Private Secretary in the Northern Ireland Office in Belfast

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's 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.

Our key priorities include:

• Supporting greater inclusion, tolerance and openness in Northern Ireland
• Contributing to a safer Northern Ireland, where terrorist and paramilitary groups are less able to cause harm to communities
• Ensuring that governance in Northern Ireland is responsive, transparent and able to deliver effective public service
• Addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland

We are recruiting for a Private Secretary within the Ministerial Office in the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). In this role, you will lead a policy portfolio supporting all three ministers while acting as the lead Private Secretary for the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. This is an exciting and varied role at the very heart of the NIO. You will join a friendly, high-achieving private office team where no two days are the same.

We are looking for candidates with a positive, can-do attitude who are ready to support the ministerial team at the Northern Ireland Office. You will also lead on a key Private Office function, such as Parliamentary Work or Communications. As part of the Private Office Group, you will work closely with colleagues across the group to ensure effective delivery of ministers' priorities. This role will be suited to someone organised, communicative, and attentive to detail.

The main responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading on a policy portfolio for 3 ministers while acting as the lead Private Secretary for the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
• Supporting the ministerial team on high-profile policy areas, and contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the ministerial Private Office.
• Working across the Private Office Group, the NIO and wider Whitehall in a leadership role.
• Providing strategic advice and join up on the preparation of policy advice from across the Department.
• Supporting ministerial visits in Northern Ireland and overseas as required.
• Leading on a key Private Office function.
• Line management of one Assistant Private Secretary.

Essential Criteria:

• A proactive, can-do attitude, with an ability to review processes and implement solutions independently.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal and management skills with the ability to understand different perspectives and exercise excellent judgement.
• A strong ability to influence at all levels, including with Senior Officials/stakeholders.
• Proven experience of working effectively with Ministers and/or equivalent senior officials/stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria:

• An understanding of propriety and ethics and the ability to maintain appropriate standards in line with the Civil Service, Ministerial, and Special Advisers Code.
• An understanding of the Northern Ireland political system and of the work of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The selection process will consist of two stages: SIFT and INTERVIEW. Applications will be sifted on one behaviour example and a statement of suitability. The interview will assess behaviours and strengths.

This role requires National Security Vetting given the access to sensitive information afforded by the job role. There is a minimum UK residency requirement set by the Cabinet Office which is dependent on the security level required for the role.

The NIO offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows, and flexible working hours. Benefits include access to learning and development, a Civil Service pension, and 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years service.