B2 - Assistant Job description

A critical role, responsible for the operation and smooth running of the private office for Group (CSG). The Group supports both the senior leadership of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office. It is a dynamic environment where collaboration across departmental boundaries is critical to success.

Information about the Cabinet Office can be found at: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk

This is an exciting and challenging role for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with organisational, service delivery, interpersonal and communications skills. You will need to be able to work effectively at speed and under pressure. You will need to be able to manage multiple priorities, write clearly and succinctly, and liaise effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

You will support the Director General (Tracey Waltho) and Director (Andrea Ledward) and work as part of a small private office team - consisting of a newly created , and diary manager to ensure the smooth operation of the Civil Service Group.

The successful candidate will ensure the strategic coordination of CSG’s forward look, quickly grasping and prioritising work. They will support the wider Senior Leadership Team - and their weekly meetings and strategic planning.

You will have the ability to set up and implement new systems in a constantly changing environment. There will be an opportunity to develop and pick up other pieces of policy work and you will deputise for the Chief of Staff as necessary.

A high degree of commitment, flexibility and energy is required for this challenging and important role.

Main Duties and Responsibilities The successful applicant will provide support to the Chief of Staff to:

● Support to the DG and Director Civil Service Group. This will include:

- Maintaining a high level overview of CSG’s work, proactively identifying problems and resolving them with teams; - Providing high quality, efficient and effective support to the DG/D across their duties, making the best use of their time in line with CSG and Cabinet Office priorities; - Building strong working relations between the DG/D’s office and Private Offices, other parts of Cabinet Office, and departments to enable effective working between senior leaders; - Supporting the DG/D internal communications and external stakeholder engagement; - Co-ordinating briefings, submissions and papers; liaising with teams within CSG to ensure they engage the DG/D appropriately in the preparation of these papers; - Supporting CSG’s business planning, financial and HR processes to ensure deadlines are met; - Planning and organising events both for the Directorate and with external stakeholders; - Line management and development of the Diary Secretary; - Preparation of presentations on behalf of DG/D.

Person Specification

You should show evidence of meetings the following competencies when you apply. An initial sift based on competency 1 may be held if a large number of applications are received.

Leading and Communicating

 Proactively communicate, using appropriate styles, with colleagues to ensure shared understanding of gaols and activities;  Convey energy and enthusiasm about their work and encourage others to do the same;

Collaborating and Partnering

 Establish excellent working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to support effective delivery of business outcomes;  Encourage a collaborative approach with colleagues and stakeholders;

Delivering at Pace

 Plan ahead and continually assess priorities as situations change;  Act promptly to keep work on track and maintain performance;

Managing a Quality Service

 Develop, implement and review systems to enable CSG to function effectively;  Work with colleagues to set realistic priorities and timescales that meet the needs of stakeholders. Notes

A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made