10236 - EU Exit and Trade Policy Advisor

The Wales Office

An SEO post has arisen in the Wales Office, a small department of state whose role is to be the face of the UK Government in Wales and the voice of Wales in Westminster. We support the Secretary of State for Wales and their Ministerial team in representing Wales at the heart of Government.  We work in partnership with other Government Departments and other stakeholders to deliver a stronger Wales within a strong United Kingdom.

Our departmental values are Commitment; Collaboration and Quality. These shape how we operate in a challenging, demanding and fast paced environment which requires flexibility, transparency and professionalism.

The post is initially available as a one year loan with the possibility of extension. The post is available on level transfer or promotion. The successful applicant will need to take up the post within 6 weeks of appointment.

The Wales Office EU Exit Policy team is responsible for advising the Secretary of State on the domestic policy consequences of EU Exit on Wales, as well as co-ordinating stakeholder engagement on EU Exit. The team also leads on certain policy areas which promise to be significantly affected by EU Exit. Responsibility for constitutional implications of EU Exit (e.g. the Great Repeal Bill) sits with the Wales Office Constitution Team.

The Wales Office is looking for an experienced senior policy advisor to help develop its thinking on the domestic policy consequences of EU Exit and future international trade policy. You will be responsible for helping to advise the Secretary of State on these matters. The work could potentially include trade and investment, and the Great Repeal Bill/UK Frameworks, but will depend on the balance of work in the office during the posting. You will also have line management responsibility for one HEO.

As a member of the Wales Office the successful candidate would be an employee of the Ministry of Justice, as parent Department. The Wales Office itself is based over two sites, in Cardiff Bay and Whitehall. This position will be based at Gwydyr House Whitehall SW1A 2NP or 1 Caspian Point, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4DQ and will involve regular travel between the London and Cardiff offices, and as well as occasional travel to other parts of Wales and elsewhere in the UK.

You will work directly to the Grade 7 Head of EU Exit Policy, Peter Newbitt-Jones, who is based in Gwydyr House. For any queries or further information please contact Peter on 0207 270 0433 or peter.newbitt-jones@walesoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

Job Description

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Head of the EU Exit policy team in ensuring that Wales Office Ministers receive high quality advice and briefing.
• Deputising, where required, for the Head of EU Exit policy at senior level meetings across Whitehall on the domestic policy consequences of EU Exit, in particular on market access; justice security and migration; agriculture and fisheries; and EU funding
• Providing advice to Ministers on Government policy in certain other policy areas. These could potentially include trade and investment, international trade negotiations, and the Great Repeal Bill/UK Frameworks but will depend on the balance of work in the office during the posting.

Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral skills are vital to this post as you will be responsible for providing a variety briefing to ministers and senior officials on matters related to EU Exit policy, including submissions, cabinet committee briefings and parliamentary questions. It is also essential that you have strong communication skills to build relationships with key stakeholders and links across the rest of Whitehall. Oral and written Welsh language skills would be an advantage but not essential
• Given the high level of exposure to Ministers inherent in a small Department like the Wales Office, the ability quickly to win the respect and confidence of UK Government Ministers and senior Whitehall officials will also be important, as will sound judgement and political awareness.

Welsh Language skills are desirable but not essential.

Further Information

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

You will be required to deliver against the following competencies:

Seeing the Big Picture

• Be alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact or benefit own and team’s work

Leading and Communicating

• Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner with all stakeholders and stand ground when needed

Collaborating and Partnering

• Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes
• Actively seek input from a diverse range of people

Delivering at Pace

• Show a positive approach in keeping their own and the team’s efforts focused on the goals that really matter.

Please note that if we have 20 or more applications per post, we reserve the right to sift only on a lead competency which on this occasion will be “Collaborating and Partnering”.

Closing Date: 29th June 2017 at 23:55 hours

If you require any assistance please call 0845 010 3512 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment@noms.gsi.gov.uk Please quote the job reference.