Special Adviser for Local Government and Communities

Reporting to the Director of Rewiring the State, the role holder will play a pivotal role in advising the Prime Minister and shaping Government-wide policymaking. This is a high-profile role requiring policy expertise, political judgement, strong relationship skills and the tenacity to drive for outcomes in a high-pressure environment.

Job description

The role holder will:

- Lead on policy relating to local government and communities within the Rewiring the State pillar, working with the Director to advise the Prime Minister. - Report to the Director for Rewiring the State and support them in developing short, medium and longer-term policy across the pillar, leading on all aspects of policy relating to local government and communities. - Work closely with departments, particularly MHCLG and HMT, as well as local authority leaders and colleagues across No10, to develop policy, drive delivery and meet the PM's ambitions, while seeking regular challenge from external policy thinkers. - The role holder should ensure that through rewiring the state, we are delivering good growth in every postcode, ensuring public services work for people and places, and supporting strong communities. - Lead policy engagement with a wide range of relevant stakeholders externally, ensuring strong relationships are built with local leaders, local authorities and other external partners to support coalition building and delivery of the Government’s priorities working with relevant colleagues in No 10.

Person criteria

The role holder will have:

- Strong knowledge of devolution and local government policy, and an understanding of how these areas support the Government's wider objectives on growth, public services and democratic renewal. - Significant experience of policy development and delivery in a high-profile environment, with a track record of driving policy impact, securing outcomes, and translating strategic priorities into action. - Excellent political judgement, policy expertise and creativity, with a ‘can-do’ approach to problem-solving and the ability to identify opportunities, navigate risks and unlock barriers to delivery. - Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with the judgement and credibility to work effectively across government, engaging with Ministers, senior officials and external stakeholders to drive progress on priority issues. - Strong personal drive and resilience, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and maintain focus on delivery and results. - Strong relationship skills, with a track record of building trust, fostering collaboration and working effectively with colleagues across teams to deliver outcomes in complex and fast-paced environments.

Additional information

The salary for this role will fall within Pay Band 3.

This role can be based in No10 Downing Street or No10 North, with travel as required. This is not a Civil Service recruitment process and the final appointment decision rests with the appointing Minister.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Data sent to this address will be retained during the recruitment process and then deleted.

How to apply

Email [email removed - click apply for more details] by COP 13 November with your CV and a 1,000-word personal statement explaining why you are the best person for the role. Please use the email subject line ‘[Local Government] Full Name Job application’.