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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a fast-paced speechwriting role at the heart of an exciting and busy department.
Working within Private Office, you will craft engaging, personalised, creative speeches and op-eds for the DSIT Secretary of State.
At DSIT, we are leading the UK’s growth of the economy through Science, Innovation and Technology. Our varied work makes a real difference to people across the UK and internationally. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of the DSIT team and our exciting mission!
We lead on the UK’s commitments to put our public services at the forefront of innovation. We bring responsibility for the five technologies of tomorrow to spur bold new discoveries. We also encourage investment and innovation to make the UK a science superpower producing research that will improve lives.
We are building an inclusive culture to make DSIT a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee wellbeing support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.
We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with:
• Excellent written communication skills and an aptitude for explaining complex policies in a clear and captivating way.
• A proven track-record in planning and delivering high-profile speeches and op-eds, or work that demonstrates you have the ability to do this with ease.
• Experience of working effectively with and advising very senior colleagues and senior officials’

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)
• 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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will produce a range of clear and compelling written and oral communications products, including Parliamentary statements, op-eds for national and regional media, ministerial forewords and other departmental materials.
You will keep abreast of departmental announcements, events and media activity to maximise the impact of speeches and raise the profile of the Secretary of State; this could include drafting tweets, LinkedIn posts or other social media content.