Northern Ireland Office

Pay Band 2

Reference: 1556067

th Closing date: 9:00am, Friday 29 September 2017

Candidate Information Pack

Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) Welcome Message

Thank you for your interest in this post. This is a key moment to be joining the Northern Ireland Office. The work of our department is a relevant as ever: supporting political stability in what can still be fragile devolved institutions; ensuring safety and security across Northern Ireland in response to a severe dissident threat that remains; delivering a growing economy; representing Northern Ireland’s interests in the preparations for leaving the EU; and ensuring a stronger society by overcoming the division and legacy of the past. To support all of these objectives, the Northern Ireland Office must also ensure it is fit for the future by embracing change and maximising its people and resources.

The department’s core strategic objectives are all linked into the two principal challenges that we face in both the immediate and longer-term: working with the Northern Ireland political parties, and the Irish Government where appropriate, to restore the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly since both collapsed earlier in the year; and ensuring that Northern Ireland’s interests dovetail with the UK Government’s wider interests in negotiating the UK’s exit from the EU to achieve the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland. Both challenges will have a direct impact on the social and economic landscapes and across all communities in Northern Ireland.

We are a relatively small department with 150 staff but we punch above our weight in terms of the issues and risks that we manage on behalf of the Government. We engage on a wide range of issues in Northern Ireland on behalf of the UK Government, as well as representing the interests of Northern Ireland across Whitehall. We work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive (when in formation), Cabinet Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Exiting the EU, Department for International Trade and the Irish government; as well as with security and intelligence agencies and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to meet our objectives. This post will be a key part of our leadership team, delivering an excellent level of service and support to the Secretary of State and ministerial team. The successful candidate will be one of three Directors in the office with specific responsibilities for:

● Constitutional and Rights issues in Northern Ireland, including the Belfast Agreement and devolution aspects of EU Exit; ● leading policy and casework on dealing with the legacy of the Past in Northern Ireland; and, ● provision of business critical services across the Department including corporate governance, IT, workforce planning, estates and other key business enablers.

We are a hard working team, working flexibly with colleagues and partner organisations to make Northern Ireland a better place through ensuring political stability, a positive post-EU exit future, a prosperous economy, keeping people safe and in dealing with our Past. I would encourage you to consider applying for this exciting opportunity that provides a unique and crucial role in supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s priorities for Northern Ireland.

Sir Jonathan Stephens KCB Permanent Secretary

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Background to Northern Ireland Office

Who we are

The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in advancing the UK Government’s key interests in Northern Ireland – political stability, economic growth, safety and security and building a united community.

The Northern Ireland Office employs around 150 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. As a small Department, successful delivery of the NIO’s strategic priorities requires us to adopt a flexible approach to ensure that the right people, with the right skills, are in the right place.

Due to our size, we are able to offer staff extensive exposure to Ministers and the opportunity to work on a far wider portfolio of policy and responsibilities than might be the case in a larger department. This creates an interesting, though often challenging, work environment.

What we do

We ensure the smooth working of the devolution settlement in Northern Ireland. We represent Northern Ireland interests within the UK Government and represent the UK government interests and policy in Northern Ireland.

Statement of Strategic Direction

Our key purpose is to make the political settlement work and in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive help bring about a stable, prosperous Northern Ireland at peace with itself and ready for new challenges and opportunities. To do this we:

- support and implement the political agreements to deliver stable devolved institutions; - work with the Executive to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy, promoting growth, trade and encouraging inward investment; - support reconciliation and the objective of building a shared future for all, while acknowledging the past; - champion Northern Ireland’s interests in Whitehall making sure Cabinet takes full account of Northern Ireland and that Whitehall policies are represented there effectively; - support democracy and take the lead against the terrorism and violence that threatens national security; - ensure the best outcome for Northern Ireland as part of the wider UK government negotiation on EU Exit; and - work closely with the Irish Government on matters of common interest.

For more information about what we do go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/northern-ireland-office

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Vacancy Description

Job Title Director, Northern Ireland Office

Vacancy 1556067 Reference Salary Candidates from the external market can expect to be appointed on a salary of £87,000-£100,000 (London).

