Northern Ireland Office Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation SCS PB1 Reference Number: 1617419

Home , Home Office

Recruitment Information Pack for Candidates

Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

Contents

Welcome message…………………………………………………………………………………….

Background to Northern Ireland Office ...... 3

Job Description ...... 5

Recruitment Process ...... 6

Indicative Timeline ...... 9

Terms, Conditions and Benefits ...... 9

2 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

Welcome Message

Thank you for your interest in this post.

This is a critical moment to be joining the Northern Ireland Office. The work of our department is at the centre of events: working to restore devolved institutions; representing Northern Ireland’s interests in the preparations for leaving the EU; ensuring safety and security across Northern Ireland in response to a continuing dissident threat; delivering a growing economy; and ensuring a stronger society by overcoming the division and legacy of the past.

The department’s strategic objectives are all linked to 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; and ensuring that Northern Ireland’s interests are represented during the negotiations for withdrawal from the European Union and in the post-Exit settlement. 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 200 people 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 stakeholders across the community in Northern Ireland to meet our objectives. This post will be a key part of our leadership team, responsible for:

● Leading work to restore the Northern Ireland Executive ● Building and maintaining relationships with political representatives in Northern Ireland ● Developing policy to support the political stability of devolved government ● Formulating durable strategies to ensure UK Government objectives in Northern Ireland are achieved over the long term

We are a hard working team, working flexibly with colleagues and partner organisations to make Northern Ireland a better place through building political stability, 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 Permanent Secretary

3 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419 Background to Northern Ireland Office

Who we are The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland within a stronger United Kingdom. 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.

The Northern Ireland Office employs around 200 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 and challenging work environment.

What we do Our key purpose is to ensure good political governance by effectively working alongside a restored Northern Ireland Executive to:

- Secure, sustain and support effective, inclusive devolved government in Northern Ireland and the full and faithful implementation of the Belfast and other Agreements.

- Ensure a more secure Northern Ireland.

- Deliver a growing and strengthening economy.

- Ensure a stronger society by supporting initiatives designed to build better community relations and a genuinely shared future.

- Support the United Kingdom’s effective exit from the European Union and ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are represented during the negotiations for withdrawal and in the post-Exit settlement.

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

4 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419 Job Description

Job Title Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation

Vacancy reference 1617419

Salary The post is at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1 (SCS1) level. The salary range for this post is £68,000 - £117,000 per annum dependent on skills and experience.

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.

Vacancy This is a critical post directly supporting the implementation of the Department’s Description objectives and providing support and advice to Ministers on the Government’s political strategy for Northern Ireland and implementing the activities that result.

We anticipate that the duties of the post will develop over time but initial duties include:  Leading work to restore the Northern Ireland Executive, developing policy proposals to address outstanding issues and supporting regular meetings between Northern Ireland’s political leaders and both the UK and Irish Governments.  Developing policy proposals to ensure that, once restored, devolution in Northern Ireland can be supported and stabilised. This will include engagement with Whitehall stakeholders, the Irish government, as well as with Northern Ireland’s political leaders and the Northern Ireland Civil Service. ● Formulating durable strategies to ensure UK Government objectives in Northern Ireland are achieved over the long term.  Taking an active corporate role in the life of the Northern Ireland Office. All Deputy Directors are expected to be visible across the Department, ensuring that Ministerial priorities are delivered and to take responsibility for corporate leadership.

As part of the senior leadership team, you will be central in providing the Department with the capability to deliver a flexible approach to managing the challenges it faces. Most stakeholders are located in Northern Ireland but some are in London so there will be the need for regular travel. This will be a stretching post providing ample opportunities to demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking and stakeholder management, working closely with Ministers and senior officials across Whitehall and senior politicians and officials in Northern Ireland.

5 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

Person This is a challenging role working in a complex environment and we are looking Specification for someone with a successful track record in:

 Using excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills to build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders in a complex or ‘political’ organisational environment.  Using excellent judgment and analytical skills to develop strategy and deliver policy outcomes, building consensus with internal and external partners.  Demonstrating an excellent understanding of the Northern Ireland political and constitutional system and how it works.  Working with Ministers or other senior stakeholders and delivering critical objectives in a politically charged environment.

Recruitment Process

How to Apply To apply for this post please submit the following documents on the Civil Service Jobs website by no later than 23:59 on 3 February 2019

● 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 Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (found at the bottom of the role advert on Civil Service Jobs.

If you do not receive an acknowledgement of your application within 48 hours please email nio- [email protected]

Civil Service Commission’s Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, Recruitment Principles on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. Overview of the Process The Government Recruitment Service will acknowledge your application and advise you of the outcome of the sift meeting. Depending on the number of applications received there may be a second stage sift.

6 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

Applications will be sifted to select those demonstrating the best fit with the post. The final short list candidates may be asked to 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. Interviews may take place via video conference. You will be advised of the format in advance.

The selection panel will be chaired by Sir Jonathan Stephens and will include an independent panellist.

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

If candidates are required to prepare a presentation for their interview, they will be given at least one week’s notice of the subject.

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. Candidates with Disabilities The Northern Ireland Office is committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates during the selection process, to enable us to select staff from a diverse pool of talent. As part of that commitment, we will offer an interview to all applicants with a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, who provide evidence of meeting the minimum (essential) criteria necessary for the post, as set out in this information pack.

The Equality Act 2010 defines a person as being disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a

7 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419 substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Should you consider yourself eligible to apply for this post under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS), please complete Annex B, the form linked to this advert on the Civil Service Jobs website.

Closing Date The deadline for applications is 23.59pm on 3 February 2019 Alternative Formats If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information, or in an alternative format e.g. Audio, Braille or large font, then please contact: [email protected]

Further Information If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss the post further, please contact Chris Flatt 020 7210 6503 or e-mail [email protected]

For any questions relating to the recruitment process or terms and conditions of employment please contact: nio- [email protected]

Data Protection We take our responsibilities under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any data about you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection with dealing with your application and the selection process. Data may also be used for the purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process but in these circumstances all data will be kept anonymous. The diversity monitoring form is used for monitoring the selection process only and is not made available to panel members. If you are unsuccessful, personal data relating to your application will be destroyed after 2 years. If you are successful, data will be held by the relevant HR department.

8 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

Indicative Timeline

Please note that these dates are indicative only and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these timeframes, please let us know when you submit your application.

The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing Date 3rd February 2019

Short List Meeting Week commencing 11th or 18th February 2019

Interviews Week commencing 18th or 25th February 2019

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.

Eligibility The post is advertised to suitably qualified people in the external market, and on level transfer or promotion to existing Civil Servants and those in accredited Non Departmental Public Bodies. Appointment The post is offered on a 3 year Fixed Term basis (3 year loan/secondment for Term existing Home Civil Servants/NI Civil Servants) with the possibility of contract extension subject to future business need.

Location Horse Guards Road London or Stormont House Belfast

Travel to Belfast/London will be required. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed. Working This is a busy and demanding post. You will need to be contactable out of Arrangements office hours. We welcome applications from those who wish to job share. Due to the demands of the post it is not available on a part-time or reduced hours’ basis.

Salary Range The post is at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1 (SCS1) level. The salary range for this post is £68,000 - £117,000 per annum dependent on skills and experience.

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.

9 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419

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.

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, supplement the 25 recognised professions within the Civil Service and 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 scheme 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

10 Deputy Director, Political Strategy and Implementation Reference: 1617419 staff canteens

Modernised Civil Servants taking up appointment on promotion will adopt the modernised Terms and Senior Civil Service terms and conditions, which came into 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, Swiss 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 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 www.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 security clearance to SC level before taking up post.