At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives and manage stakeholder relationships in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join the ICO, the independent regulator of information rights, making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, flexi leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of data protection, tackling issues like AI and children's privacy.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in data protection law are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 31400 £ per year.
Lead Policy Officer Northern Irish Affairs
Full time / Part time
Salary: £33,273 £37,692 pa, with potential for further progression to £42,439 pa with our pay progression scheme.
Location : Hybrid
Contracted to our Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.?
Why work for the ICO?
- Pay progression scheme.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
- Flexi leave (up to 24 additional days leave per year).
- Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
- Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website.
About us
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.
As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.
Job summary
Are you interested in privacy, transparency and rights?
Do you think information about people should be protected properly?
Do you have excellent analytical and communication skills and a good understanding of the Northern Irish political, policy and legislative landscape?
You will support colleagues to represent the ICO within Northern Ireland and hold key stakeholder relationships. The Northern Ireland team plays a crucial role in ensuring the ICO delivers its statutory functions and strategic objectives in Northern Ireland and provides expert advice on NI public affairs, legislation and policy to internal colleagues. As a member of the NI team, you will support senior colleagues to deal with some of the most high profile issues of the day and major public policy. Issues that you will work on within the NI context will include AI, biometrics, data sharing and childrens privacy.
Job description
The Lead Policy Officer will manage a portfolio of specific stakeholder relationships within Northern Ireland to the benefit of the ICO and provide them with a professional, proactive and unified service (involving other ICO colleagues as issues dictate). They will provide support to senior colleagues on key strategic relationships.
Key responsibilities:
- To develop and manage the ICOs relationship with specified stakeholders in Northern Ireland, influencing them in a way consistent with the ICO corporate and local business plan objectives.
- To support colleagues in their work dealing with critical and significant relationships and issues in Northern Ireland
- To represent the ICO at external meetings and events with specified stakeholders including speaking engagements.
- To provide advice on compliance to specified stakeholders.
- To contribute to the development of ICO guidance and other products where Northern Irish specific content is required.
- To support senior colleagues in undertaking statutory consultations on legislative proposals that involve the processing of personal data.
- To collaborate with cross office colleagues as required to help ensure a joined up approach to identifying and addressing issues for action in Northern Ireland and to ensure that ICO initiatives are successful in Northern Ireland.
- To identify systemic practices that fail to deliver good information rights outcomes in ICO priority areas and causes and propose and promote solutions in collaboration with colleagues.
- To contribute to the development of the ICOs strategy and business plan for the Northern Ireland team.
- To understand the relevant legislation and political, social and legal developments that impact on stakeholders or on information rights more generally.
- To provide support as necessary to the Support Officer in all aspects of their work and substitute for them in their absence.
- To undertake any other duties required to assist with the teams effective operation.
Person specification
Essential criteria assessed at application stage:
- Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
- Relevant Work Experience
- Good intellectual and analytical skills. Knowledge and experience of applying data protection law or ability to apply complex legislation to a variety of circumstances.
- Knowledge and experience of working in relevant sectors or ability to develop detailed knowledge in specified stakeholder areas.
- Effective written communication skills with ability to undertake clear and influential written communications including letters, consultation responses and meeting notes.
- Effective verbal communication skills in particular the ability to provide clear advice in meetings and do presentations
- Excellent interpersonal skills with people at all levels and ability to influence stakeholders
Essential criteria assessed at interview stage:
- Good intellectual and analytical skills. Knowledge and experience of applying data protection law or ability to apply complex legislation to a variety of circumstances.
- Knowledge and experience of working in relevant sectors or ability to develop detailed knowledge in specified stakeholder areas.
- Effective written communication skills with ability to undertake clear and influential written communications including letters, consultation responses and meeting notes.
- Effective verbal communication skills in particular the ability to provide clear advice in meetings and do presentations
- Excellent interpersonal skills with people at all levels and ability to influence stakeholders
- Ability to deal with a demanding workload which may include conflicting demands on time
- Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team
- An ability to help others to develop their knowledge/ experience.
- Ability to travel to meetings and events across Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK (possibly outside office hours)
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICOs commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you have a disability or impairment and have difficulty using our online application system, please email the HR team at who can arrange for you to submit an application via an alternative method.
Closing Date
Please submit your CV by? 23:59 on Sunday 20th July 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Lead Policy Officer employer: Information Commissioner's Office
Contact Detail:
Information Commissioner's Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current political and legislative landscape in Northern Ireland. Understanding the key issues, especially around data protection and privacy, will help you engage effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of information rights and data protection. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can provide insights into the role and help you build relationships that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising how you would handle stakeholder relationships and complex legislative issues. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully influenced others or navigated challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent developments in data protection laws and policies, particularly those affecting Northern Ireland. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also show your commitment to the role and the ICO's mission during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Lead Policy Officer role. Focus on your analytical abilities, knowledge of data protection law, and any experience in stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for privacy and information rights. Mention specific examples of how your previous work relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: In your application, showcase your effective written communication skills. Include examples of letters, consultation responses, or meeting notes you've produced that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information clearly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Detail any relevant work experience that showcases your understanding of the Northern Irish political and legislative landscape. This could include previous roles, projects, or academic work that relate to the ICO's mission and objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Information Commissioner's Office
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Lead Policy Officer. Familiarise yourself with the ICO's objectives in Northern Ireland, especially regarding data protection laws and stakeholder relationships.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied complex legislation in previous roles and how you can contribute to the ICO's mission in Northern Ireland.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios where you might need to influence stakeholders or provide clear advice. Practise articulating your approach to these situations, as effective communication is crucial for this role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Initiative
Be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked both independently and as part of a team. The ICO values collaboration, so share experiences that showcase your ability to support colleagues and manage a demanding workload.