Address
Form of work
SalaryThe 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.
This role provides you with the unique opportunity to being central to the delivery of the Secretary of State’s priorities by being a member of the Ministry of Justice Project Delivery Function. The MoJ Project Delivery Function sees the centralisation and coordination of all project delivery within the Ministry. By joining the MoJ Project Delivery Function, you will be able to access professional development opportunities including an enhanced and tailored development plan, access world leading guidance, tools and support across and access to the unique Government Project Delivery Professional Network, not to mention your participation in some of the Countries most ambitious projects.
As PMO/ Project Support Officer, you will be central to the delivery of the Secretary of State’s priorities. This role will provide you with an interesting and supported introduction to and application of project procedures, tools and techniques and you will assist in maintaining the standards for project management within your team. You will be responsible for a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of the project's objectives. You will be expected to assist with effective communication between project management and the business, to maintain central project records and produce regular management reports.
As PMO/Project Support Officer you will enable the smooth running of the project by supporting the Project Manager/Head of PMO with admin including secretariat duties, minute taking, project board support and the co-ordination of business management actions and activities on their behalf. Successful candidates are expected to commit to the role for a minimum of 18 months.
MoJ expects its employees 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.
- Planning and scheduling – Ensure systems are in place to enable effective planning and scheduling.
- Monitoring and reporting – Manage project controls, reporting to the Project Manager/Head of PMO about the project status. Develop project performance reports.
- Admin – Ensure organisational tasks are carried out efficiently. Support with secretariat duties including minute taking and project board support. Manage compliance of the project with Departmental Security, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Business Continuity and Business Planning.
- Resources – Manage workforce planning, providing information for effective decision making. Procurement of supplies and services related to project support within Delegated Financial Authority limits.
- Stakeholder – Manage and engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Drafting of correspondence.
- Financial control – Manage project spend and contribute to the compilation of budgets. Contribute to the project business case.
- Risks and Issues – Lead potential risk areas, working with risk manager and escalating as appropriate.
- Line Management – There will be line management of Project Delivery Professional(s) within the Professional Delivery Group as part of this role, including the management of direct report’s HR and well-being, development with a focus on coaching and mentoring, ensuring quality and standards of PPM are upheld.
- Experience of successfully supporting projects and working with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver results within fixed timeframes with limited resource.
- Experience of organising teams, establishing processes and working to deadlines.
- Able to use Microsoft Office tools.
Location & Terms of appointment
This post is advertised nationally but frequent travel will be required to locations where our Major Projects are based.
Your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office will be discussed if successful, as we do not offer home working contracts. All available sites can be found on this link.
Following the return to offices initiative any MoJ employee based in a MoJ building should be attending the office a minimum of two days a week. Typically, this will be at your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office. If you are required to travel to another office or site with your project/programme, this will be classed as a day’s office attendance.
Salary & Grade
Band C - HEO
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.
Find Out More - Webinar
We will be holding find out more webinar session for all potential candidates to come and ask questions regarding the role. This will be held on:
Tuesday 9th January 12:00 – Register Here
Wednesday 14th February 12:00 – Register Here
Tuesday 19th March 12:00 – Register Here
Selection and Recruitment Process
As this is a 4-month rolling recruitment campaign, various sift/interview dates will be scheduled across the 4 months.
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.
Application Process
You will be required to complete an application form providing evidence of how you meet the Project Delivery Competencies as per the Project Delivery Capability Framework.
Details on the PDCF can be found on the Infrastructure and Projects Authority pages.
Successful candidates will then be invited for interview and the interviews will take place in person at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office as stated in the invitation to interview.
The interview will consist of a variety Project Delivery technical and strength-based questions.
In-tray Exercise
Candidates will also be asked to complete an In-tray Exercise prior to the interview commencing. Instructions will be sent to candidates directly before their interview date. This is used to test a candidate’s admin responsibilities and planning tools. This will be one of the key responsibilities of the role alongside technical knowledge of project delivery.
