Strategic Engagement Manager at Ministry of Justice (National/London) with Visa Sponsorship

The Ministry of Justice is hiring a Strategic Engagement Manager, a vital Support role available nationally or in London. This position is ideal for experienced engagement professionals, including Nigerian and African immigrants, as visa sponsorship is readily available for foreign applicants. The role offers a competitive salary range of £35,335 - £42,859, depending on location, alongside flexible working patterns to support work-life balance.

Job Description

As a Strategic Engagement Manager with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable people across England and Wales. Your work will involve supporting the organisation's ambitious transformation programme, which aims to enhance services and meet the evolving needs of users and stakeholders.

Key duties include maintaining effective relationships with OPG's diverse external stakeholders, providing strategic advice to senior leaders on high-profile issues, and assisting with engagement strategies for business and customer transformation programmes. You will also coordinate routine engagement activities, develop high-quality briefings and communication materials, and support the planning and delivery of engaging events such as webinars to promote understanding of OPG's initiatives.

Requirements

• Ability to establish, build, and maintain constructive working relationships with diverse, sometimes challenging, key stakeholders at a senior level.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with proven experience in delivering high-quality tailored briefings and products for stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge and understanding of stakeholder engagement principles, coupled with experience in supporting the delivery of engagement strategies to achieve organisational objectives.
• A strong team player, capable of collaborating effectively with others on projects and programmes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
• Applicants requiring a UK work visa must be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship, which is available for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of £35,335- £37,847 nationally, or £40,014 - £42,859 in London, dependent on base location.
• Flexible working patterns including full-time, part-time, job share, and flexible working options.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Ministry of Justice.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment, with OPG being a Disability Confident employer.
• Permanent contract offering job security.
• Access to Civil Service pension scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Strategic Engagement Manager role, preparing a strong application is key. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight your experience in stakeholder management, communication, and strategic support, ensuring it aligns with UK professional standards. A compelling cover letter should explicitly connect your past achievements to the essential skills listed, demonstrating your understanding of the UK's public sector context.

During the interview, be ready to discuss your eligibility for visa sponsorship confidently. Emphasise your right to work in the UK via the offered Skilled Worker visa route. Practice articulating your experience with diverse stakeholders and your ability to deliver under pressure, aligning your responses with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, particularly for behaviours like 'Delivering at Pace' and 'Communicating and Influencing.'

• Ensure your CV is polished, concise (up to 2 pages), and formatted to UK standards, showcasing relevant experience in engagement and communication.
• Craft a compelling Statement of Suitability (max 1000 words) directly addressing the 'Lead Criteria' of establishing relationships and strong communication skills.
• Prepare for an interview covering Strengths and Behaviours (Delivering at Pace, Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing), including a 10-minute presentation for the latter.
• Familiarise yourself with the Office of the Public Guardian's mission and the broader Ministry of Justice context to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs clearly and confidently, as this role explicitly offers Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Strategic Engagement Manager position. This role is explicitly open to foreign applicants and overseas candidates who require a UK work visa. If your immigration status or visa requirements are complex, it is advisable to clearly state your situation in your application and be prepared to discuss it further during the interview process.