At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding negotiations for Northern Ireland and collaborate with UK Government departments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at HM Treasury focused on devolution and public spending.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services across the UK while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in public spending and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
Please ensure you read the below overview and requirements for this employment opportunity completely.
Salary: £57,670 - £64,500
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: This post is available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis, and flexible working hours can be accommodated.
Location: Belfast / Darlington
About the Team
The Devolution team is a friendly team of around 15 people, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We are currently based in London, Darlington and Edinburgh. The team is responsible for leading all aspects of the Treasury’s strategic approach to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sitting across the finance and economics ministry functions. We work closely with colleagues in the devolved governments, across Whitehall, and the whole department to:
- Manage the funding arrangements for the devolved governments and Offices for the Nations
- Work across the Treasury to advise Ministers on economic and fiscal policy interventions by the UK Government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Increase HM Treasury’s devolution capability.
About the Job
In this role, you will:
- Lead engagement with and provide advice to Ministers on requests from the Northern Ireland Executive. This includes fiscal events, Spending Reviews, and Parliamentary Estimates.
- Collaborate with central and spending teams across HM Treasury.
- Oversee spending control for the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offices.
- Negotiate budgetary settlements during Spending Reviews.
- Manage any in-year financial pressures that occur.
- Lead on Offices for the Nations policy, working closely with other UK Government departments on emerging policy issues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Contribute to the leadership and management of the Devolution team and making wider corporate contributions to the Group as a whole in line with the Directors’ priorities.
- Manage an SEO and a HEO including providing development support to ensure that individuals deliver their objectives, feel motivated, and continue to learn and develop in their roles.
The role is intellectually stimulating and fast‑paced, offering outstanding exposure within HM Treasury and close working with other departments and devolved governments. For the right candidate, it is an exciting opportunity to develop deep expertise in public spending and devolution, lead a motivated team, and make a tangible difference to how government delivers for citizens across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
About You
We are looking for a Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding to lead on delivering and negotiating funding for the Northern Ireland Executive and also the Offices for the Nations (Scotland Office, Wales Office and Northern Ireland Office). You will play a key role in the delivery of Treasury fiscal events and Parliamentary Estimates, with responsibility for the spending of three UK Government departments and scrutinising requests from the Northern Ireland Executive. By setting the level of funding that the Offices for the Nations and Northern Ireland Executive receive from HM Treasury, your work will be critical to the effective functioning of devolution and support the delivery of public services to millions of people across the UK. This is a cross-cutting and dynamic role that offers the opportunity to gain exposure to policy issues across the Treasury, as well as to collaborate with teams across the Treasury, other UK Government departments and the devolved governments. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, but the role requires leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, and advising seniors and ministers on complex policy decisions. Candidates should have public spending experience and/or knowledge of the devolution arrangements in Northern Ireland. The successful candidate will also be able to bring enthusiasm and motivation to the role, helping to lead and maintain a positive team dynamic.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team.
Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding employer: HM TREASURY-1
As an employer, HM Treasury offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment where you can make a tangible impact on public spending and devolution across the UK. With flexible working patterns, generous leave entitlements, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will thrive in a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in Belfast or Darlington, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and contribute to meaningful policy decisions that affect millions of citizens.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Know their values and recent projects, so you can show how you fit right in with their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your experience and how it aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description from top to bottom. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for, and it’ll help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When you’re putting together your application, highlight any experience you have that relates to public spending or devolution arrangements. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the devolution arrangements in Northern Ireland and the funding mechanisms involved. Familiarise yourself with recent fiscal events and Parliamentary Estimates, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and engaging with stakeholders. Think about how you've motivated others and contributed to a positive team dynamic in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Policy Issues
Since this role involves advising ministers on complex policy decisions, be prepared to discuss current policy issues affecting Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Show that you can think critically and develop innovative solutions.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing financial matters or negotiating budgetary settlements. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery.
