Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to work in support of the development of the rule of law internationally and in international affairs, working directly with the most senior judges in England and Wales at a significant time nationally and internationally.

Overview of role

The Judicial Office was established in 2006 following implementation of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which made the Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales.

The role of the Judicial Office is to strengthen the rule of law and improve the administration of justice by supporting the leadership and governance of the judiciary. For more information see www.judiciary.uk.

The Head of International advises the senior judiciary on international affairs, supports the judiciary’s international priorities and leads a team to develop judicial engagement, including through the organisation and management of high-profile international conferences, training events and visits.

Job Description

The International work of the judiciary encompasses international judicial engagement (judge-to-judge conversations, seminars), international judicial training (online and in person), an extensive programme of incoming visits, and the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (www.SIFoCC.org). It is guided by the Lady Chief Justice’s strategy for international engagement 2025-29 (Judicial Strategy for International Engagement 2025‑29 - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary)

The post-holder will be expected to quickly develop a keen understanding of the priorities, risks and opportunities for senior judges, build relationships across the judiciary, Whitehall and internationally and be robust in protecting the constitutional independence of judges. It is an opportunity to be at the heart of the judiciary’s work and have responsibility for delivering the new strategy.

Specific responsibilities:

• Drive forward the strategic priorities in international engagement, which have been agreed by the Lady Chief Justice and senior judges, across all judicial international activity.

• Build trusted relationships with relevant senior judges

• Advise the judiciary on international affairs, taking care to safeguard domestic judicial independence and reputation where appropriate.

• Develop an ambitious programme of international activities by judges, seeking new opportunities to develop effective rule of law programmes.

• Build a network to collaborate closely with the FCDO, MOJ and other Government and NGO partners to explain judicial priorities and deliver effective rule of law programmes internationally.

• Maintain effective partnerships with officials in the UK Supreme Court and devolved administrations

• Develop and line-manage the Judicial Office International Team to deliver an ambitious programme of international engagement.

• Maintain oversight of the budget for international relations.

Essential skills:

Good understanding of international affairs with a background in international policy and experience of cross Whitehall coordination

Confident engaging internationally at the most senior levels

Ability to deliver complex messages and influence seniors, internally and externally.

Ability to communicate clearly (written and oral briefs) to senior stakeholders, delivering high-quality analysis and briefings.

Ability to motivate and support teams, leading in a complex and challenging environment.

Good judgement with the ability to navigate through a complex set of issues and assess the balance of risk and opportunity

Desirable skills:

Background in policy in rule of law, or justice systems, specific expertise in European and/or Commonwealth affairs would be welcome.

Experience of day to day management of events, visits and conferences and project management skills in large-scale conferences/events.