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- Tasks: Lead impactful policy initiatives and support Ministers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Office, a key player in UK government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to high-level decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Northern Ireland's governance and community safety.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 71381 - 75674 £ per year.
Across various NIO Business Areas, we will use this competition to place individuals in roles in Corporate Operations Group, Security & Protection Group & Fiscal, Economy & Trade. In addition, a reserve list will be created which may be used for future Grade 6 roles which occur over the next 12 months across all NIO business areas.
Terms of Appointment: Permanent Grade 6
Location: Northern Ireland or London (Erskine House, 20-32 Chichester St, Belfast BT1 4GF or 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ). Occasional travel between Belfast and London will be required.
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.
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
The NIO has a number of vacancies it is looking to fill at Grade 6 level including:
- Legacy Implementation & Sponsorship
- Deputy Head of Fiscal, Economy & Trade
- Head of National Security Policy and Strategy
These roles offer a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in managing and developing the delivery of our departmental objectives. You will manage a core policy area, ensuring a high standard of support for Ministers across a range of competing priorities and demands.
The successful candidates will need to deliver effectively in a fast-paced and demanding area while also driving forward the wider departmental strategy. You will be responsible for leading a team of mixed grades, including direct line management of Grade 7s, with a key focus on building team capability and culture.
We are looking for a proven, effective, and inclusive leader who is passionate about the work of the NIO. Candidates must have experience working in fast-paced environments, coordinating across multiple teams, and demonstrate excellent judgement, strong communication and influencing skills, a good sense of the wider political context, and excellent stakeholder management.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership and Policy Delivery: Provide effective leadership of the policy team, taking a strategic approach to policy commitments and implementation.
- Ministerial Support and Advice: Ensure the team provides a first-class service to Ministers.
- Corporate Leadership and Culture: Play an active role in championing diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing across the department.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership: Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Team Management and Development: Develop and maintain a high-performing team.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work with a range of stakeholders to progress government priorities.
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent leadership skills with experience of delivering challenging objectives.
- Excellent judgement and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Strong partnering and collaborating skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- Understanding of the political and security environment in Northern Ireland.
- Experience working on legislation, policy, projects or programmes in Northern Ireland or Whitehall.
- Existing security clearance.
All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. 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.
Northern Ireland Office employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern Ireland Office
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your desired field, especially those connected to the Northern Ireland Office. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and decision-making. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your experience and how it aligns with the NIO's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events in Northern Ireland and the UK government. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Northern Ireland Office
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure your statement of suitability is tailored to the role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the essential and desirable criteria. We want to see what makes you a perfect fit for the NIO!
Showcase Your Skills: Use specific examples to showcase your leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Remember, we’re looking for evidence of how you've made an impact in previous roles or experiences.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While you have up to 1000 words, clarity is key! Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make your application easy to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at the NIO!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Northern Ireland Office's mission and current priorities. Familiarise yourself with their key objectives, especially around inclusion, security, and governance. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role requires excellent leadership abilities, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Use the STAR method to structure your responses, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result to clearly illustrate your impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with diverse groups and how you’ve navigated complex political environments. This is crucial for roles that involve collaboration across various departments.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on answering strength-based questions and be prepared to discuss your motivations and how they align with the NIO's values and objectives.