Existing Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary. Vacancy This is a challenging and demanding role, but also a rewarding one. Based in Description Whitehall, it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to operate at the very heart of the Northern Ireland Office. Reporting direct to the Permanent Secretary and working alongside the two existing Directors, you will have a pivotal role in advancing Northern Ireland’s interests with key partners in the Cabinet Office, Treasury, Ministry of Defence and other security agencies, to ensure that the Northern Ireland Office fully meets its objectives as set by Ministers.

This new post will combine significant policy and corporate responsibilities. You will provide strategic leadership and direction on the sensitive and complex policy and casework issues around Northern Ireland’s past, on constitutional and rights issues, including aspects of EU exit, and continuing change and delivery of corporate services. The Director will develop strategy and manage senior relationships, working closely with and line managing a group of 3 experienced Deputy Directors and leading a 50 plus strong group of teams spread across two locations. We are a flexible and agile department, used to responding to the unexpected, so you will regularly find yourself picking up new issues and responsibilities.

The Director will also play a key role with the Permanent Secretary and other Directors as part of the Senior Leadership Team of the Department, taking responsibility for oversight of key corporate functions and other projects. Together with the Permanent Secretary, you will sit on the Departmental Board and, separately, be part of the Executive Management Committee comprising Directors and Deputy directors that lead the day to day work of the department.

The precise responsibilities of the new Director may change, but are expected to include:

● Constitutional and Rights issues in Northern Ireland, including aspects of policy on EU Exit; ● leading policy and casework on dealing with the legacy of the Past in

4 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) Northern Ireland; and, ● provision of business critical services across the Department including corporate governance, IT, workforce planning, estates and other key business enablers.

These responsibilities will contribute directly to the Department’s objectives of making politics work, creating a stronger society and ensuring the NIO is fit for the future. But they will also feed into the Department’s other objectives of creating a secure and more economically prosperous Northern Ireland.

A high priority will be to build and manage senior relationships with the centre of Government in Whitehall, the Northern Ireland Executive, Civil Service, and the wider community, to ensure that the work and role of the Northern Ireland Office is fully understood, maximising the impact and support that can be provided to partners across Government.

Given the size of the Department and the breadth of its portfolio, which has expanded significantly over the past twelve months, the post-holder will have very regular exposure to the Secretary of State, the wider ministerial team and Special Advisers, as well as to other senior officials across Whitehall and in partner agencies.

Regular travel to Belfast and London will be required. Person Essential Criteria: Specification • A proven track record of providing clear, balanced advice and professional leadership at Board and senior management level;

• Demonstrable ability to deploy strategic and creative thinking to identify

solutions and to deliver the implementation of those solutions;

• Experience of leading, motivating, inspiring and developing high performing teams, especially during periods of change, and a record of driving continuous improvement;

• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, including political nous, with a demonstrable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers;

• Proven experience of managing and delivering change programmes;

• Clear experience of financial awareness and the implications of financial decisions.

Desirable Criteria:

• Familiarity with Northern Ireland affairs and its political system;

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• Policy experience in: constitutional and human rights; legacy policy/casework issues; and/orcorporate service delivery.

6 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) Recruitment Process

How to Apply To apply for this post please email the following documentation to [email protected] by no later than 9:00am Friday 29th September 2017

• A CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;

• A statement of suitability (no longer than two pages) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role;

• A completed Equality Monitoring Form (Annex A). All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not affect your application in any way. This form is mandatory, with the option not to answer individual questions;

• If applying under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (see Equality and Diversity section below), please complete the form found at Annex B;

• A completed Candidate Supporting Information document found at Annex C.

Please include the vacancy reference number and job title in the subject line.

If you do not receive an acknowledgement of your application within 48 hours please email [email protected] Civil Service Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair Commission’s and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Recruitment Principles. Principles Selection Kevin Woods, a Civil Service Commissioner, will chair the process. The Civil Process Service Commission has two primary functions:

• Providing assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. For the most senior posts in the Civil Service, the Commission discharges its responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and by a Commissioner chairing the selection panel.

• Hearing and determining appeals made by civil servants under the Civil Service Code (Appendix Y) which sets out the Civil Service values – Impartiality, Objectivity, Integrity and Honesty - and forms part of the relationship between civil servants and their employer. More detailed information can be found at on the Civil Service Commission

7 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) website: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.