Competencies
Description
Level required
Project Delivery Profession – Technical Competencies
Change Control
The ability to establish protocols to manage and document all requests that alter the scope of a project. This includes, the capture, evaluation and approval or rejection of any requests.
(P) Detailed knowledge and significant experience.
- You have a deep understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in medium and/ or highly complex projects.
- You advise and may supervise others in the delivery of this competence.
- You can adapt/tailor your approach to meet the requirements of the project.
Knowledge Management
The ability to 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.
(P) Detailed knowledge and significant experience.
- You have a deep understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in medium and/ or highly complex projects.
- You advise and may supervise others in the delivery of this competence.
- You can adapt/tailor your approach to meet the requirements of the project.
Planning
The ability to define the fundamental components of a project in terms of its scope, deliverables, time scales, resource requirements and budget. It also includes the production of broader plans incorporating risk and quality to provide a consolidated overview of a project.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Scheduling
The ability to develop, produce and maintain schedules for activities that take account of dependencies, resource requirements and constraints in order to enable the efficient realisation of benefits.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Risk & Issue Management
The ability to systematically identify and monitor risks & issues, planning how to mitigate / respond to those risks and issues and implementing the responses.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Governance
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.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Frameworks & Methodologies
The ability to identify and amend appropriate project frameworks and methodologies to enable a consistent and efficient approach to delivery at all stages of the project lifecycle.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Stakeholder Engagement
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.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Assurance
The ability to establish, plan and manage reviews at appropriate points during all stages of the project life cycle to provide evaluations of progress against time, cost, quality, compliance and ongoing viability.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Resource Management
The ability to identify, profile and secure the resources required to deliver a project.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Budgeting and Cost Management
The ability to estimate costs, produce a budget and control forecasts and actual spend against budget.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Project Delivery Profession – Behavioural/Leadership Competencies
Visible Leadership
The ability to engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Credible Action
The ability to promote the wider public good in all actions and to act in a morally, legally and socially appropriate manner at all times. Challenges unacceptable behaviour.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Working with Ambiguity
The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Collaboration
The ability to establish and develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, bringing people together to benefit the project.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Influencing
The ability to influence, change and impact decisions with both internal and external stakeholders.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Conflict Resolution
The ability to recognize, anticipate and effectively deal with existing or potential conflicts at an individual, team or strategic level.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Inspiring Others
The ability to create and present a compelling vision and set clear direction, that motivates others to work towards a common goal.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Resilience
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance.
(W) Working knowledge and practical experience
- You have a good understanding of this competence.
- You have applied this independently in low complexity projects and/or under supervision in more complex projects.
Innovation
The ability to think of, research and apply new ideas and ways of doing things. Encourages and supports innovations from others, is willing to experiment and follow ideas through to implementation.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Culture Change
The ability to plan, lead and effect positive cultural change, securing commitment and buy-in and promoting a positive long term vision. Recognizes when broader culture change is necessary to deliver a project.
(A) Basic knowledge and limited or no experience
- You understand how it can be applied.
- You can describe the benefits and importance.
- You may have applied it in a low complexity project under supervision or assisted others in delivering it.
Travel
Frequent travel to other sites is required for this post.
Flexible working options
MoJ offers a flexible working system in many of its offices.
Job Sharing and Reduced Hours
All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.
Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances
This job is not eligible for relocation allowances but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy.
Travel
Frequent travel to other sites is required for this post.
Flexible working options
MoJ offers a flexible working system in many of its offices.
Job Sharing and Reduced Hours
All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case by case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.
Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances
This job is not eligible for relocation allowances but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy.
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). 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 roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
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.
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 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
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. 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.
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 SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
25/03/2024, 23:55 hours.
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
Converted File Candidate Information Pack Dec 2023.pptx.pdf – 548KB
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
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 are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
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
