Ministerial Diary Manager

at  Department for Energy Security Net Zero

JOB SUMMARY

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.
Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero. Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.
Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it’s impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.
We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.
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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a crucial role at the heart of our Private Offices (the teams providing day to day support to Ministers and senior officials). As a diary manager, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Ministers and senior officials as well as a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
You will be responsible for the Minister’s diary and travel arrangements, as well as playing a role in inbox management and supporting private office / ministerial priorities. In summary, you will be pivotal in getting the Minister where they need to be, and working with the wider Private Office team to ensure the Minister has everything they need once they get there. In doing so you will have the opportunity to build your understanding of parliamentary procedure and gain an insight into a broad range of policy issues.
To be successful in this role you will need strong organisational skills, an eye for detail and the ability to juggle competing pressures effectively. You will need excellent communications skills and the confidence to engage with Ministers and senior stakeholders.
This role will provide a unique opportunity to work with a wide range of Private Offices and teams across the Department, and develop an understanding of how the Department and Civil Service functions. The role will suit someone who is looking to explore a career in the Civil Service, expand their current experience or take on a new challenge.
While Private Office roles tend to be busy, you will work as part of a motivated and friendly team who will support you when needed. Learning and development is a key priority for us, and you will have the opportunity to undertake training and develop new skills to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We would love to hear from you if you have:
The ability to plan, organise and work well under pressure – managing conflicting demands effectively.
Demonstrate excellent attention to detail.
Effective and confident communication skills – an ability to liaise with staff at all levels effectively and communicate with clarity and confidence.
The ability to build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Experience of working both independently and as part of a team to achieve your goals.
Desirable: Experience providing business support or diary management for senior leaders.
Previous experience in Private Office is desirable but not required.
Securing SC is a requirement for this role. Candidates who do not yet hold a national security vetting are welcome to apply but should be aware they will be required to start a SC clearance application prior to appointment. If the application for SC clearance is refused, this will result in the applicant being moved into a different role.

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)

TYPE OF ROLE

Administration / Corporate Support
Business Management and Improvement
Operational Delivery

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Your key responsibility will be to ensure a high quality and efficient service to Ministers. That can include:
Diary management: a well organised diary is critical to a Minister’s success. You will be responsible for the Minister’s day to day movements, working closely with your immediate team, other private offices and external stakeholders to arrange meetings and events.
Organising travel: ministers travel regularly within the UK and overseas. You will work closely with your team to coordinate travel arrangements, helping organise transport and accommodation while ensuring cost effectiveness and compliance with relevant departmental policies.
Office processes: you will take responsibility for a set of core office processes, likely to include coordinating invites, correspondence and transparency returns. This will involve working across the team to ensure accurate and timely responses.
Cross team work: we operate as one private office team, so as part of your role you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the different Ministerial and senior official offices on joint priorities. You will also have the opportunity to cover in other offices to broaden your experience and support colleagues.