About the job

Job summary

HM Treasury

If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.  

Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.  

HM Treasury is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, ways of working and thinking makes us stronger and better at developing policy that reflects the needs of every community. We embrace different views and experiences and value the new perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferrable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.  

We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It’s central government, made more accessible to you! 

Job description

About the Group

International Group

Do you want to advise ministers on promoting and protecting the UK’s economy and its competitiveness internationally in a fast-changing environment?  If so, read on!

International Group provides opportunities to work on areas including - spending control on international development, trade policy, climate change, health, cooperation on Ukraine, economic security, financial sanctions and tackling illicit finance.  We also manage economic relationships with Europe, US, China and other advanced economies and emerging markets.

We build relationships with external and international partners and represent the UK in a range of international groupings and institutions, including the G7, the G20, the International Monetary Fund and at some of the Multilateral Development Banks. We also analyse international comparisons and the wider global economic context, including for fiscal events.  Although international travel is an important part of some roles, it is not required for every role in the group and will be specified if required.   

About the team

The Global Issues and Governance (GIG) team is a high profile, friendly and inclusive team consisting of 2 Units: Global Issues and the Multilateral Unit. The team supports the Chancellor and senior officials in the UK’s major multilateral economic relationships, including the G7 and G20 Finance tracks and their related working groups; and to respond to key global issues such as health and climate change. GIG sits within the International Finance and Economic Security Directorate.

The International Climate and Environment Branch sits in the Global Issues Unit and delivers HMT’s economic and finance interests in international climate change and environmental policy, leading HMT’s strategy and working closely with other government departments. Our core HMT international climate and environment objectives are to (i) ensure coordinated action at international level to pursue a just and orderly transition to net zero, climate resilient and nature positive economies and (ii) to promote the UK's domestic efforts to do the same. We aim to drive global economy-wide system change that crowds in sustainable finance from the private sector into low-carbon , climate-resilient, and nature-positive growth.  The Branch is led by 2x Senior Policy Advisers who report to the E2/Grade 6 Head of Global Issues, and supported by 1x HEO Policy Adviser and 1x SEO Policy Adviser (this role).

About the role

We are recruiting for one Senior Executive Officer (SEO) to join our team, at an exciting and challenging time for international climate and environment policy.

Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is a material issue for HMT. The UK has ambitious domestic emissions reduction targets,  having decarbonised our economy faster than any other G7 country, as well as ambitious commitments to adapt to climate impacts and protect and restore nature. To achieve these aims internationally, the UK needs to work with others, particularly G20 countries who account for around 80% of global emissions. Alongside commitments to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience, delivering on finance objectives is a critical component of the Paris Agreement, as well as the Global Biodiversity Framework, and an important part of the international conversation, particularly for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

The SEO Policy Adviser is a stretching and exciting role, requiring strategic thinking, strong policy judgment and excellent communication skills. The role will require the successful candidate to become the HMT knowledge expert on the relevant policy areas across the branch, and to work collaboratively to deliver the right outcomes.

Working with the Senior Policy Adviser, the successful candidate will lead the development of key international climate finance policy issues, such as the UK’s position on public climate finance and mobilising private finance. The postholder will progress these policy areas primarily through multilateral forums, such as the G20, and international events, though there will be a need to lead or support on bilateral country engagements too. The role will broadly focus on climate mitigation and climate finance issues, although there will be a need for cross-cutting understanding of issues such as climate adaptation, loss & damage, nature and biodiversity.

Key responsibilities will include:

1. Lead the development of policy on cross-cutting international climate change and environment issues - working closely with domestic climate teams in HMT to consider how their policy area interacts with international climate issues, such as green finance and carbon pricing/leakage.
2. Provide high quality policy advice and briefing on policy issues to senior officials, the Chancellor and other ministers to support their international engagement, negotiations, and policy priorities.
3. Work flexibly and collaboratively across HM Treasury and the Government to promote HMT’s interests, collaborating positively - in particular working closely with the FCDO, DESNZ and DEFRA.
4. Deliver the UK’s input into climate finance topics within the G7 and G20 and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action – devising the UK strategy, coordinating inputs, and analysing policy papers, to support the UK delegation in international negotiations.
5. Support and coordinate HMT’s finance and economic interests in the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) – working closely with DESNZ to develop and deliver the HMG position on core climate finance issues.

The role provides a great mix of international relationship handling, designing and influencing of international and domestic policy. Great policy making is about understanding what needs to change, what problems need to be solved and supporting Ministers to arrive at the best solution to deliver the change. Policy also means working out how we are going to make the changes or solve the problems, and then delivering on those plans. To do all this, we need to build relationships with Ministers, Civil Service colleagues, groups with expertise and the public. To work on policy as a Policy Adviser, you will need to demonstrate a range of skills, including strong problem-solving skills, the ability to clearly explain your thinking both in writing and in person, and the drive to overcome challenges and see your ideas through into action and delivery.

You don’t need to be a policy professional or have any specific qualifications to apply to work as a Policy Adviser at HM Treasury. We are looking for people who have the right set of skills for the role, who demonstrate the values of our organisation, and who are motivated to come and work with us on a range of issues that are at the heart of how we spend money and deliver public services.

The role can involve some travel. Responsibilities may change depending on business needs and the post holder will also be expected to work across the directorate, where needed, to support one another and meet our objectives.

Candidate Drop-In Session 
 
We will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and the recruitment process. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. 

Wednesday 29 May 2024 12:00-12:45hrs

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 310 402 135 240

Passcode: QA537U

 Wednesday 29 May 2024 17:15-18:00hrs

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 352 611 775 84

Passcode: r7qAHK

If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact David Johnson (david.johnson@hmtreasury.gov.uk)

Person specification

We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form.

 You will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Working together: An ability to establish effective relationships with people who have different roles and perspectives. This includes the ability to quickly build credible senior relationships and work collaboratively with a wide network of domestic and international peers.
• Making Effective Decisions: An ability to analyse and synthesise a wide variety of technical and economic information, often with competing and conflicting conclusions, to develop policy positions.
• Delivering at Pace: An ability to work flexibly and autonomously to prioritise competing deadlines and objectives. This includes excellent organisational, project planning and delivery skills and the ability to quickly grasp issues and independently play an active role in a fast-moving policy environment.

The lead criteria is: Working Together.

We will assess the further criteria at interview as set out below.

If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria only.

Required Qualifications: Degree level qualification, or equivalent work experience.

Candidate Guidance Support Session 
 
We will be running an overview of Success Profiles and the STAR approach; top tips for the interview process and an opportunity to ask general questions around our recruitment practices. If you would like to join us, then use the link below to join the call at the right time. 

5th June at 12:30hrs Join the meeting

At interview stage, you will be assessed on the below criteria:

 Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture – Task/Presentation

Interview Task/Presentation

Prior to your interview, we will contact you about a task/presentation that the interview panel would like you to complete as part of the assessment. The exact details will be communicated to you nearer the time. 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,500, HM Treasury contributes £10,665 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Recruitment Timeline 

Closing date: 23:59hrs 3rd June 2024

Shortlisting: From 4th June 2024

Interviews: week commencing 17th / 24th June 2024

This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline. 

If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile. 

Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted.

Eligibility Statement  

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information. 

Individuals appointed to the Treasury Group will be subject to National Security Vetting. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out applicants will normally need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. A lack of UK residency in itself is not always a bar to security clearance but the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis using all information that can be obtained following a successful application. 

Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.  

For many roles, security clearance is also required. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements of the role before they can be appointed. The level of security clearance required for this role is Security Check (SC) 

Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you.  

Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.  

These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting.  

If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.uk

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.