In addition to Kevin Woods, the panel will also consist of:" " • Sir Jonathan Stephens, Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Office; • Shona Dunn, Director General, Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat, Cabinet Office; and • Dawn Johnson, Non-Executive Director, Northern Ireland Office (independent member).

Complaints The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles, which can be found at:

http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp7 content/uploads/2015/04/RPApril2015.pdf If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact Shakira Keddo [email protected] in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission (at: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service- recruitment/complaints/).

Overview of The Executive Recruitment Team will acknowledge your application and advise the Process you of the outcome of the sift meeting. Depending on the number of applications received there may be a second stage sift.

Applications will be sifted to select those demonstrating the best fit with the post. The final short list candidates will undergo a series of tests before sitting a final panel interview.

Shortlisted candidates may have the opportunity to meet with the recruiting line manager prior to the final selection panel interview to learn more about the role and the organisation. You will be given further details about this after the shortlist meeting.

The final selection panel interview will be held in the Northern Ireland Office at 1 Horse Guards Road London. You will be advised of the format in advance.

The selection panel will be chaired by Kevin Woods, Civil Service Commissioner and will include an independent panellist.

Where possible the Executive Recruitment Team will provide feedback. However, depending on the volume of applications it may not always be possible to provide feedback to all candidates. Arrangements Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be for interview reimbursed by the Department except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

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If candidates are required to prepare a presentation for their interview, they will normally be given at least one week’s notice of the subject. Assessments Candidates invited for interview will be asked to undergo an assessment designed to identify key behavioural strengths as well as any associated areas for development. This is to support the selection panel’s decision making. Candidates may also be tested on numeracy and literacy skills.

The assessment lasts approximately two hours and consists of a number of personality questionnaires and a subsequent discussion with an assessor. You will need to be flexible about setting aside time in your diary to do this. Those undertaking the assessment will be provided with full details beforehand. The assessment does not lead to a pass or fail decision; rather, it is intended to highlight areas of strength and possible concerns which the panel can probe at interview.

The assessment explores applicant career motivations, as well as levels of resilience, strengths in building relationships and how influential they are, how they lead and manage, how they manage change and complexity as well as understanding the applicant’s key values, attitudes and behaviours.

Where an individual has been assessed and applies for another SCS post at the same pay band within a two year period, it is our policy to reuse the original report. If there is a compelling reason why your personality and leadership approach would have altered within this timeframe, the vacancy holder may agree to the preparation of a new report. Reserve Lists If we receive applications from more suitable candidates than we have vacancies for at this time, we may hold suitable applicants on a reserve list for 12 months, and future vacancies in the Civil Service requiring the same skills and experience could be offered to candidates on the reserve list without a new competition. Closing Date The deadline for applications is 9:00am, Friday 29th September 2017 Alternative If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information, or in an alternative format Formats e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then please contact: [email protected] If you cannot apply online, please post applications to: Executive Recruitment, Civil Service Resourcing, LG72, 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ. Further If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss the post Information further, please contact Sir Jonathan Stephens on 0207 210 6456 or by email at [email protected] For any questions relating to the recruitment process or terms and conditions of employment please contact [email protected]

9 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) Indicative Timeline

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let us know in your application letter.

The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing Date 9:00am Friday 29th September 2017

Short List Meeting w/c 9th October 2017

Assessments w/c 16th October and w/c 23rd October 2017

Interviews w/c 30th October 2017

10 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) Terms, Conditions and Benefits

The information offered in this document is supplied in good faith but does not in itself form any part of the contract of employment.

Appointment 3 year Fixed Term Appointment for external appointments, 3 year loan for Term Home Civil servants or 3 year secondment for NICS Location The post will be based in London. Weekly travel may be required as necessary to Belfast.

Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.

Working Full Time. We also welcome applications from those who wish to job share. Arrangements Due to the demands of the post it is not available on a part-time or reduced hours basis. Though a London based role, some flexibility will be required to enable travel to Belfast where necessary and to respond to unexpected demands.

Salary Range The post is at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 (SCS2) level. The salary range for this post is £87,000 - £100,000 (London).

Pay awards are made in line with current SCS performance-related pay arrangements. In addition there will be the opportunity to earn performance related bonuses.

