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General Information

Salary
The national salary is £41,463 - £45,276, London salary is £47,657 - £52,040. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
19-May-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
5384

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation, and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

 

The MoJ Portfolio and Assurance team is a central component of the MoJ Project Delivery Function and oversees the centralisation, coordination, and assurance of all project delivery within the Department. You will be able to access professional development opportunities, guidance, tools and support and access to the unique Government Project Delivery Professional Network.

 

The MoJ Portfolio is one of the largest and most complex across Government; including several Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) projects and programmes that will transform the operation of the Department.

 

The post holder will have the opportunity to oversee the breadth of major change across the Department as part of the Portfolio Office, and will focus primarily on providing insight, information, and support that will help strengthen portfolio governance and enable prioritisation decisions and effective allocation of resources across the Department’s change initiatives.

 

This role is instrumental in ensuring optimal delivery of Departmental strategic objectives in line with Government priorities. The post holder will help achieve this through the analysis of a range of information sources and engagement with programme and project stakeholders, converting this intelligence into informed insights using appropriate reporting and visualisation methods.

 

This is an excellent role to gain experience of Departmental portfolio management and corporate governance and will provide the post holder an opportunity to enhance their professional development and raise their profile across the Department.

 

The ideal candidate will be methodical, organised, and diligent; able to deliver at pace, working to tight deadlines whilst maintaining a quality service. They must be able to work pro-actively and with a variety of stakeholders and have excellent communication skills. They will have experience effectively managing competing priorities and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

 

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a project, programme, or portfolio management office with experience of planning, governance, and risk management or have experience managing a project or programme through application of the government functional standard for project delivery.

 

MoJ expects its leaders to show openness, honesty and commitment, and, of course, to deliver results.

 

Key responsibilities of the role

 

These may be further shaped and adjusted dependent on business needs and team resources / skills.

 

Governance & Reporting and Quality Management

 

  • Lead in the management, tracking, and assurance of portfolio data and information, working with the wider Portfolio & Assurance team and project & programme teams to ensure compliance.

 

  • Review portfolio data and information and coordinate and lead Quality Assurance reviews with Portfolio Account Managers, ensuring a high standard of data is provided and challenged where necessary.

 

  • Lead on development of regular portfolio reports including reports and submissions for the MoJ Portfolio, Investment, and Executive Committees, and GMPP reporting for the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority.

 

Portfolio Analysis

 

  • Analyse key portfolio data and information from a range of sources and stakeholder to provide insight on trends and themes across the portfolio.

 

  • Develop these insights into analysis reports using appropriate reporting and visualisation methods to provide Departmental senior leadership with clarity on the state of delivery and support prioritisation decisions and effective allocation of resources across the portfolio.

 

Stakeholder Engagement

 

  • Act as a key point of contact for key portfolio practices, establishing effective working relationships with key senior stakeholders across MoJ, IPA, and other Government Departments.

 

  • Provide support and advice for projects, programmes, and sub-portfolios on developing collaborative working practices with all stakeholders.

 

  • Respond quickly to ad hoc commissions from across the business including from the Directors General and Permanent Secretary.

 

Frameworks & Methodologies

 

  • Develop and maintain frameworks and methodologies for key portfolio practices, and champion best practice for these across the Department and wider government.

 

Knowledge Management

 

  • Ensure that key lessons are captured and learned across the team on a regular basis and portfolio processes, frameworks, and methodologies are optimised to drive continuous improvement.

 

Other

 

  • Demonstrate commitment to professional learning and development.

 

Location & Terms of appointment

 

This post is advertised nationally but frequent travel will be required to locations where the Portfolio & Assurance team is based.

 

Your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, or Justice Collaboration Centres, will be discussed if successful, as we do not offer home working contracts. All available sites can be found on this link.

 

Salary & Grade

 

Band B – SEO

 

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range and this is non-negotiable.

 

Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.

 

Selection and Application Process

 

You will be required to complete an application form providing evidence of how you meet the following Project Delivery Competencies as per the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF) Infrastructure and Projects Authority pages and provide a current CV:

 

  • Governance

 

  • Quality Management

 

  • Stakeholder Engagement

 

  • Knowledge Management

 

  • Resilience

 

Where high volumes of applications are received the initial sift will be completed against the lead competency. If your application progresses to a full sift, all competencies will then be considered. Feedback is not available for those not invited to interview.

 

Merit List of successful candidates based on location will be retained after this campaign for 12 months.

 

Successful candidates will be invited for virtual interview where the following Project Delivery Technical and Behavioral Competencies, as per the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF) Infrastructure and Projects Authority pages will be assessed:

 

  • Governance

 

  • Quality Management

 

  • Stakeholder Engagement

 

  • Knowledge Management

 

  • Resilience
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 - 5384

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

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History
Technical
Technical Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
500
(Lead) Governance - Governance is the ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the project to monitor project progress and compliance.
Quality Management - Quality management is the ability to plan, develop, maintain and apply quality management processes to ensure the adherence to those standards throughout the project delivery lifecycle
Stakeholder Engagement - Stakeholder engagement is the ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests.
Knowledge Management - Knowledge management is the ability identify, share and promote best practices and lessons learned to create a culture of learning
and good practice that supports continuous improvement to optimise project delivery.
Resilience - The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance.

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected from 4th June 2025
Technical
(Lead) Governance - Governance is the ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the project to monitor project progress and compliance.
Quality Management - Quality management is the ability to plan, develop, maintain and apply quality management processes to ensure the adherence to those standards throughout the project delivery lifecycle
Stakeholder Engagement - Stakeholder engagement is the ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests.
Knowledge Management - Knowledge management is the ability identify, share and promote best practices and lessons learned to create a culture of learning
and good practice that supports continuous improvement to optimise project delivery.
Resilience - The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)