Diary Manager to Second Permanent Secretary and Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser

The Second Permanent Secretary is the Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser in DBT and heads the Trade Negotiation profession within the Civil Service. A deep expert respected on the international stage, they provide overall strategic and operational direction for the UK Government’s trade policy and the pipeline of Free Trade Agreements – most recently signed with Australia, New Zealand and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and now underway with India, Mexico, Switzerland, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The agenda is fast paced and challenging, with close interest from No.10 and the Cabinet Office.

Within the Second Permanent Secretary’s office, this role offers unparalleled exposure to the top-level workings of the department, HMG and the UK’s Trade Negotiations. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop and hone the skills required to progress further in the Civil Service.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser & Second Permanent Secretary makes effective use of their time by:

Managing and organising the Second Permanent Secretary’s diary. Planning and managing meetings, keeping people informed of changes and prioritising requests for the Second Permanent Secretary. Actively managing and reviewing office processes to deliver a quality service. Coordinating the logistics of domestic and overseas visits, including accommodation and expenses. Processing all invitations both from officials and external stakeholders enabling the Second Permanent Secretary to attend a variety of events, conferences and meetings. Managing the relationship between the Second Permanent Secretary and the department and acting as a representative for both when communicating with and meeting external stakeholders.Ensuring the Second Permanent Secretary has the correct advice and briefing for all meetings and appointments.