Location
City of Westminster, Caxton House, London

Hours
Full Time. Due to the nature of the role, full-time hours only are required. At times, long hours may be necessary, especially when Parliament is sitting, for which overtime will be payable.

Salary
£45,065 per annum

About the Role
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s largest public service department, responsible for welfare, labour market, pensions, and child maintenance policy. We administer the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 23 million claimants and customers.

As an Assistant Private Secretary to the Minister, you will work closely with Ministers and Special Advisers to deliver the Government’s priorities and ensure these are clearly understood across the Department. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders across policy and operations to provide high quality, timely advice and support effective delivery.

You will develop a strong understanding of your portfolio area within the Ministerial team, horizon scanning alongside officials, Spads and Parliamentary teams. Supporting the Minister in a wide range of internal and external meetings, you will be responsible for accurate readouts, capturing actions and ensuring progress.

Building a network across the Ministerial and senior officials’ Private Offices, as well as key departments across government, will be essential. The role requires exceptional organisational skills, the ability to prioritise, problem solve and manage multiple demanding deadlines in a fast-moving environment.

This role is office based at Caxton House, London, and requires National Security Vetting to Security Check level before appointment.

Experience
Experience working in Private Office or directly with Ministers is essential. A good understanding of how Whitehall operates is required. Experience of effective diary management and knowledge of welfare policy are desirable.

About you
You are proactive, organised and dynamic with excellent organisational and communication skills. You can manage a heavy workload, prioritise effectively and thrive in a fast-moving environment. You demonstrate strong attention to detail and can complete tasks quickly to short deadlines, evidencing effectiveness through delivery.

You have excellent judgement, a solutions-focused attitude, and the ability to think independently with strong political awareness. Outstanding interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential. You have a flexible outlook, enthusiasm and a keen eye for detail.

Qualifications
There are no formal qualification requirements specified; however, National Security Vetting to Security Check (SC) level is mandatory. You must have resided continuously in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years, including the 2 immediately preceding years, to be eligible for security clearance.

The role requires adherence to Civil Service principles including honesty and integrity, with all examples in your application drawn from your own experience.