UKDSE Assistant Private Secretary and Diary Manager to Director

We are recruiting for an Assistant Private Secretary for the Director of UK Defence & Security Exports in the Department for Business & Trade. Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. The Department for Business and Trade brings together policy, promotion, and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals. UK Defence & Security Exports (UKDSE) is responsible for working with the UK's defence and security sector to achieve export success and drive inward investment. The team works closely across Whitehall to deliver strong and coherent government support to industry. The UK is a leading defence and security exporter and building on our existing prominence in world markets is a priority for this government. We are looking for an Assistant Private Secretary to work in an exciting fast paced role looking after the Director's diary, expenses, briefings and travel while also be willing to take on any other tasks to support the Director and Private Office. As Assistant Private Secretary you will play a pivotal role in the running of the Director's office, ensuring the Director makes effective decisions by:

• Understanding, articulating and helping to drive forward the Director's priorities; by providing high quality advice backed up by accurate and perceptive insights.
• Managing the Director's inbox with regards to meeting requests; reviewing emails to identify priorities and actioning requests that come in, escalation and commissioning briefing on key issues and prioritising incoming mail to ensure key deadlines are adhered to.
• Making national and international travel and accommodation bookings that adhere to departmental policies, take account of value for money and keeping account of financial spend from trips taken and file expenses.
• Forward planning to ensure all briefing and papers are closely managed, identifying and commissioning information/briefings as required.
• Ensuring efficient and effective use of the Director's time, responding to last minute changes and accommodating unexpected, urgent requests.
• Providing administrative support to the Director, including stationery orders, team meeting arrangements, payment of invoices and other reasonable duties as required.
• Building, developing and maintaining relationships with Private Offices within the Department and across Whitehall, as well as engage with Senior officials and stakeholders confidently.
• Undertaking specific projects and research and analysis on behalf of the Director, including presenting findings in papers, reports and PowerPoint presentations.