International Group
The International Group advises ministers on promoting and protecting the UK’s international economic interests, to ensure the UK thrives in an ever-changing global economy. We do this through our policy and operational work on a range of areas ranging from free trade agreements, climate change, countering illicit finance, financial sanctions to supporting developing countries and managing our relationship with Europe, US, and emerging markets.
We support the Chancellor and senior officials in building relationships with a wide range of external and international partners and represent the UK in a range of international organisations, such as the G7, the G20 and the International Monetary Fund as well as Multilateral Development Banks. We also analyse what is happening in the world economy, and control spending on international development. Although international travel is an important part of some roles, it is not required for every role in the group and will be specified if required.
About the Team
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has been operational since March 2016 and has quickly established itself as a world-leader in financial sanctions, a key area of financial, foreign and national security policy.
HM Treasury implements financial sanctions in the UK. OFSI, part of HM Treasury, fulfils this role on its behalf. It leads on the implementation of UN and UK financial sanctions and domestic terrorist asset freezing, providing a high-quality service to the private and charitable sectors, and guidance to help them follow the law. It works closely with law enforcement, intelligence agencies and strategic policy colleagues across Whitehall and beyond to help ensure that financial sanctions are accurately understood, implemented and enforced. OFSI has important partner relationships in the regulated financial services sector, the primary implementers of financial sanctions, and is an integral part of the sanctions community worldwide.
There are currently c.30 financial sanctions regimes, including sanctions relating to Russia, North Korea, Iran, Syria and Libya. Approximately 3000 individuals and entities are targets of sanctions. OFSI also implements domestic terrorist-asset freezes under the counter-terror legislation.
Robust enforcement of financial sanctions helps to maintain the integrity of and confidence in the UK financial sector, a priority for the PM and the Chancellor. OFSI has strong powers, including to impose monetary penalties. OFSI is in the front line in the fight against this serious crime.
OFSI is a diverse and friendly team of over 100 people, and we are growing, with multiple roles available across several specialist branches. We offer an outstanding environment to broaden your experience and develop new skills, whilst working on some of the highest profile international issues the UK faces. We support a good work-life balance and flexible working is encouraged.
You can read more about OFSI on our gov.uk pages: https://www.gov.uk/ofsi
Key Accountabilities
The role of General Management Support / PA at HM Treasury is varied and exciting and gives individuals a fantastic opportunity working at the heart of the Government, supporting an expanding and changing department. If you are organised, efficient, people-focused, flexible and enjoy a varied workload in which no two days will be the same, then we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate will join the Governance and Strategy team which:
- Supports OFSI’s strategic planning and implementation, providing a programme management function
- Plans, develops, and implements professionalisation and learning and development programmes across OFSI
- Leads on strategic risk assessment, reporting, business planning and corporate reporting
- Leads on management information and performance monitoring for OFSI
- Provides secretariat services for the cross-Whitehall OFSI Governance Board.
Key responsibilities of the role will include, but are not limited to:
- Supporting Senior Management Team including organising meetings, coordinating away days and events.
- Providing administration support for Senior managers including producing accurate supporting documentation such as agendas, minutes and notes.
- Supporting OFSI staff and managers with onboarding of new staff.
- Maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of both internal and external stakeholders.
- Building strong, open and collaborative relationships with wider OFSI staff, providing wider support where required on areas such as team meetings, governance, management information, training, recruitment and performance management processes.
- Providing Personal Assistant cover to the director of OFSI and two deputy directors– which will include, but is not limited to;
- Managing the diaries of deputy directors – including arranging meetings, supporting visits, proactively addressing issues and supporting the DDs in being prepared for meetings.
- Providing proactive, comprehensive operational and administrative support to one Director and two Deputy Directors, including inbox and diary management, organising travel, arranging meetings and processing expenses.
Owing to the sensitive nature of these posts, successful candidates will need to undergo Security Check (SC) security clearance before starting in post.
While no previous sanctions experience is required for this role, successful candidates will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the UK’s financial sanctions framework and OFSI’s work, which they can then apply in their role.