Scottish Government
Private Secretary
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.
Job Title – Private Secretary
Location – St Andrew’s House
Working Arrangement –
You will provide regular in-person support in Scottish Parliament, St Andrews House and support the Deputy First Minister when required. For this reason, this post sits outwith the Scottish Government's standard hybrid working policy.
Grade - C2
Advert type - Level Transfer
Duration - Permanent
Eligibility -
Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer at grade C2 from Core SG only.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Overview
Are you looking for a career move where you can work right at the centre of Government?
Ministerial Private Office (MPO) is one of the most unique and dynamic areas within the Scottish Government. The Deputy First Minister's Private Office (DFMPO) plays a critical role in supporting the Deputy First Minister in delivering Ministerial responsibilities across Finance, Local Government and wider cross-government priorities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
We are seeking a high-performing and politically astute leader to join us as C2 Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy First Minister.
This is a high-profile and rewarding role, combining direct strategic support to the Deputy First Minister with shared leadership and management responsibility for the Deputy First Minister's Private Office. Working closely with the C1 Private Secretary, you will help ensure the office delivers an exceptional standard of support across all aspects of Ministerial business.
You will work directly with the Deputy First Minister, Special Advisers, senior officials, Ministers and stakeholders across Scotland and beyond. You will play a key role in coordinating activity across the Deputy First Minister's portfolio, supporting the delivery of Ministerial priorities and ensuring the Deputy First Minister is equipped to make timely and informed decisions.
Alongside the C1 Private Secretary, you will provide leadership to the DFMPO, helping to foster a high-performing, collaborative and resilient team. You will contribute to the effective management of workloads, continuous improvement of private office processes and the maintenance of the highest standards of professionalism, governance and service delivery.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Private Office is an environment where political acuity, sound judgement and resilience are tested daily. You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced and highly scrutinised environment, dealing confidently with complex and sensitive issues while maintaining a focus on outcomes, relationships and delivery.
Due to the nature of the role and the requirement to provide direct support to the Deputy First Minister, on site attendance at the Scottish Parliament, St Andrew's House and other locations is essential. This post sits outwith the Scottish Government's standard hybrid working policy.
Please note this vacancy will also require all candidates to obtain National Security Vetting (NSV) at Security Check (SC) clearance level.
Further information about NSV checks can be found on the UK Government website - National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels#security-check-sc]
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location