Strategy Adviser

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ’s (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London.Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Job SummaryWe are Strategic Implementation and Partnerships – a high-performing, friendly team with an exciting and challenging remit. Part of UKHSA’s Strategy and Policy directorate, we coordinate UKHSA’s relationship with Ministers and Whitehall, ensuring UKHSA advances its strategic objectives through our relationships. We also act as ‘internal consultants’ leading short term projects of strategic importance to the Agency, ranging from helping solve tricky problems and finding strategic solutions to some of the biggest health security challenges facing the UK, to managing Ministerial requests and coordinating UKHSA’s engagement with government set-piece events including Spending Reviews.We are recruiting for a Strategy Adviser to join the Strategic Implementation part of our team. You’ll enjoy working with others at pace on high profile projects, building great relationships and will want to make a real difference within the Agency and to the work UKHSA does. Our team is an inclusive, inspiring and fun place to work – we are serious about learning and development, and know we need diverse skills and backgrounds to succeed. We are also high-performing, and most members of the team have left on promotion when the time has come to move on.We therefore welcome applications from candidates who are strong strategic thinkers, can build bridges across organisational boundaries and have a can-do mindset, and if that sounds like you – whatever your background – we want to hear from you.Job DescriptionThe Strategic Implementation team leads on a range of varied and interesting projects, covering a wide range of activities – including developing cross-Agency positions on key issues, scoping project proposals, and working with stakeholders across Whitehall (including with our sponsor department DHSC) to deliver on Government ambitions. Recent examples of the work our team has supported include agreeing UKHSA’s budget settlement with DHSC and Ministers, leading the Agency’s engagement with the Public Bodies Review of UKHSA, developing coordinated approaches to vaccines and national security within the Agency, and work to articulate the Agency’s requirements on priority issues including Surveillance.The majority of our projects report directly to members of the UKHSA Executive Committee, including the Chief Executive. As a result, you will get direct exposure to the organisation’s senior leaders and the opportunity to present your work to them directly.All colleagues in the Strategic Implementation and Partnerships team are empowered and trusted to deliver. This means you will work with autonomy, setting direction on our approach to delivering projects and will have the opportunity to develop and stretch your leadership skills in a supportive setting.UKHSA’s Strategy & Policy Directorate is an inclusive, high-performing team with an exciting and challenging remit including leading the organisation’s strategic and business planning, delivery of priority outcomes and decision making, and building key relationships both within Government and external stakeholders at home and overseas. We play a critical coordination and integration role to make sure UKHSA is greater than the sum of its parts.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ensures the nation can respond quickly and at scale to deal with a range of health threats, including a future pandemic. UKHSA is responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, and on the global stage.Reporting to a Senior Strategy Adviser, you will support delivery of a portfolio of work on behalf of the Strategic Implementation side of the team. Projects tend to last between three and six months, offering the opportunity to learn and develop your skills on a variety of different issues.Your Responsibilities Will Include:Working to scope, plan and deliver projects on behalf of the Strategic Implementation and Partnerships teamBuilding and fostering great relationships with colleagues across UKHSA, working with senior colleagues to convene stakeholders across the Agency and Whitehall to deliver outcomesDeveloping knowledge and understanding of the Agency’s main policy areas and strategic capabilitiesRole modelling positive and inclusive behaviours as part of matrix and traditional line management structures, working independently and as part of a team as circumstances requirePlaying an active role in making our team, directorate and UKHSA a great place to workPlease be aware this list is not exhaustive.The Strategic Implementation team leads on a range of varied and interesting projects, covering a wide range of activities – including developing cross-Agency positions on key issues, scoping project proposals, and working with stakeholders across Whitehall (including with our sponsor department DHSC) to deliver on Government ambitions. Recent examples of the work our team has supported include agreeing UKHSA’s budget settlement with DHSC and Ministers, leading the Agency’s engagement with the Public Bodies Review of UKHSA, developing coordinated approaches to vaccines and national security within the Agency, and work to articulate the Agency’s requirements on priority issues including Surveillance.The majority of our projects report directly to members of the UKHSA Executive Committee, including the Chief Executive. As a result, you will get direct exposure to the organisation’s senior leaders and the opportunity to present your work to them directly.All colleagues in the Strategic Implementation and Partnerships team are empowered and trusted to deliver. This means you will work with autonomy, setting direction on our approach to delivering projects and will have the opportunity to develop and stretch your leadership skills in a supportive setting.UKHSA’s Strategy & Policy Directorate is an inclusive, high-performing team with an exciting and challenging remit including leading the organisation’s strategic and business planning, delivery of priority outcomes and decision making, and building key relationships both within Government and external stakeholders at home and overseas. We play a critical coordination and integration role to make sure UKHSA is greater than the sum of its parts.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) ensures the nation can respond quickly and at scale to deal with a range of health threats, including a future pandemic. UKHSA is responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, and on the global stage.Reporting to a Senior Strategy Adviser, you will support delivery of a portfolio of work on behalf of the Strategic Implementation side of the team. Projects tend to last between three and six months, offering the opportunity to learn and develop your skills on a variety of different issues.Your Responsibilities Will Include:Working to scope, plan and deliver projects on behalf of the Strategic Implementation and Partnerships teamBuilding and fostering great relationships with colleagues across UKHSA, working with senior colleagues to convene stakeholders across the Agency and Whitehall to deliver outcomesDeveloping knowledge and understanding of the Agency’s main policy areas and strategic capabilitiesRole modelling positive and inclusive behaviours as part of matrix and traditional line management structures, working independently and as part of a team as circumstances requirePlaying an active role in making our team, directorate and UKHSA a great place to workPlease be aware this list is not exhaustive.Person specificationEssential CriteriaExperience of working at pace in ambiguity and to make quick, considered decisionsExperience of drafting Strategies/Strategic Plan documents A strong track record of delivery, both independently and as part of a teamAble to quickly build and maintain effective relationships and work collaboratively with different groups of peopleExcellent oral and written communication skills, and able to clearly and concisely convey complex information to a variety of different, often senior, stakeholders.Desirable CriteriaKnowledge or experience of public health and/or health policy, gained in government, academia, non-profit, or other relevant sectors.Experience engaging external stakeholders on complex or high-impact policy and strategy issues, in any sector.Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of credible applications.Alongside your salary of £41,983, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,162 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Selection process detailsStage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using Success Profiles.At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in the job advert.You Will Be Required To Complete An:application form and supporting statement (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)a 1000 word supporting statementHealthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words.This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria of “Experience of drafting Strategies/Strategic Plan documents” will be conducted.Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to the interview stage.Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview (success profiles) You will be invited to a face-to-face interview, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.Interviews will be held week commencing 24th November 2025, please note these dates are subject to change.This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess you against the below:Behaviours:Seeing the big pictureMaking effective decisionsCommunicating and influencingWorking at paceYou will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation, this will centre around:What are the top 3 health security issues you think UKHSA will need to consider in the next 5 years?Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Please be aware that the salary is based on the office locationSenior Executive Officer (SEO)National £41,983 - £48,128Outer £44,148 - £50,121Inner £46,310 £52,113Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.Reasonable AdjustmentsThe Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/International Police checkIf you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Link Below:Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service CareersInternal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.Security Clearance Level Requirement:Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security StandardSuccessful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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)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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.Diversity and InclusionThe 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob Contact :Name : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.ukEmail : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.ukFurther informationThe law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk