We are currently looking for an organized Committee Advisor to join our Governance Team.
This is a part-time (0.5 FTE) opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in our Canary Wharf, London site. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 4 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 8 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.
Who are we?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.
The Governance Office is a small unit that brings together support for managing and controlling the Agency effectively, through delivering effective support to and management of Board, Executive, expert and independent committees, together with delivering the highest standards of delivery across corporate governance, risk and assurance. The Governance Office will also lead the Agency’s sponsorship relationship with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Government Legal Department and our relationships with the Devolved Administrations.
What’s the role?
This role will lead the critical management of the Agency’s medicines and devices and other advisory committees. Working closely with the Chair of the relevant committee and the wider Committee Services Team, the role will be responsible for ensuring the effective scheduling and support of approximately ten Committees, Advisory Groups or Working Groups. The role will also be responsible for effective liaison with Agency colleagues in the operational groups to ensure committee meetings are used effectively, appropriately and are supported by timely and high-quality papers.
The post holder will oversee and manage wide range of committees, expert advisory groups and working groups, ensuring delivery of high-quality secretariat and administrative support. This includes advising professional external members on the code of practice on conflicts of interest, drafting minutes and company letters (with contributions from technical staff).
Key responsibilities:
- Liaising with colleagues across the agency to ensure appropriate use of committees, set meeting dates, organise agendas to reflect current business and manage the delivery of high-quality papers on time.
- Building strong working relationships with Chairs and all the expert Committees members, acting as a key liaison between external experts, MHRA staff and industry representatives.
- Support the appointments of new members in collaboration with the Committee Services Manager and contribute towards the production of Advisory Bodies and MHRA committees annual reports.
- Drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions, Private Office correspondence and Freedom of Information requests, ensuring deadlines are met. Collect and monitor business metrics to demonstrate performance across the team, understanding the importance of the team and the service it delivers in the context of wider public confidence in the Agency’s activities.
Who are we looking for?
Our successful candidate will have experience working as part of multidisciplinary team. You will have an understanding of medicines regulation in the UK and EU as well as have excellent IT skills (especially MS Office). You will be able to diplomatically and confidently communicate with internal and external stakeholders and build strong professional working relationships with them. You will also be adept at managing a quality service.
If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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The selection process:
We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.
- Online application form, including application questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. Please do not include any personal information in the supporting information section that can identify you.
- Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.
If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Closing date: 19/05/2023
Interview date: w.c. 06/06/2023
If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
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.
Any move to the MHRA 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 here.
Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.
In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Mira Mepa, Head of Recruitment and Operations, Mira.Mepa@mhra.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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