Senior Trade Policy Advisor; maternity leave cover

Senior Trade Policy Advisor (12‑month maternity leave cover)

Posted by the Judicial and Legal Services Policy Directorate. This is a temporary 12‑month role offered on Detached Duty for Ministry of Justice staff or on Loan for staff in HM Prison Service or other government departments. Eligible candidates must be existing civil servants or employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies.

Salary ranges within national pay bands: £42,914 – £46,182 (national) or £49,325 – £53,081 (London). Working pattern is full time, part time, job share or flexible. Locations:
Leeds and London.

Closing date: 25 Jun 2026 ‑ Job reference: 18619.

The successful candidate will work strategically with other government departments, British Embassies/High Commissions and external stakeholders to lead the MoJ’s trade work in the legal services sector. Key duties include:

• Analyse and remove market access barriers for UK legal services in priority jurisdictions.
• Represent UK legal services interests internationally and promote the UK sector.
• Develop and advance trade projects and dialogues, such as Freedom Trade Agreements, in collaboration with other ministries.
• Produce briefing materials and oral briefings for Ministers and senior officials.
• Engage with stakeholders across the public sector and external professional bodies to build consensus on trade initiatives.
• Co‑ordinate cross‑cutting trade projects that intersect with the MoJ’s legal services strategy.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building across government and outside stakeholders.
• Ability to think creatively and drive independent work forward.
• Proficient in producing clear written and oral briefings, including for Ministers and senior officials.
• Strong prioritisation and decision‑making in time‑sensitive environments.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to new challenges.
• Knowledge of the justice system and legal services sector.
• Understanding of international trade policy, particularly services trade or trade promotion.

Requires SC clearance; candidates must already hold SC clearance. National Security Vetting is mandatory due to the sensitive nature of the role. Please confirm your UK residency and eligibility for the required clearance level.

Hybrid working model is offered, balancing remote work with on‑site presence. Candidates will spend a minimum of 60 % of working time in an office, subject to local capacity.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service.
• Option to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year.
• 1 privilege day and public holiday pay.
• Private pension provision through the Civil Service pension scheme.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Employee networks and support for diversity, disability, and flexible working.

All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for civil service roles and the statutory EEO requirements. The MoJ is a Disability Confident employer, committed to providing fair opportunities and reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For more information about the role, please reference job reference 18619.