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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £42,914 - £46,182 London salary range is £49,325- £53,081 Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
London, National
Region
London, National
Closing Date
01-Jun-2026
Post Type
Fixed Term, Detached Duty, Loan
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
3
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
17707

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Engagement Advisor 
SEO

The Service, Strategy and Transformation Directorate is recruiting for an SEO Engagement Advisor on a Fixed Term basis for 12 months, with possibility of permanency for the right candidate. This campaign is being run externally and so is open to all who consider themselves suitable for the roles and meet the eligibility criteria in the wider advert within Civil Service Jobs. 

Please note that if you are a current Civil Servant, you will be appointed on a Loan. If you are not a current Civil Servant, you will be offered a Fixed Term Contract.

Location:
Successful candidates will have the option to be based at one of the following locations:
•    102 Petty France, London 
•    National

We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your chosen base location.

Ways of Working
At the MoJ we believe and promote alternative ways of working, these roles are available as:
•    Full-time, part-time or the option to job share
•    Flexible working patterns

If we receive applications from more suitable candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without a new competition.

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity

Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service should expect to join on the minimum of the pay range.  
If you are already a civil servant and are successful in an external recruitment competition for a role with us, your starting pay will be the better of:
•    promotion terms or transfer terms, as appropriate; or
•    pay on appointment arrangements (minimum of pay range)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
MoJ is the largest government department, employing over 90,000 people with a budget of approximately £10 billion. Each year, millions of people use our services across the UK - including at 500 courts and tribunals, and 133 prisons in England and Wales.

Further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice

About the Directorate
This role sits within the Service Strategy and Transformation (SS&T) directorate in the Service Transformation Group (STG).
STG leads the transformation of the services MoJ and its agencies deliver to the public. Our mission is to provide the best justice services in the world, powered by the happiest team in government.
The SS&T directorate works across STG and the wider MoJ to improve how justice services are designed and delivered, helping to achieve better outcomes for users and more effective delivery across complex systems.
The directorate includes several complementary functions: 

•    Strategy: Bringing STG together to set a clear 3-5 year plan, align priorities and track progress. 
•    Engagement: Telling the story of transformation - planning and delivering communications and engagement that builds understanding and support.
•    Transformation Office: Running the transformation portfolio, supporting the DG-level committee, spotting risks and removing blockers. 
•    Transformation Delivery: Helping teams deliver change end-to-end and sharing best practice, testing new ways of working and improving outcomes for users. 
•    Product Transformation: Accelerating transformation through targeted innovation and product ways of working.

About the Engagement Advisor role

There are three roles available. You will be aligned to one area, with some opportunities to work across all three:
•    Leading storytelling and engagement across the Ministry of Justice
•    Supporting high-profile transformation priorities that shape the future of justice services
•    Helping set the standard for engagement products and building capability across the organisation

Day-to-day responsibilities

This role would suit someone who can operate in a fast-paced environment, enjoys variety, and can deliver high-quality communications while building trusted relationships across a wide stakeholder landscape.

You will:
•    Lead high-profile engagement workstreams that support SS&T and wider Service Transformation Group priorities
•    Design and deliver targeted engagement that builds understanding of transformation and brings teams, agencies and senior stakeholders together
•    Shape and deliver SS&T’s transformation narrative, turning complex activity into clear, compelling messages that resonate with senior audiences
•    Build strong relationships across MoJ and its agencies to strengthen collaboration, influence decisions and support delivery
•    Support engagement at key moments, including fiscal events, senior leadership discussions and major organisational communications
•    Produce high-quality briefings, submissions and communications at pace for high-profile and fast-moving priorities
•    Turn complex transformation into clear, accessible and actionable products
•    Continuously improve engagement by seeking feedback and refining tools and approaches

This list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be asked to undertake other duties within the scope and grade of the role.

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

•    Proven experience in engagement, communications or stakeholder management, ideally in a complex organisation
•    A strong track record of building trusted, effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
•    The ability to prioritise effectively, manage competing demands, and communicate with confidence and credibility at senior levels

During the assessment process, you will be invited to demonstrate your technical skills and relevant experience.

Technical skills:
•    Communicate with clarity, confidence and impact 
•    Present complex information in a concise, engaging and audience-focused way 
•    Demonstrate strong engagement and influencing skills 
•    Structure and deliver clear, purposeful messages 
•    Reflect thoughtfully on experience, contribution and learning

Essential experience: 
•    Experience delivering engagement, communications or stakeholder management activity in a complex organisation (Lead) 
•    Ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and delivery partners (Lead) 
•    Ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging communications products 
•    Strong judgement, prioritisation and adaptability in managing competing demands 
•    Ability to tailor messages and engagement approaches to different audiences and contexts 
•    Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across teams 
•    Experience supporting engagement linked to strategy, transformation, change or service improvement 
•    Confidence using Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel to produce clear and effective products 
•    Experience drafting for senior leaders or supporting high-profile or time-sensitive activity

The MoJ is proud to be Level 3 Disability Confident. Disability Confident is the approach through which we offer guaranteed interviews for all people with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria for the advertised role as set out in the job description.

Application process

You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework.

We know candidates can use AI tools to help them prepare, but you should use them carefully. We can usually tell when AI has been overused. The best presentations feel genuine, show reflection, and make clear what the candidate did, learned and contributed.

You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application is truthful and factually accurate.

Experience

You will also be asked to provide a CV to demonstrate relevant experience, career history and achievements. This will not be assessed.
You will be asked to submit a statement of suitability of no more than 500 words, explaining what you would bring to the role with reference to the skills and experience listed above.
If we receive a large number of applications, we will sift primarily against the following lead criteria:
•    Experience delivering engagement, communications or stakeholder management activity in a complex organisation (Lead) 
•    Ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and delivery partners (Lead)

Successful applicants will then be invited through to the interview stage, where we will assess both technical skills and experience. 
Candidates invited to interview
There will be a two-stage assessment process at interview stage.
Candidates who are successful at sift will be invited to attend the first stage interview (Interview 1).
Interview 1 (15 minutes)
Candidates will be invited to deliver a short presentation (5 minutes), followed by questions from the panel.
The presentation will provide candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate technical skills relevant to the role.
Short-listed candidates will receive the presentation prompt in advance of their interview.
Candidates may draw on examples from professional, voluntary or personal experience that they consider relevant.
Interview 2 (30 minutes)
Candidates who are successful at Interview 1 will then be invited to attend a 30-minute panel interview. This interview will explore in more detail how candidates meet the essential experience criteria for the role through experience-based questions.
Dates
Interview 1 is expected to take place in June.
Interview 2 is expected to take place in June.
Please note these dates are indicative and subject to change. Interviews will take place remotely.
Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 17707

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 17707

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please submit a statement of suitability of no more than 500 words, explaining what you would bring to the role with reference to the essential skills and experience listed in the advert.
If we receive a large number of applications, we will sift primarily against the following lead criteria:
• Experience delivering engagement, communications or stakeholder management activity in a complex organisation (Lead)
• Ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders and delivery partners (Lead)

NOTE: We know candidates can use AI tools to help them prepare, but you should use them carefully. We can usually tell when AI has been overused. The best presentations feel genuine, show reflection, and make clear what the candidate did, learned and contributed.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected June 2026
Experience
Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions
Technical
• Communicate with clarity, confidence and impact
• Present complex information in a concise, engaging and audience-focused way
• Demonstrate strong engagement and influencing skills
• Structure and deliver clear, purposeful messages
• Reflect thoughtfully on experience, contribution and learning

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.