Lead Sanctions Adviser (SEO) – HM Treasury (OFSI)

Join the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) at the heart of HM Treasury. This is a high-profile opportunity to influence the UK’s foreign policy and national security through the strategic implementation of financial sanctions. Based at the Darlington Economic Campus, you will lead operational policy and priority projects that have a direct impact on the UK economy and global trade. If you are an adaptable professional with strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments, OFSI offers a career-defining role within a pioneering government hub.

About the Role

As a Lead Sanctions Adviser, you will sit within the Operational Policy and Priority Projects branch. Your mission is to bridge the gap between high-level policy and real-world implementation. You will lead multifaceted workstreams, proposing evidence-based solutions to technical sanctions issues while managing risks and ambitious timelines. You will act as a key advisor to Ministers and senior officials, distilling complex legal and operational analysis into concise, actionable briefings. Whether you are identifying emerging trends in global sanctions or fostering collaboration across the G7 and other government departments, your work will be central to maintaining the integrity of the UK’s financial system.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership: Own and deliver key operational policy workstreams, managing risks and dependencies to meet ambitious delivery targets.
Expert Advice: Provide Ministers and senior officials with timely, accurate, and evidence-based recommendations on sensitive sanctions matters.
Trend Analysis: Identify emerging risks and technical opportunities within the UK’s sanctions regimes to shape the branch’s forward work programme.
Stakeholder Influence: Build and maintain harmonious relationships across HMT, FCDO, and other international partners to align cross-government objectives.
Strategic Planning: Support the G7 in prioritising the branch’s work programme, tracking progress, and managing resource pressures.
Team Mentorship: Coach and quality-assure the work of HEO-grade colleagues, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.

Requirements & Skills (Shortlisting Criteria)

The Lead Criterion is “Delivering at Pace.”

Delivering at Pace: Ability to manage a varied portfolio of complex work in a fast-paced environment, balancing proactive work and reactive priorities, and consistently delivering high-quality outputs to tight and shifting deadlines.
Communicating and Influencing: Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrable ability to (i) convey complex issues clearly and (ii) influence internal and external partners, including challenging constructively where needed.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: Ability to understand and identify operational issues within the UK’s financial sanctions regimes and their implications for OFSI’s wider strategic objectives.

Diversity and Representation at HM Treasury

HM Treasury is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. Having a range of perspectives strengthens the department’s ability to develop effective policy.

HM Treasury Workforce Diversity Statistics (2024/25): | Diversity Group | Percentage of Workforce | | :— | :— | | Ethnic Minority Background | 22.0% | | Women | 48.0% | | Individuals with Disabilities | 14.0% | | LGBT+ | 9.0% |

Benefits & Career Development

Professional Specialist Allowance: OFSI values expertise. After an initial 12 months in post, you are eligible for an allowance to recognise your depth of specialism.
Darlington Economic Campus: Benefit from working in a pioneering cross-government hub with modern, flexible working practices.
Tailored Development: OFSI invests significantly in staff, providing depth of expertise through a minimum time-in-post expectation.
Visa Note: Please be aware that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

To apply for this job please visit restless.co.uk.