Job Title: Policy Officer: Constitution Pay Grade: EO Salary: £29,303 - £31,061 Location: Ty William Morgan, Cardiff, CF10 1EP Reports to: SEO – Senior Policy Advisor: Constitution Contract: Up to 18 Month Fixed Term Contract or Loan with Possibility of Extension or Permanency Clearance: CTC (See Additional Information) About the Wales Office The Wales Office is the face of the UK Government in Wales and the voice of Wales in Westminster. We support the Secretary of State for Wales and the Ministerial team in representing Wales at the heart of Government. We work in partnership with other Government Departments and other stakeholders to deliver a stronger Wales within a strong and prosperous United Kingdom. Our departmental values are Commitment, Collaboration, and Quality. These shape how we operate in a challenging, demanding, and fast paced environment which requires flexibility, transparency, and professionalism. The Office is based over two sites, with one base in Cardiff and another in London. As an accredited smarter working organisation, we offer considerable flexibility around ‘the way we work’. We have great technology and an attractive employee benefits package which includes a commitment to investing in the learning & development of our staff. About the team The Constitution Team works across Whitehall and with the Welsh Government to ensure the Welsh devolution settlement works effectively. It is responsible for a wide range of devolution issues that relate to Wales, including Welsh issues in the UK Government’s legislative programmes. It also works on a cross-Whitehall basis on constitutional issues, including inter-governmental relations and common frameworks. Its wider responsibilities also include EU and foreign policy matters, and elections in Wales. The post holder is responsible for delivering key aspects of this work. Key Responsibilities As part of the Constitution team, you will be responsible for drafting official and Ministerial level correspondence and providing briefings to the Secretary of State and Ministers on a range of areas within the team’s portfolio. This role will involve: Providing high quality advice and written briefing to the Secretary of State and Ministers on matters relating to the constitution, with a focus on the Welsh aspects of relevant issues. Drafting responses to official and Ministerial level correspondence on a range of issues in line with internal procedures and deadlines. Monitoring constitutional developments affecting Wales and reporting back to members of the team, including Special Advisers and Ministers. Working with Other Government Departments across Whitehall, the Welsh Government, and wider external stakeholders in Wales to ensure that Welsh interests are fully reflected in UK Government policy. The post also offers opportunities to work flexibly across the directorate on a wide range of policy areas including domestic affairs and local growth. There are no line management responsibilities for this role. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder. Person Specification The successful candidate will be a self-starter, able to work under their own initiative and form strong, productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver the Government’s priorities for Wales. This role provides an excellent opportunity to work as part of a small team to develop policy making skills and political awareness in a fast-moving environment. Please evidence in your Statement of Suitability how closely you match the essential criteria: Essential: Excellent IT skills with specific experience of using the Microsoft Office suite. Proven ability to analyse information from a wide range of sources and communicate findings tailored to your audience. Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable working with colleagues at all levels and building rapport with stakeholders. Experience of working autonomously in an environment where a multi-tasking approach and the need for prioritisation has been required. Desirable: Written and verbal Welsh language skills are highly desirable, but not essential. Recruitment Process This campaign will be undertaken using the Civil Service Success Profile framework. You will need to provide evidence in your application to cover the following behaviours: Communicating and Influencing (Lead Behaviour) (Application & Interview) Working Together (Application & Interview) Seeing the Big Picture (Interview Only) Delivering at Pace (Interview Only) In the event of a high volume of applicants, we will sift only on the lead behaviour to create a shortlist for interview. Additional Information The Wales Office is not an employer in its own right. Staff recruited to work at the department will be employees of the Ministry of Justice who provide employment services on our behalf. This role requires CTC level clearance. Applicants for National Security Clearance (CTC) must be resident in the UK for 3 years immediately prior to their application for Security Clearance. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years), you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. If you do not meet the above requirement, you may still be considered for the role if, for example: You have been serving overseas with HM Armed Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government. You were studying abroad. You were living overseas with parents.