PMO/Project Support Officer (Ref: 19725)

Job summary

Job description

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

The Project Delivery Function aim is to have capable and empowered teams, delivering Project Delivery excellence. As we mature as in future we want to maintain and enhance our reputation as leaders in project delivery, recognised for highly skilled and professional practice that evolves beyond our current achievements to consistently deliver outstanding results. ​We will excel at initiating projects with strong foundations and then deliver on our commitments by improving and sustaining delivery confidence to successfully realise outcomes and benefits. ​Our people will be empowered to develop the skills they need to succeed, and our line managers will be accountable for upholding functional standards and demonstrating excellence in project delivery.

The MoJ’s Functional Operating Model is unique across government. All project delivery professionals are line managed through the Function and then assigned to projects and programmes across the MoJ and its Agencies. The MoJ Project Delivery Function sees the centralisation and coordination of all project delivery within the Ministry. These opportunities provide a unique chance to be at the forefront of implementing significant projects across the MoJ.

Successful candidates will be part of a flexible resource pool and may be placed in roles based on business needs. If we’re not able to offer a post in the specific role applied for, we will match you to a suitable position at the same grade that aligns with your skills and experience. Successful candidates are expected to committee to the role for a minimum of 18 months. MoJ expects its leaders to show openness, honesty and commitment, and, of course, to deliver results.

Key responsibilities of the role

The Project Support Officer performs a variety of activities to help achieve the project’s objectives. This role supports the Project Manager by operating project management processes and coordinating business management tasks and activities.

These may be further shaped and adjusted dependent on business needs and team resources / skills.

• Planning and scheduling – Implement and maintains systems for effective planning and scheduling.
• Monitoring and reporting – Establish and maintains project controls, keeping the project manager informed of the project status. Prepares project performance reports, presents statistics, and researches new information.
• Admin – Ensures that organisational tasks are completed efficiently. Manages and monitors project compliance with departmental policies and procedures. Support with secretariat duties including minute taking and project board support. Manage compliance of the project with Departmental Security, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Business Continuity and Business Planning.
• Resources – Leads a team responsible for identifying, developing, and deploying resources. Manages workforce planning and provides information for the project manager's decision-making. Procures supplies and services related to project support within delegated financial authority limits.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Manages professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and serves as the lead contact for some external parties. Drafting of correspondence.
• Financial Control – Monitors project spending and assists in compiling budgets and developing the business case. Ensures an accurate asset register is maintained.
• Risks and Issues Management– Manages potential risk areas, working with risk managers and escalating issues when necessary.
• Digital and Data - Collects and shares data in line with data standards. Uses data analytics and digital tools to compile and present project information that aids in monitoring progress and identifying potential issues.
• Line Management – There will be line management of Project Delivery Professional(s) within the Professional Delivery Group as part of this role, including the management of direct report’s HR and well-being, development with a focus on coaching and mentoring, ensuring quality and standards of PPM are upheld.
• Experience of successfully supporting projects and working with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver results within fixed timeframes with limited resource.
• Experience of organising teams, establishing processes and working to deadlines.
• Able to use Microsoft Office tools.

Location & Terms of appointment

Travel and Office Attendance

This post is advertised nationally but frequent travel will be required to locations where our Major Projects are based.

Your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office will be discussed if successful, as we do not offer home working contracts. All available sites can be found on this link.

MoJ employees should be attending the office a minimum of two days a week. Typically, this will be at your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office. If you are required to travel to another office or site with your project/programme, this will be classed as a day’s office attendance.

Salary & Grade

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range and this is non-negotiable.

Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.

Flexible Working Options

MoJ offers a flexible working system in many of its offices.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone.

All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.

Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances

This job is not eligible for relocation allowances, but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy.

Selection and Recruitment Process

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this vacancy, you will need to submit the following documents which will assessed against the Civil Service Technical and