Private Secretary £43,116 Full Time/Part time (Minimum 0.8 FTE) Permanent Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working, 2-3 days per week in the office) Closing date Sunday 17th November 2024 Join UKRIs External Affairs team as Private Secretarysupporting leadership and driving strategic priorities at the core of research and innovation. Job Overview The External Affairs and Communications Private Office is a new function in the directorate. This small team will sit at the heart of the directorate, playing a critical role in its success and directly supporting the senior leadership and wider function. As Private Secretary you will work very closely with the Deputy Directors and SLT within the directorate in particular. You will also cover for the Senior Private Secretary during leave and absences, taking responsibility for the successful operation of the overall office during these times. This is a multifaceted and challenging role, which requires the post-holder to be able to build and maintain trusted relationships with a wide range of collaborators across UKRI, academia, business, and Government. The post holder will be expected to deliver at pace, communicate and collaborate effectively, and have strong attention to detail. You will need to possess integrity and understand the need for, and exercise, discretion and confidentiality. Responsibilities Providing insight and challenge to the external affairs and communications senior leadership team, and in particular the Deputy Directors within the function Ensuring that Deputy Directors are well briefed for their engagements and, where appropriate, representing and championing their views. Providing advice and, where necessary, constructive challenge to teams across the wider directorate on any areas falling within your portfolio. Coordinating the development, implementation, and continual improvement of operational processes for the directorate. Working flexibly as required to support colleagues across the team. Contributing to the overall functioning of an effective, efficient, and friendly office, including working with other executive offices across the organisation to share best practice and build a strong peer network. About you You will have: The ability to work under pressure, against competing priorities, and to tight deadlines; Strong background of working in or with external affairs and communication, understanding its role as a strategic lever for delivery. Organisational management and/or project management experience, such as managing team or directorate-level reporting or compliance processes. Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience communicating directly with senior colleagues; Experience providing advice and challenge on policy or operational issues. To view the full job description and person specification please click apply and visit our careers page. Benefits We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning A list of benefits below. An excellent defined benefit pension scheme 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities. Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice. Flexible working options Please click here for more details on theBenefits of working for UKRI UKRI How to Apply Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Please click apply for further information and to visit our careers page. ADZN1_UKTJ