22616 - Senior Policy Adviser, Global Strategy and Rights Division

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 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, and three human rights sub-teams covering EU fundamental rights, UN human rights and domestic human rights.

Overview of roles

We are looking to fill two high-profile SEO/Band B roles, one to work in the International team to deliver the MoJ’s priorities for international relations and trade, and the other in the EU Fundamental Rights team working on the human rights aspects of EU exit and ongoing EU fundamental rights business.

This is an exciting opportunity for high-performing, proactive individuals with excellent people skills to be part of a small, friendly team working in fascinating policy areas. We are looking for individuals capable of representing the department across Whitehall and internationally where required. Both roles will offer significant exposure to the world of EU exit negotiations, international relations, trade and foreign policy and post holders will be expected to develop a network of contacts across a range of Government departments and beyond.

There will be opportunities for overseas travel and both roles will involve some line management responsibilities.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

Senior Policy Adviser - International team

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:

• Co-ordinating and representing MoJ’s international trade policy interests, including those relating to sustainability and human rights, trade disputes, trade remedies and other cross-cutting trade issues.
• Deputising for the Head of International in fora including the Trade Policy Steering Board and the Trade Capability Group.
• Providing advice to Ministers on the department’s trade interests as we transition from the EU to trading independently (including relevant legislation and downstream impacts).
• Acting as principle point of contact for DIT on all cross-cutting trade issues.
• Managing the department’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, providing advice 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 Commonwealth.
• Developing and implementing the department strategy on support for Rule of Law overseas.
• Drafting briefing and correspondence regarding international matters for meetings, speeches, conferences, Parliamentary Questions etc.

Senior Policy Adviser - EU Fundamental Rights team

Responsibilities will include:

• Policy development and negotiation strategy relating to fundamental rights in EU exit to help deliver MoJ’s human rights objectives and the Government’s wider priorities.
• Supporting the Band A with MoJ’s involvement in the rights aspects of negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.
• Representing the department’s interests in cross-Whitehall policy meetings, building relationships with key contacts in Cabinet Office, Dexeu and Home Office to ensure that MoJ priorities are taken into account.
• Leading on other tasks related to the fundamental rights aspects of EU exit, such as work on legislation, downstream impacts, cross-cutting issues, stakeholder engagement planning and project management.
• Contributing to work on planning for our relationship with the EU on rights post-EU exit.
• Assisting as necessary with work on ‘business as usual’ aspects of EU fundamental rights such as Justice and Home Affairs Council and Fundamental Rights Agency meetings.
• Line management of one or more HEO/Band Cs in the team.
• Subject to priorities the role may also involve supporting the wider human rights team with their work relating to the Human Rights Act, European Convention on Human Rights and UN Human Rights Treaties.

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 in an EU or human rights policy environment
• Previous experience of working across Whitehall and providing advice to Ministers on sensitive policy issues.

Civil Service Competencies

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

Making Effective Decisions (lead competence)

• 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:

An initial sift based on the lead competency may be held if a large number of applications are received.

If your application progresses to a full sift, all competences will then be considered. Feedback is not available for those not invited to interview.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment, and upon request. 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: thomas.murphy@justice.gov.uk and david.meyer@justice.gov.uk

Closing date: 14th December 2018 at 23:55 hours

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.

For more information about the roles please contact: thomas.murphy@justice.gov.uk and david.meyer@justice.gov.uk