Strategy and Engagement Officer

About MHCLG

At the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), we focus on initiatives that significantly impact people's lives, concentrating on Homes, Places, and Growth. We collaborate with partners across the UK, implement policy interventions, manage programs, and develop legislation. We also engage closely with other government departments and Devolved Governments to foster strong intergovernmental working.

The Nations Strategy and Engagement Team (NSET)

The NSET provides crucial support across MHCLG, ensuring the department effectively delivers on its commitments throughout the UK. With a presence in the UK's four capital cities, we utilize local intelligence, devolution expertise, and strong stakeholder relationships to advance MHCLG's vision in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We contribute policy and delivery expertise, along with place-based knowledge, to tailor interventions for maximum impact across the country. Our team is well-regarded for its collaborative and inclusive approach, offering a prime environment for career development.

About the Role: Strategy and Engagement Officer

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and confident communicator to join a busy team supporting devolution and intergovernmental working in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating and managing team activities. Based in Cardiff, Edinburgh, or Belfast, you will drive the success of key projects and initiatives, coordinate engagement with diverse stakeholders, and ensure optimal resource allocation. You will work closely with team leaders and other stakeholders to achieve our departmental goals.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution, and monitoring of team work areas, ensuring alignment with stakeholder requirements and departmental priorities.
• Monitor and report on MHCLG’s activities in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to inform UK-wide policies, strategies, and legislation.
• Assist in engaging a wide range of internal and external stakeholders across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including local authorities, devolved governments, and other government departments.
• Identify and track emerging trends, risks, and opportunities through regular horizon scanning and analysis, ensuring the team remains informed and responsive, and escalating issues to senior colleagues as needed.
• Ensure the smooth operation of the team by maintaining up-to-date products and tools, utilizing AI and other technologies to maximize efficiency in information management and reporting.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and driving continuous improvement.

Person Specification: Essential Criteria

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to adapt communication style to different audiences and sensitivities.
• Stakeholder Management: Effective skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational capabilities, enabling flexible and proactive management of multiple competing priorities.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across teams in a matrix management structure.
• IT Proficiency: Proficient use of IT systems, including Microsoft Windows, Office packages, and SharePoint, with an awareness of AI tools like Copilot.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: £36,169 per annum.
• Pension: £10,478 contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Additional Benefits: Tailored career pathways, flexible working, MyLifestyle Staff Benefits Scheme, Childcare Vouchers, and Cycle to Work Schemes.

Artificial Intelligence in Applications

AI tools can assist in application preparation, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and derived from your own experience. Plagiarism or presenting AI-generated content as original work may lead to application withdrawal or disciplinary action.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Sift

• Assesses the following Success Profiles: Behaviours and Strengths.
• Behaviours assessed: Working Together (Lead Behaviour), Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace.
• Each question has a 250-word limit. Answers should be self-contained.
• In case of high application volume, an initial sift may focus on the lead behaviour.

Stage 2: Interview

• Assesses the following Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Delivering at Pace.
• Assesses Strengths through strength-based questions requiring natural responses.
• Interviews are currently conducted remotely via videocall but are subject to change.

Sift and Interview Dates

• Sifting is expected to commence around July 3, 2026.

Disability Confident Scheme (DCS)

MHCLG is a Disability Confident employer. Candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum selection criteria will be progressed. The benchmark may be raised if application volumes are high.

How We Recruit

Information on the recruitment process, including applying, sifting, interviews, feedback, reserve lists, and Civil Service grades, is available. MHCLG is a DCS, RIS & GPTWV employer. Information on reasonable adjustments is also provided.

How To Apply

Review essential information on the MHCLG Career's Site before applying, including Security Clearance, Nationality Requirements, Right to Work, Civil Service Code, CV Declaration, Sponsorships, Salary and Grade, Existing Civil Servants, Conflict of Interest, Location and Flexible Working, Internal Fraud Database, Appeals and Complaints, and Fixed Term Appointment details.

Security Clearance Requirements

• National Office: BPSS clearance required.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Baseline personnel security standard checks are required for those working with government assets.

Nationality Requirements

Open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with settled/pre-settled status under EUSS, and certain other eligible groups. Further details available.