Previous candidates need not apply
Start date: Immediate
Notice period: None
Length of contract: For the right candidate, it could be the entire lifetime of this government.
Overview
A rare opportunity has arisen to join the government of the United Kingdom as a Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation. This mid-level ministerial role spans the Department for Education (DfE) and The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – with your very own private office hosted at the latter. It covers an exciting range of policy areas; free speech on campus, student mental health, satellite programmes and app development competitions. Some travel – to higher education institutions with moderate-to-large Conservative Student societies, to large telescopes, and to Brussels to argue ineffectually about post-Brexit science funding – would be an integral part of the role.
Candidate profile
The right candidate would be a Conservative Member of Parliament with unimpeachable loyalty to Dominic Cummings Boris Johnson and unwavering willingness to vote for what ever comes next. Relatives of the Prime Minister need not apply
The role would suit an ambitious, self-starter who is proactive, while fully willing to take orders.
Candidates would need to demonstrate competence in the use of information technology, including Office for Students.
An interest in university, science and related policy areas is useful but absolutely not essential.
We would also consider applications from candidates that wish to work part-time or as part of a job share.
Roles and responsibilities
The post-holder would be responsible for:
- Voting with the government on Brexit and anything else that comes up.
- Managing the delivery of a key public service via an arms-length regulator that oversees a large and growing number of competing providers, some of which are both financially precarious and key employers in marginal constituencies.
- Managing the demographic dip in potential students while being against low and unconditional offers.
- Approving quotes on press releases about arcane administrative procedures.
- Stoking the ongoing press outrage about free speech on campus.
- Making no substantive statements on fees, funding or student maintenance policy.
- Saying something sensible about the TEF in response to the Pearce review
- Supporting government Brexit policy while making it not look like Britain is hostile to international student recruitment.
Benefits
On top of a competitive salary, and the opportunity to play a decisive and high-profile role for a sector of critical national importance during a historically turbulent time, the position offers a number of other attractive benefits.
- Company car and driver (availability strictly limited to ministerial duties only).
- Large support team split across numerous locations in Whitehall.
- A small team of political advisors.
- Final salary pension scheme (not USS or TPS).
- Arms-length regulator (designed for a previous minister, may be altered to fit).
- Designated Data Body.
- Designated Quality Body.
- Subscription to The Wonkhe Daily.
For other roles you may be interested in, visit wonkhe.com/jobs