25727 - Senior Policy Adviser - International Relations and Strategy

Background

One of the MoJ’s four strategic priorities is to deliver a Global Britain that promotes the rule of law. The Global Strategy and Rights Division (part of International and Rights Directorate) plays a vital role in achieving this, leading on the UK’s international relations beyond the EU, and upholding the UK’s international obligations within a well-functioning domestic human rights framework as we exit the EU.

The Division is made up of an International team (in which this role will be based), and three human rights sub-teams covering EU fundamental rights, UN human rights and domestic human rights.

Overview of role

We are looking to fill a high-profile SEO/Band B role, working in the International team to develop and deliver the MoJ’s International Strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity for a high-performing, proactive individual with excellent people skills to be part of a small, friendly team working in fascinating policy areas. The successful candidate will play a key role in co-ordinating MOJ’s international engagement and representing the department across Whitehall and internationally where required. The role will offer significant exposure to the world of international relations and foreign policy and post holders will be expected to develop a network of contacts across a range of Government departments including FCO, DFID, Home Office and beyond. There may be opportunities for overseas travel.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be part of a small team dealing with MoJ’s international policy interests, strategy and engagement outside the EU. Responsibilities within the team will be agreed in discussion with the successful candidate, but will include elements of the following:

• Developing, communicating and implementing the department’s International Strategy, maintaining oversight of international engagement across the department
• Managing the department’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, providing advice to Ministers and Senior Management on a wide range of international relations and policy issues.
• Representing the department’s interests in cross-Whitehall policy meetings, building relationships with FCO and DFID and ensuring that UK foreign policy reflects MoJ priorities.
• Overseeing Ministerial and senior official overseas visits, including policy briefing and logistical arrangements.
• Co-ordinating MoJ’s international engagement and negotiations, including in the Council of Europe and the Commonwealth.
• Developing and implementing the department’s strategy on justice cooperation and support for Rule of Law overseas, developing programmes of engagement with international partners to support departmental and broader HMG interests.
• Drafting briefing and correspondence regarding international matters for meetings, speeches, conferences, Parliamentary Questions etc.

Person Specification:

Essential skills/expertise

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Work with a high degree of initiative and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong track record of using evidence and sound judgment to make effective decisions.
• Excellent attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture.
• The ability to build and manage constructive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including at very senior level.
• Diplomacy and the ability to deal with sensitive matters appropriately and discreetly.
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise effectively and deliver at pace, sometimes to extremely tight deadlines and with little supervision.

Desirable skills/expertise

• Previous experience of international work and/or trade policy
• Previous experience of working across Whitehall and providing advice to Ministers on sensitive policy issues.

Civil Service Competencies

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Strengths.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of the following at SEO/Band B level:

Making Effective Decisions

• Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making to help build engagement and present robust recommendations
• Make decisions when they are needed, even if they prove difficult or unpopular
• Explore different options outlining costs, benefits, risks and potential responses to each

Delivering at Pace

• Successfully manage, support and stretch self and team to deliver agreed goals and objectives
• Plan ahead but reassess workloads and priorities if situations change or people are facing conflicting demands
• Regularly monitor own and team’s work against milestones or targets and act promptly to keep work on track and maintain performance

Seeing the Big Picture

• Being alert to emerging issues and trends that have an impact or benefit own and team’s work
• Actively seek out and share experience to develop understanding and knowledge of own work and team’s business area
• Understanding own area’s strategy and how this contributes to Departmental priorities

Leading and Communicating

• Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed
• Communicate using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact
• Convey enthusiasm and energy about their work and encourage others to do the same

Collaborating and partnering:

• Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes
• Act as a team player, investing time to generate a common focus and genuine team spirit
• Readily share resources to support higher priority work, showing pragmatism and support for the shared goals of the organisation
• Encourage collaborative team working within own team and across the Department

Selection process details:

Expected: Sifting will take place in w/c 22 April with interviews scheduled for w/c 6 May.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment, and upon request. If you are deemed appointable but not offered the advertised position you may be offered an alternative position within the Directorate and/or the opportunity to stay on a reserve list. If your application falls just below the threshold, you may be offered roles at a lower grade. Expenses are not available for travel to interview.

For more information contact: david.meyer@justice.gov.uk or Caoimhe.Udom@justice.gov.uk

For further information about the vacancy please contact David.Meyer@justice.gov.uk, Caoimhe.Udom@justice.gov.uk or Alice.Adamson@justice.gov.uk

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk Please quote the job reference - 25727.