Assistant Private Secretary
Government Digital Services -
What you'll do
The CEO Office supports the Chief Executive of the Government Digital Service. We work across all of GDS, supporting and coordinating work, ensuring it aligns with our strategy. We also work on behalf of the CEO to deliver priority projects.
The CEO’s Private Office supports and coordinates the work of the CEO, ensuring they are prepared, prioritising the right things and using their time to the most benefit.
As an Assistant Private Secretary you will:
- support the Private Secretary to ensure the CEO is prepared
- manage incoming requests in a timely and professional manner
- work with stakeholders to understand, articulate and progress priorities
- commission, research and provide high quality briefing and advice for the CEO
- identify solutions to issues raised to the CEO, preempting these in advance where possible
- act as a point of contact and conduit to ensure activities are coordinated and joined up across GDS
- provide secretariat support where appropriate
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Who you are
We’re interested in people who:
excellent written and verbal communication skills and able to provide clear direction to colleagues at all levels
strong prioritisation and organisation skills, able to manage competing demands to meet deadlines
experience of influencing, persuading or engaging with a range of stakeholders, or experience of building positive relationships within a complex organisation
good judgment and strategic thinking, being able to anticipate approaching risks and opportunities, providing mitigation where necessary
Additional Information
GDS is based in Bristol, London and Manchester, and this role is part of our focussed growth in Manchester during 2021/22. You will be part of a growing community in Manchester, working with colleagues across all three sites. GDS supports flexible working, including a balance between office and home-based working. Normally this will mean 2 days a week in the office, or more if that works better for you and the role.
If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates that do not pass the interview, however have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.
