Senior Policy Advisor Full Time

Full Job Description

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is hiring a Senior Policy Advisor for its Essential Digital Skills programme. The role is based in London and other locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh and Salford, with hybrid working available. The salary is between £45,740 and £53,970 a year, depending on the location. This is a permanent position and can be done on a full-time or part-time basis. The person joining the team will help with the Essential Digital Skills programme, which is focused on helping people develop the digital skills they need for everyday life and work. The job includes working on policy, supporting different projects and dealing with people and organisations inside and outside government. You will also be involved in pilot projects looking at digital and AI skills and helping the department understand what works well.

There is also a practical side to the role. The Senior Policy Advisor will work with councils, local government and other teams to understand their needs and help them use the Essential Digital Skills Framework. The job also involves keeping an eye on budgets, helping with procurement, working with suppliers and keeping projects on track. You will need to be comfortable handling different tasks, dealing with deadlines and explaining your views clearly when working with senior colleagues. Good communication and the ability to build working relationships are important for this position. Experience in digital skills, adult education, employment support or related policy areas would be useful, although it is listed as desirable rather than essential. The department also offers a Civil Service pension, annual leave, flexible working and other employee benefits.

Requirements

• Experience of managing different pieces of work at the same time and keeping projects on track.
• Ability to plan work, manage deadlines, risks and dependencies with limited supervision.
• Experience of working with budgets, suppliers or commercial processes is useful.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain information clearly to senior colleagues and decision-makers.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Ability to work with government departments, local authorities, external organisations and other partners.
• Knowledge of digital skills, digital inclusion, adult skills, education or employment support would be an advantage.
• Experience working with local authorities or devolved governments would be useful.
• Project management experience or a relevant qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile PM is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Essential Digital Skills programme and help keep projects moving forward.
• Promote the Essential Digital Skills Framework across the department and wider government.
• Design and manage pilot projects with partners inside and outside government.
• Work with councils, mayoral authorities and devolved governments.
• Collect evidence from projects and help identify what works.
• Manage budgets, monitor spending and support procurement work.
• Work with suppliers and delivery partners.
• Keep track of new developments in digital skills, AI, online safety and digital public services.
• Prepare clear information, briefings and recommendations for senior colleagues.
• Build good working relationships with government teams and external partners.

Benefits

• Salary of £45,740 – £53,970 per year.
• Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Minimum of 25 days of annual leave, increasing up to 30 days.
• Flexible working options.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Full-time, part-time and job-share options.
• Homeworking options as part of the department’s flexible working arrangements.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• Employee discounts covering retail, travel and lifestyle services.
• Childcare-related support and other employee benefits.