Senior Policy Adviser - AI Opportunities
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 11th November 2024
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About the job
Job summary
At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.
We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.
We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.
We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.
We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.
Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.
Our Inclusive Environment
We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
Find Out More
We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/Jae3B4w7xm
You can also follow our LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/
Job description
The AI Policy Directorate is seeking a Policy and Strategy Lead to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK. This is an exciting time to work in AI policy as the technology emerges as a driving force for growth with the potential to transform public services and sectors throughout the economy.
You will join a high profile and fast paced team that is at forefront of shaping policy that will build the UK's AI capabilities in key areas including - building the AI infrastructure the UK needs to develop and deploy AI, enabling the adoption of AI across key public and private sectors and identifying transformative opportunities to grow the UK's AI sector. You will help position the UK as a global leader in AI by developing and delivering strategic initiatives and taking forward the recommendations of the forthcoming AI Opportunities Action Plan.
As a Policy and Strategy lead you will be well positioned to:
- Shape the future of AI in the UK, influencing key policy decisions and driving initiatives that enhance economic growth.
- Be part of an innovative, forward-thinking team working at the cutting edge of technology and policy.
- Work alongside leading experts in AI, technology, and policy, both domestically and internationally.
- Advance your career in a rapidly evolving field collaborating with industry, cross-government and international partners.
Person specification
Strategic Planning:
- Identify and assess emerging AI trends and technologies, mapping them to national strategic objectives.
- Develop long-term strategies to enhance the UK’s AI capabilities, with a focus on economic growth, productivity gains, and public services improvement.
Policy Development:
- Lead the creation and implementation of policy, ensuring innovation, best value for money and the safe and responsible adoption of AI.
- Design policies that foster AI development to support the government's 5 missions and in key sectors including healthcare, finance, education, defence, and transportation.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government departments, industry, academia, and international partners.
- Engage with technology companies, startups, research institutions, and AI innovators to foster collaboration and drive impactful initiatives.
- Represent the team at national and international forums, conferences, and working groups.
Program Management & Delivery:
- Lead cross-departmental and cross-sectoral initiatives that leverage AI to enhance government services and operations.
- Oversee the delivery of AI projects, ensuring they are executed on time, within scope, and budget.
- Monitor the progress and impact of AI policies and initiatives, adjusting strategies as necessary based on data and stakeholder feedback.
Leadership:
- Provide clear direction, inspire and motivate teams to achieve strategic objectives, and foster a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to contribute and grow.
Skills and Experience
Policy Development: Proven experience in developing and implementing policy, preferably with relevance to digital technology, AI, or innovation.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyse complex issues, identify opportunities for growth, and create strategies that align with national objectives.
Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and international bodies.
Leadership & Project Management: Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and delivering large and complex initiatives or projects.
AI Knowledge: Strong understanding of AI technologies and trends, and their applications and relevance in both public and private sectors.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
- A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
- Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please use your Personal Statement (in no more than 750 words) to set out your relevant skills and experience that will enable you to develop lasting and impactful in a fast moving and complex area.
Applications will be sifted on CV and Personal Statement.
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the Personal Statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The interview will consist of behaviour questions.
Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.
Sift and interview dates
Expected Timeline subject to change
Sift dates: w/c 11/11/2024.
Interview dates: w/c 18/11/2024.
Interview Location: MS Teams.
Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.
Further Information
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.
Information about the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and some examples of adjustments that we offer to disabled candidates and candidates with long-term health conditions during our recruitment process can be found in our DSIT Candidate Guidance. A DSIT Plain Text Version of the guidance is also available.
We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).
DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Farhat Raza
- Email : farhat.raza@dsit.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dsitresourcing.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