Staff applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary. Pension Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where:

• the employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension; • your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and • your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire.

For more information visit www.civilservice.gov.uk/pensions Leave Full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on Allowance modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service.

In addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day for the Queen’s Birthday. The allowance is pro-rated for part-time staff.

11 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) With competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave we also recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and offer flexible working and a family friendly approach to work. Training and The Department offers engaging jobs in work that really matters; jobs which Development have a direct impact on the quality of public services. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

To create a more skilled and unified organisation to transform services, the Civil Service is developing 10 specialist areas of expertise. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/functional-model-for-more- efficient-and-effective-government These cross-government functions provide professional services and support to departments and supplement the 25 recognised professions within the Civil Service and who are there to support your own professional development https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civilservice/about/recruitment#professions

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer a range of work based training and qualifications, coaching and mentoring opportunities and a guaranteed five days of learning a year. Other Benefits • Childcare - the Department recognises that many staff balance working lives with the demands of a family life and offers support with childcare and holiday play schemes costs by providing childcare vouchers for staff who meet the eligibility criteria • Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans • Some departments also offer onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens Modernised Civil Servants taking up appointment on promotion will adopt the modernised Terms and Senior Civil Service terms and conditions which came in to effect from 1 July Conditions 2013. Existing Civil Servants appointed on level transfer will retain their existing terms and conditions. Eligibility The post is advertised to suitably qualified people in the external market, and to existing Civil Servants and those in accredited Non Departmental Public Bodies. Nationality To be eligible for employment you must be a national from the following countries:

- The United Kingdom - The Republic of Ireland - The Commonwealth* - A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State - Switzerland - Turkey

Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless of their nationality. (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who have no right of abode in the

12 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.)

For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK. Security Before the appointment of the successful candidate can be confirmed, the Clearance Department will undertake background security checks. As part of this, we will need to confirm your identity, employment history over the past three years (or course details if you were in education), nationality and immigration status, and criminal record (unspent convictions only).

The successful candidate must hold or be willing to obtain security clearance to DV level before taking up post. Reserved for Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, might be UK Nationals reserved for British citizens, but this will not normally prevent access to a wide range of developmental opportunities within the Civil Service.

This is not a reserved post. Conflicts of Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests they may have Interest that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the Department. They are required to declare any relevant business interests, share holdings, positions of authority, retainers, consultancy arrangements or other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies, both for themselves and for their spouses/partners.

The successful candidate will be required to give up any conflicting interests and his/her other business and financial interests may be published.

If you believe you may have a conflict of interest, please contact [email protected] before submitting your application. Equality and The Department is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We Diversity value and welcome diversity. We aim to develop all our staff to enable them to make a full contribution to meeting the Department's objectives, and to fulfil their own potential on merit. We will not tolerate harassment or other unfair discrimination on grounds of sex, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation. We will promote and support the use of a range of flexible working patterns to enable staff to balance home and work responsibilities; and we will treat people fairly irrespective of their working arrangements.

Under the terms of the Equality Act 2010, we are legally required to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and selection process. We are therefore committed to meeting, wherever possible, any needs you specify in your application. We will also consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Act to enable any applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

13 Director, Northern Ireland Office (Reference: 1556067) The Department uses the ‘two ticks’ Disability Symbol, showing it is an employer which has a positive attitude towards applications from disabled people. The Department also offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for all disabled applicants. We are committed to interviewing all applicants with a disability who provide evidence of meeting the minimum requirements necessary for the post, as set out in this applicant pack.

To be eligible, your disability must be within the definition laid down in the Equality Act 2010. A disabled person is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as someone who has a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. For the purposes of this policy, these words have the following meanings:

● ‘substantial’ means more than minor or trivial

● ‘long-term’ means that the effect of the impairment has lasted, or is likely to last, 12 months (there are special rules covering recurring or fluctuating conditions)

● ‘normal day-to-day activities’ include everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping.

Should you consider yourself eligible to apply for this post under the GIS, please complete the form at Annex B. Civil Service All civil servants are subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Code that Code details the Civil Service values, standards of behaviour and rights and responsibilities. For further information visit Gov.UK.