About the job

Job summary

Implementation Unit 

The Implementation Unit (IU) is a small, high performing team at the centre of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Located within the Ministerial Strategy Directorate, the IU is a multidisciplinary team that provides a wide range of internal consultancy services in support of Ministerial and Senior Officials’ highest priorities.

This could include developing strategy for specific priorities, solving problems to delivery, considering links and interdependencies between separate programmes or advising on organisational structure. All of this is done in small multi-disciplinary project teams made up of members of the IU. In this role, you will be one of three principal policy advisors, leading one to three projects at a time in parallel with a principal analyst, and supported by policy advisors and or analysts. 

The role is exciting, fast-paced and provides the opportunity for self-directed and driven work and leadership. The work provides variety through the time limited 6-12 weeks projects, and huge potential for learning and development, including formal training and exposure to most areas of the department’s work. In addition the role will provide exposure to senior stakeholders, with current team members working regularly for Directors General, the Permanent Secretary and Ministers. In return for the opportunities, the job will require ownership of high priority areas, intellectual focus, and dedication to drive forward projects independently on a day to day, engaging with the Head of the Implementation Unit to escalate blockers and support in decision-making. 

The Export and Investment Policy Unit 

The Export and Investment Policy Unit (EIPU) is a key DBT policy and strategy team and works across the department, government and industry to develop policies to drive the UK’s export and investment performance and enhance the UK’s international competitiveness and prosperity.  

We work closely with Ministers and DBT’s Directors-General, as well other government departments and operational teams in the UK and overseas.  

We develop policy responses to trade and investment issues to remove barriers to exporting and investment. Our work is dynamic, exciting, and central to UK economic growth and delivery of HMG priorities. We aim to improve the development of policies with better evidence, a better understanding of the political context, and through better planning and engagement

Job description

Principal Policy Advisor – Implementation Unit 

1. Contribute to the positive and inclusive culture of the IU as a senior member of the team. 
2. Lead ‘deep dive’ implementation reviews and rapid projects to overcome delivery challenges or answer strategic policy questions. 
3. You will use the IU’s tools and techniques to scope and manage typically 6 -12-week projects. 
4. You will work closely with the IU’s embedded analysts to gather and assess available data. You will develop effective solutions to delivery challenges and will lead on the presentation of findings to Ministers and senior officials. 
5. Build an effective network across DBT, wider Government (including No 10, Cabinet Office and HMT), and beyond. 
6. Help establish and form a key part of a high performing Unit, which is an inspiring and energising place to work; works at pace but in a friendly environment where being a team player and self-motivator is essential. 
7. Our remit is broad, and projects are tailored where possible to your development and career plans. Recent projects include digital, corporate strategy, market analysis, trade policy and export & investment policy development projects. The team’s work is high profile, works internationally (recently with the U.S and WTO, or for officials at post (recently in Brazil)

Senior Strategy & Policy Advisor – Export and Investment Policy Unit (Exports) 

This high-profile role sits within Exports policy and Strategy team, bringing leadership in the Department to these areas and working closely with teams and senior leaders across DG Domestic & International Markets & Exports, Ministers, business and other strategy teams within DBT and across Whitehall to ensure DBT’s export policy, strategy and leadership has the greatest impact. There is strong demand for our work from DBT Ministers, senior officials, No.10 and Cabinet Office.  

The successful candidates will be expected to:  

• Provide leadership for elements of the team’s work on exports policy;  
• Manage at least one HEO and play a part in establishing a positive and collaborative working environment that encourages precise thinking and innovative solutions;   
• Deliver essential projects and manage Business As Usual work, while also responding to important short-term demands;  
• Ensure thinking from across DBT and beyond is factored into the team’s work;  
• Form strong relationships with other relevant Departments, to best enable DBT to influence across Whitehall where it does not itself own necessary policy levers. 
• Ensure the team’s work is consistent with the Export Strategy;  
• Respond to Secretary of State, Ministerial and DG priorities; and  
• Contribute to the wider work of the directorate and the Department, including at a corporate level.

Person specification

Essential criteria 

1. A dedication to inclusivity and a desire to contribute a positive culture, including working collaboratively as team member and leader. 

2. Strong intellectual power, and willingness to apply novel approaches to problem solving, linking your work to the bigger picture. 

3. Sound judgement and political awareness. 

4. The ability to communicate clearly and with impact.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,560, Department for Business and Trade contributes £14,461 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 and Experience.

Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception. 

Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way. 

After the closing date It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change. 

To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:    

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
2. A Personal Statement of up to 500 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the Essential criteria.  

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV Only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.   

Location and working arrangements 

This role is available in seven UK locations and can only be worked from within the UK, not overseas. Most DBT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in the office on average. Changes to these working arrangements are available in certain circumstances but must be agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role and can only be discussed with successful candidates. Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DBT, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.   

Reasonable Adjustments 

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:  

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.  

Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.   

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. 

Candidate Support 

You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.   

Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.  

Further Information: 

• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.   
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases. 
• New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.  
• Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.   
• A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.  
• Terms and Conditions are attached.  Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.  
• Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to ( Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland/Access NI) on your behalf. 

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.  

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk 

For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.   

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.    

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.   

For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages:  Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Complaints_Handling_Procedure-AUGUST-2018.docx.pdf to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints 

Vetting

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.

 Feedback

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. 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.