At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions and enhance departmental capability in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Office, promoting inclusion and effective governance.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to senior management and diverse HR responsibilities.
- Other info: Flexible project-based approach with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Northern Ireland's future while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 or relevant HR experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland. We ensure that Northern Ireland interests are represented within the UK Government and that UK Government responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office employs around 170 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. As a small Department, we adopt a flexible project-based approach to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place to support the delivery of our key objectives.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive HR professional to take on a rewarding role at the heart of the NIO. Reporting to the Head of Capability and Culture, you will play a pivotal role in building departmental capability and delivering an exceptional HR service that supports our business and people objectives. This is a multi-disciplinary role covering a wide range of HR responsibilities, including:
- Day-to-day support for recruitment (managing campaigns end-to-end)
- Delivering our talent schemes
- Supporting the line manager capability agenda
- The diversity, inclusion and wellbeing agenda
- HR communications
You will provide advice and support across the full employee lifecycle, including performance management, onboarding, offboarding, induction, and flexible working.
Duties and Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
- Build and maintain collaborative and productive relationships with business managers, senior management and wider stakeholders
- Lead on end-to-end recruitment, onboarding and offboarding activities for departmental campaigns
- Lead on intranet updates and guidance packs
- Support the development of policy and guidance
- Support work on data for workforce planning and recruitment activities
- Compile Management Information and central HR Returns
- Support budgets and transacting of HR and Finance activities
- Support Performance Management policy and processes
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date record keeping and efficient HR data management, in line with governance and assurance requirements
- Respond to queries relating to recruitment plans and HR processes
Essential Criteria
The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:
Desirable Criteria:
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or have experience in a HR Generalist role
Behaviours
We will assess you against the following Success Profiles Behaviours for HEO level during the application sift and at interview:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
How to Apply
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Strengths for HEO level. A statement of suitability no longer than 500 words to assess the essential and desirable criteria is required. While strengths questions are shorter and we do not expect a full STAR response, the panel is interested in your first reaction to the question and information or reasoning to support this. It may help to use one or more examples of a piece of work you have completed or a situation you have been in and use the WHO or STAR model to explain.
Security Clearance
This role requires National Security Vetting given the access to sensitive information afforded by the job role. In addition, there is a minimum UK residency requirement set by the Cabinet Office which is dependent on the security level required for the role.
Complaints
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commissions Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles.
Interview dates
Date(s) w/c 22th and 29th June 2026
Contact information
If you require any assistance please call (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email.
HR & Operations Support Manager in Belfast employer: Ministry of Justice
The Northern Ireland Office is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of government, directly influencing policy and public service in Northern Ireland. With a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and employee wellbeing, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Our small team size allows for extensive exposure to senior leadership and a diverse range of responsibilities, making this role both rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Operations Support Manager in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Northern Ireland Office on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really look for in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common HR scenarios. Think about how you would handle recruitment challenges or support diversity initiatives. We want to see your thought process, so be ready to share examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for public service! The Northern Ireland Office is all about making a difference. Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and community support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you nail that application and stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Operations Support Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the HR & Operations Support Manager role.
Tailor Your Statement:Make sure to customise your statement of suitability to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the essential and desirable criteria. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your capabilities, so don’t hold back!
Keep It Clear and Concise:With a 500-word limit, clarity is key! Stick to the point and ensure your writing is easy to follow. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of what you want to convey.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the HR & Operations Support Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the Northern Ireland Office's mission and how your skills can contribute to their objectives. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage recruitment processes, support performance management, and foster inclusion and diversity. Use the STAR method to structure your responses, focusing on the Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly convey your achievements.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires strong communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced others or managed a quality service in previous positions. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges the department is currently facing, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
