competency)
• Leading and Communicating
• Managing a Quality Service

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, we may sift based on the lead competency (Delivering at Pace).

All competencies listed above, plus Collaborating and Partnering, and Making Effective Decisions will be tested at interview. The interview will be of blended nature, with a mixture of competency and strength based questions.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.