At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and foster key relationships in UK/Ireland affairs.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Office, a dynamic team shaping government policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, promoting work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Northern Ireland's governance and community relations.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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. We are the centre of expertise on Northern Ireland issues across Government. 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 are set out in our Operational Delivery plan and 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
ABOUT THE ROLE: The Head of UK/Ireland role is pivotal in providing strategic leadership that ensures smooth delivery of Strand 3 institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and UKG priorities as well as the continued development of key stakeholder relationships.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the UK/Ireland team
- Lead of maintaining key relationships internally and externally with stakeholders in the UK/Ireland space
- Working in partnership with Irish Government counterparts to deliver the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on a biannual basis
- Supporting the delivery of the British Irish Council
- Leading briefings on UK/Ireland matters for senior officials and Ministers
- Working closely with other government departments to deliver work on cross-cutting issues on UK/Ireland with the confidence of Whitehall
- 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 will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:
- 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
- Sound judgement and analytical skills, the ability to make evidence based recommendations and decisions
- Excellent communication and influencing skills to influence a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels; the ability to present and communicate complex information and recommendations to senior decision makers in a clear and impactful manner
- The ability to deal with uncertainty, self-organise, prioritise and pay close attention to detail
DESIRABLE CRITERIA: Knowledge of the UK and Irish geopolitical landscape; Experience in events coordination.
BEHAVIOURS: We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at the G7 level during the application sift and interview process:
- Delivering at pace
- Communicating and influencing
- Seeing the bigger picture
- Working together
EXPERIENCE: Please provide a CV or work history and statement of suitability no longer than 500 words outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Both will be used in order to assess any demonstrable experience, career history and achievements that are relevant to the role. Your statement of suitability needs to set out evidence of how your experience meets the requirements set out above.
Further Information: 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 (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
Benefits include 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, a Civil Service pension, 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years service, public holidays, and season ticket advance.
Head of UK Ireland in Lisburn employer: Ministry of Justice
The Northern Ireland Office is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, staff enjoy a stimulating environment where they can make a meaningful impact on key policy areas while collaborating closely with senior officials and stakeholders. Located in Belfast and London, employees benefit from extensive exposure to government operations and the opportunity to contribute to significant initiatives that shape the future of Northern Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of UK Ireland in Lisburn
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of UK Ireland in Lisburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
