Strategy Officer (HEO) - i.AI

Applications for this role close Sunday 6th September 2026 at 23:55 UK Time About the Incubator for AI (i.AI) The Incubator for AI (i.AI) is the government’s applied AI team, based within the Government Digital Service (GDS). We bring together specialists from strategy, policy, operations, delivery, design, user research and technical disciplines to develop and scale AI products that improve how government works and how public services are experienced by millions of people. i.AI works on some of the most important and fast-moving challenges in government today: applying AI in practical, responsible ways to solve real problems facing the UK. Joining i.AI means being part of a mission-driven team at the forefront of applied AI in government — helping shape, build and deploy products that can make a tangible difference across departments and, most importantly, for citizens. About the role This is a varied and fast-paced role at the centre of i.AI, supporting the Strategy Team across a broad mix of priorities. The role is likely to include cross-Whitehall engagement, support to governance functions across major public sector AI projects, and briefing and narrative support across the team’s portfolio of products and programmes. You will join the Strategy Team, which sits at the heart of the Incubator. The team plays a key role in shaping the story of i.AI, building support for its work, and helping drive delivery across a complex and ambitious portfolio. The role will also involve working closely with the Deputy Director of Strategy to help manage priorities, coordinate key engagements and ensure their time is used to maximum effect. This is a chance to gain real exposure to senior decision-making and to play an important role in helping the Strategy Team operate effectively in a high-profile and fast-moving environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, is highly organised, and wants to work at the intersection of strategy, delivery and emerging technology in one of the most dynamic areas of government. Role Responsibilities Build and maintain strong working relationships across i.AI and wider government, including with private offices, communications teams and other departments. Provide high-quality support across core team processes, including briefings, correspondence, lines, FOIs and other strategic or corporate tasks, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard and often at pace. Support the governance and coordination functions that underpin i.AI’s major projects and products. Work closely with the Deputy Director of Strategy to coordinate priorities, manage key engagements and help ensure their time is focused on the highest-value activity. Help the Strategy Team stay organised and connected by tracking actions, coordinating meetings and maintaining momentum across a busy and evolving portfolio. Contribute to the team’s work in telling the story of i.AI, supporting engagement, narrative development and the organisation of key interactions with senior stakeholders. Person specifications Essential skills: Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise a changing and sometimes conflicting workload against tight deadlines, including supporting senior colleagues to manage competing demands including on their workload and time. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. Clear written and verbal communication, with strong attention to detail and a track record of producing high-quality work at pace. Ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement in a fast-moving environment. Experience of any of the following would be beneficial but not essential: An interest in applied AI and its use in the public sector. Experience of using AI tools in day-to-day workflows. Why join us? Why join us? This is an opportunity to work in a team helping shape how AI is applied across government in ways that are practical, responsible and impactful. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working on real products and real problems, with the chance to contribute to work that improves public services and supports better outcomes for people across the country. It is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment and wants to be close to decision-making, delivery and innovation. You will gain exposure to senior stakeholders, cross-government working and some of the most interesting strategic and operational questions in government today. What we offer Career-defining projects with outsized impact Backing from the Prime Minister and No10 to scope and build transformative AI projects. Unique opportunities to apply technology that could transform the public sector and impact citizens’ lives. Talented, supportive and mission-driven colleagues. Resources & access Access to frontier models and ample compute. Extensive operational, engineering, strategy, design and delivery support so you can focus on shipping. Work with experts across national security, policy, AI research and adjacent sciences. Growth & empowerment A team culture and development support that prioritises personal growth. Opportunities to own important products early and develop them in small empowered teams. 5 days off for learning and development, annual stipends for learning and development, and funding for conferences and external collaborations. Life & family* Hybrid working, flexibility for occasional remote work abroad, and stipends for work-from-home equipment. Generous annual leave — 25 days plus one additional day for each year of service. Generous paid parental leave (up to 39 weeks full pay, with the option of additional unpaid time). On top of your salary, we contribute 28.97% of your base salary to your pension. Discounts and benefits for cycling to work, dental insurance, donations and retail/gyms. *These benefits apply to direct employees. Benefits may differ for people joining through other employment arrangements such as secondments. Selection Process Candidates will be required to submit a CV and responses to a 500 word personal statement question outlining your motivations for applying to this role and how you meet the criteria. Applications will be sifted against the essential criteria, including relevant experience and motivation for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a preliminary call. Those who progress will then attend an interview, which will include questions on their application, a task based assessment, and a behavioural interview. For the task based assessment, candidates will be asked to give a short presentation to the panel on a relevant scenario and respond to follow-up questions. Further details will be provided in advance, including the opportunity for candidates to prepare for the technical interview. Candidates may use AI tools to support this preparation. Appointment is conditional on successfully completing UK Government SC clearance. Prior clearance is not required — we will sponsor and support you. You should normally have been resident in the UK for 2 of the past 5 years. Employment is conditional on obtaining and maintaining the required clearance(s). Due to the nature of this role, we are advertising this vacancy in London only. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. As part of the application process, we monitor statistics on D&I. Salary £36,735 — £43,020 GBP