Ministerial Private Secretary: Policy & Office Lead

Ministry of Justice; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Season Ticket Advance

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice in the UK is recruiting a Private Secretary within the Ministerial Office in the Northern Ireland Office. You will lead a policy portfolio for three ministers and provide strategic, high‑level support to the ministerial team while collaborating across departments and jurisdictions.

The role requires superb organisation, strong influencing skills and a proactive approach. Hybrid working is available, with a focus on delivering impactful policy outcomes for Northern Ireland

Qualifications

• Experience working with Ministers and senior officials/stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills under pressure.
• Ability to review processes and implement solutions independently.

Responsibilities

• Leading on a policy portfolio for three ministers and acting as lead Private Secretary for one minister.
• Supporting ministerial teams on high-profile policy areas and ensuring efficient private office operations.
• Collaborating across the Private Office Group, NIO and Whitehall to align priorities.
• Providing strategic advice and coordinating policy input across the department.
• Supporting ministerial visits in Northern Ireland and overseas as required.
• Line management of one Assistant Private Secretary and staff development.
• Demonstrating a proactive, can-do attitude and sound judgement under changing priorities.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

The Ministry of Justice in the UK is recruiting a Private Secretary within the Ministerial Office in the Northern Ireland Office. You will lead a policy portfolio for three ministers and provide strategic, high‑level support to the ministerial team while collaborating across departments and jurisdictions.

The role requires superb organisation, strong influencing skills and a proactive approach. Hybrid working is available, with a focus on delivering impactful policy outcomes for Northern Ireland