At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding negotiations and provide strategic advice to Ministers for Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at HM Treasury, shaping public spending across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and develop expertise in fiscal policy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and devolution in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in public spending and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57670 - 64500 € per year.
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 make 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.
Benefits
- 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
Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding in Belfast employer: HM TREASURY
As a leading employer within HM Treasury, we offer a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in Belfast or Darlington, where you can make a tangible impact on public spending and devolution. Our commitment to flexible working patterns, generous leave entitlements, and a supportive team culture fosters both personal and professional growth, ensuring that every employee feels valued and motivated. Join us to collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to meaningful policy decisions that affect millions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Northern Ireland Executive or HM Treasury. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest developments in devolution and public spending. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in the UK’s funding landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Northern Ireland Executive. We want to hear how you can lead and influence policy decisions effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Northern Ireland Executive and Offices for the Nations Funding in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can lead engagement and provide advice to Ministers, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading a motivated team and managing stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of public spending and devolution arrangements, especially in Northern Ireland. Brush up on 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 and stakeholder engagement abilities. Think about times when you've successfully advised seniors or ministers on complex policy decisions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the Devolution team’s structure and how it interacts with other departments. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to maintaining a positive team dynamic and support your colleagues' development.
✨Be Ready to Negotiate
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, prepare for questions around budgetary settlements and managing financial pressures. Think about strategies you've used in the past to achieve successful outcomes in similar situations.
