Diary Manager to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for AI and Digi

at  Department for Science Innovation Technology

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.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Skills and Experience (essential criteria)

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate concisely and coherently to a variety of audiences.
• Strong administration skills or experience providing executive support, with strong attention to detail and the ability to adapt these skills to deliver at pace in a complex working environment.
• Experience of handling sensitive information, displaying tact and diplomacy whilst maintaining confidentiality.

Skills experience and qualifications (desirable criteria)

• Experience of managing a busy diary.
• Government security clearance.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

THE ROLE AND OUR TEAM

We are looking for talented individuals with a passion for working with others to join the Private Office team supporting a Departmental Minister. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the very heart of the Department and gain invaluable experience of how Ministers, Parliament and a large government department work.
It also enables you to work across government departments and gain an insight into the inner workings of government.
The role in Private Office is varied, challenging and enjoyable. You will work in a fast-paced, high-profile environment and provide vital support both to the team and the Minister acting as the interface between them, the Department, and the rest of government. You will work closely with colleagues within your Private Office to ensure priorities are effectively delivered and managed. You will form a strong relationship with your principal and work to support them by managing their meetings, prioritising arrangements and make effective use of their time. You will be a crucial member of the Private Office team, contributing as an equal member and being a core part of making the team a great place to work.
It will be important to be comfortable with a flexible in the way of work to respond to changing pressures and priorities and deliver a busy workload. You will need to be proactive in your approach to work, have good judgement, as well as an ability to reach out and build productive relationships internally and externally.
If you enjoy working collaboratively and are looking for a high-profile opportunity, this would be an excellent opportunity to develop your skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties/tasks that the candidate will be responsible for:

• Lead regular planning meetings with the Minister to manage upcoming diary engagements and visits.
• Proactively plan meetings and manage the diary in line with departmental priorities, ensuring agendas, relevant information and documents are prepared.
• Work closely with Private Secretaries in the team, Directors and senior colleagues to ensure effective use of your principal’s time.
• Use judgement to prioritise important meetings, suggest appropriate delegation when needed and clear communication.
• Work with the visits team to arrange the logistics and travel for domestic and international visits.
• Lead on key administrative tasks for the private office, for example the clearance of Freedom of Information Requests and support of Parliamentary engagement.