Assistant Private Secretary to The King

To apply please read instructions at the bottom of the listing.

About the job

Household / Department 

Private Secretary’s Office

Location 

Based in Buckingham Palace, but with UK wide travel

Contract/recruitment type 

Two to Three year secondment opportunity 

About the role 

The Private Secretary's Office acts as the primary source of advice to His Majesty The King in his role as Head of State and Head of Nation. Advice relates to constitutional, governmental and political affairs, including those affecting the 15 realms in which His Majesty is Head of State and in the 54 countries of the Commonwealth of which The King is Head. It is also responsible for policy guidance on matters concerning The King's role in relation to the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

The department includes The Office of Her Majesty The Queen and is responsible for managing and delivering Their Majesties’ official programmes. It is the source of policy guidance for other Departments and Households, including presentational matters dealt with by Royal Communications. 

A major part of a private secretary’s role is to translate the priorities of The King, informed by Government, into engagements that reflect these priorities. This requires experience of programme management, influencing diverse teams and stakeholders, the ability to assess and respond to logistical, communications and political risks, and creativity in developing, designing and executing a diverse programme of engagements.

The role requires a dynamic and trusted adviser with a good general knowledge of current affairs internationally, but with a specific focus on the United Kingdom; you will be a part of a team providing advice, support for official duties and organizing and attending engagements. The role includes handling varied correspondence, briefings and writing project reports.

About you 

You will have experience at a senior level in the public, private or in the NGO, sector in a communications, consultancy, legal, policy or advisory role, experience as a Chief of Staff or Private Secretary would be helpful, but is not essential. 

Possessing an interest in and good general knowledge of current affairs, nationally and internationally, but with a strong understanding of the political, economic, social, faith and geographical infrastructure of the United Kingdom, the constitution and the British media, you will possess strong cultural sensitivity and diplomacy and an ability to connect with people at all levels.

With good experience and capability in influencing, managing and motivating teams, you are a team player, but will also have the ability to work independently.

Demonstrating excellent judgement and the breadth of experience in decision making in an advisory capacity, you will have the ability to address multiple and unrelated issues simultaneously and to take considered decisions while under pressure.

Articulate in person and on paper, you will have good oral and written communication, drafting, briefing and presentation skills, the ability to absorb and rapidly assimilate often complex and nuanced submissions, and to communicate a large volume of information succinctly.

Resilient and determined with proven planning and project management skills, you will strategically manage your own time and prioritize the work of those around you.

As a digitally fluent and capable administrator, you will work to high standards and be diligent about detail.

You will be highly self-motivated with a flexible outlook towards working hours and travel. You will frequently work away from your London office while on duty and undertaking UK wide visits. 

The successful applicant will need to undergo DV clearance.

Vacancy Closing Date: Friday 4th August 2023

If you wish to apply for this position, please request the recruitment briefing pack from our recruitment partner for this appointment: [email removed - click apply for more details]

Applications should be submitted to: [email removed - click apply for more details]:

· your CV

· a supporting statement, that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification and tells us why you are particularly interested in this role 

· details of referees (permission will be sought from you before they are contacted)

The Royal Household is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all sections of society.