BACKGROUND TO THE ROLE

An incredible opportunity has opened up in the Prime Minister’s No. 10 Press Office for an experienced and confident individual to provide trusted media advice to the Prime Minister (PM) and his wider political team; deputise for the PM’s Official Spokesman in regularly giving on the record press briefings to the parliamentary press; motivate and develop a committed, high-performing No10 press office team.

ABOUT THE CABINET OFFICE

The Cabinet Office is at the centre of Government, coordinating policy and strategy. Headed by the Permanent Secretary and comprising a number of different business units, the Department has three core functions that enable it to achieve its overarching purpose of making Government more effective:

Supporting the Prime Minister – to define and deliver the Government's objectives.

Supporting the Cabinet – to drive the coherence, quality and delivery of policy and operations across departments.

Strengthening the Civil Service – to ensure the civil service is organised effectively and has the capability in terms of skills, values and leadership to deliver the Government's objectives.

THE ROLE

The role of Deputy Spokesperson to the Prime Minister will provide the successful candidate with a unique insight into how government works at the highest level and an opportunity to shape the communications for the Government’s policy priorities.

The post-holder will need to: provide trusted media advice to the Prime Minister (PM) and his wider political team; deputise for the PM’s Official Spokesman in regularly giving on the record press briefings to the parliamentary press; motivate and develop a committed, high-performing No10 press office team; and work in partnership with Whitehall counterparts.

The demands of this post are high. You will need to be able to demonstrate:

First-rate news judgment under pressure

A strong grasp of the wider media and political context in which the Government operates

Experience of taking a strategic approach to communications messages and campaigns

The risk management and crisis communications skills needed to avoid pitfalls and fight fires.

An understanding of, and ideally good experience of, the use of digital media as part of your media execution.

The role will appeal to a very experienced and confident press operator who: enjoys working with senior ministers, political advisers, officials and journalists; would enjoy the challenge of twice daily Westminster Lobby briefings; and who is equally confident that they can articulate the clear sense of direction necessary to foster a high-performing team environment

Main duties will include:

Regularly briefing the parliamentary press on behalf of the PM as his Deputy Spokesperson

Leading the No10 newsdesk and reactive news management in the press office

Developing and using a wide range of media strategies, including active use of digital, direct, regional and non-news media channels.

Member of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Communications Senior Management Team, and of the PMO SCS Group.

Support the smooth running of the No10 Press Office on a day to day basis, working alongside the Head of News and the Prime Minister’s Spokeswoman deliver a high-quality 24/7 media operation as part of the 3-person Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Communications Senior Management Team.

Working in the No10 press office involves working under pressure frequently and to immovable deadlines as well as routine out of hours work, including duties, and some travel. A willingness to undergo DV clearance is also required.

Additional Information:

These are 2 year fixed term appointments with the possibility of extension.

How to Apply:

For further information about the roles and to apply please follow the link below.

Closing Date: 25th January 2016

The Cabinet Office are equal opportunity employers and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. All information that we hold concerning you will be held and processed by The Cabinet Office strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Such data will be used by Cabinet Office to administer the Recruitment Campaign. The Cabinet Office will not supply any information you have passed to us to any third parties without your consent except where (1) such transfer is a necessary part of the activities we undertake, or (2) we are required to do so by operation of law.

As an individual, you have a right under the Data Protection Act 1998 to obtain information from us, including a description of the data that we hold on you. Should you have any queries concerning this right, please contact our Data Protection Officer.