Policy Lead JBLE1_NI in Belfast

ABOUT THE ROLE: Dealing with the legacy of the Troubles is widely seen as one of the most significant outstanding issues from the Northern Ireland peace process and both individual cases and broader issues continue to have a very high profile in Northern Ireland and in the work of the NIO. The post holders will have the opportunity to gain experience leading work in a high profile area, developing wider skills around policy development as well as casework and experience in legal matters, often with national security implications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The main responsibilities of the two roles include:

• Leading on clauses within the Troubles Bill - justifying their aims to parliament, working on supporting products and reacting to amendments;
• Working closely with lawyers to develop innovative policy and handling solutions in relation to the UKGs approach to dealing with the past - this could be in terms of developing government amendments, litigation strategies and working with inquiries;
• Leading briefings on legacy policy and/or casework matters for senior officials and Ministers;
• Working closely with other government departments to deliver work on cross-cutting issues with the confidence of Whitehall;
• Developing and maintaining good working relationships with a range of stakeholders, both seniors inside government and influential / high-profile external stakeholders;
• Line management within the team;
• Working closely and effectively with the wider team to proactively identify opportunities to contribute to team and business area objectives and priorities.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: The post holder(s) will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:

• Sound analytical skills and judgement;
• The ability to make evidence based recommendations and decisions;
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and influencing skills to influence a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels - including the ability to present and communicate complex information and recommendations to senior decision makers in a clearly and impactfully manner;
• Strong partnering and collaborating skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders to support effective delivery of strategic outcomes;
• The ability to deal with self-organise, prioritise and pay close attention to detail;
• Resilience to deal with uncertainty, scrutiny and set backs;
• Line management.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA: We are particularly interested in any demonstration of:

• Understanding of the political and security environment in Northern Ireland;
• Experience working on legislation, policy, projects or programmes in Northern Ireland or Whitehall.

BEHAVIOURS: We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at the Grade 7 level during the application sift and interview process: Delivering at pace; Leadership; Making effective decisions; and Communicating and influencing.

EXPERIENCE: Please provide a CV and to submit examples of a time you have demonstrated the four behaviours mentioned above. You will also be asked to complete a CV with details of your education, professional qualifications, previous skills and full employment history.

INTERVIEW: You will be assessed against the same behaviours at the interview stage and will be asked to provide examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviours.

STRENGTHS: It is difficult to prepare for strength type questions. However, you can think through your answers, focus on your achievements and aspects you enjoy and decide how these can be applied in the organisation and role.

OFFER: Once all interviews have been completed, you will be notified of the outcome by email. Offers will be made in strict merit order to the highest scoring candidate first. The successful candidate will be notified of a start date following successful security checks.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: This role requires National Security Vetting given the access to sensitive information afforded by the job role.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Further information about the post may be obtained from Charlotte Brennan via email. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

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.

RESERVE LISTS: In the event that the advertised post following interview identifies more appointable applicants than available posts, we may hold applicant details on a merit/reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further future appointments can be made.

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS: The NIO offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different NIO sites and/or from home.

BENEFITS: Access to learning and development, a working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance, a working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity, Civil Service pension, 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years service, Public Holidays, Season Ticket Advance.