At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and foster key relationships in UK/Ireland policy.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Office, a pivotal part of the UK Government.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Northern Ireland's future while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and analytical thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 58511 - 70725 £ per year.
Salary: £58,511 - £70,725. The national salary range is £58,511 - £65,329, London salary range is £63,343 - £70,725. Your salary will be dependent on your base location.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP.
Job grade: Grade 7
Contract type: Fixed term
Length of employment: For a period of up to 3 Years
Type of role: Policy
Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of jobs available: 1
Location: This position can be based at NIO Erskine House, BT1 4GF, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE LONDON, SW1A 2HQ.
About the job:
The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland. We make sure 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.
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.
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.
ADDITIONAL 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).
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
- A Civil Service pension
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years service
- Public Holidays
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 Commission's Recruitment Principles.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
INTERVIEW DATES:
Date(s) TBC
Closing Date: 3 July 2026, 23:55 hours.
Head of UK Ireland in Belfast employer: Northern Ireland Office
The Northern Ireland Office is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, a generous Civil Service pension, and a commitment to diversity, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to meaningful policy initiatives that shape the future of Northern Ireland. The opportunity to engage directly with senior officials and stakeholders in both Belfast and London further enriches the experience, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
