Candidate Information Pack
Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 on Sunday 15th March 2026
Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Introduction
Welcome to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
“Thank you for your interest in joining the NIO team"
Based in London and Belfast, we provide the best possible advice and support we can to
our Ministerial team, led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the UK Cabinet
minister with lead responsibility for all matters Northern Ireland.
We have achieved a lot over the past year, not least supporting and enabling the
successful restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. Our work is highly stimulating and
fast moving, politically and operationally. It also demands sensitivity and patience.
As a department with the benefit of being small and expert, we work best together, and in
a way that reflects the deep interconnections between the issues in Northern Ireland. In
practice, this means we: plan for outcomes; deliver through projects; and organise through
our relationships and expertise
Our work is often high profile and never far from the media. This comes with challenges as
well as exciting opportunities to share the work that we do. It requires us to deliver through
our civil service values and with an appreciation of the significance and sensitivity of the
work that we do. It is also extremely rewarding. Few organisations can offer careers with
the potential to make such a direct impact on society, working closely with a Ministerial
team. You may be working in the civil service or in wider public service, or indeed
elsewhere. If you have the skills, experience, ambition and energy to join this team I look
forward to your application.
Dr Julie Harrison
Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Office
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
About the Northern Ireland Office
The purpose of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the NIO (UKG’s centre of
expertise on Northern Ireland) has remained the same, whether or not the Executive is
functioning, since the Assembly met in 1999. That purpose is to ensure that Northern
Ireland is secure, with stable and effective devolved institutions, improving community
relations and a growing economy.
We are a small Ministerial Department with big responsibilities - delivered primarily through
the purposeful application of expertise, organisation and relationships.
The department supports the Secretary of State and the wider Ministerial team to deliver
the Prime Minister’s priorities in Northern Ireland. It ensures Northern Ireland issues are
fully and effectively represented at Westminster and across Government - and that the
Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland. We
do this through supporting and ensuring the effective functioning of the devolved
institutions; keeping people safe from the threats of terrorism and organised criminality;
supporting the delivery of a growing economy; helping to reduce community divisions;
building mutual trust and establishing meaningful interculturalism.
The Northern Ireland Office employs around 160 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.
For more information about what we do, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/northern-ireland-office
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
About the role
Job Title
Deputy Director
Location
Belfast or London
Please note the requirements for travel and level of flexibility available as set out in the
FAQs section.
Future Opportunities
If you are not the successful candidate but meet the required standard, you may be invited
to join a merit list for consideration for future SCS vacancies. The Northern Ireland Office
is currently undergoing organisational changes that may lead to additional opportunities.
Any future roles are expected to be based in London or Belfast, with frequent travel
between both locations.
Salary
The salary for this role is set within the SCS Payband 1 range. It is expected that
successful applicants will be appointed at the band minimum of £81,000.
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in line with the Civil Service pay rules in place on
the date of their appointment.
Contract Type
This role is offered as a two year-loan, secondment or fixed-term contract with the option
to extend for a third year.
The Role
This is a challenging and demanding role but also a rewarding one. It offers a unique and
exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role leading the delivery of our departmental
objectives. You will be responsible for leading one of our core policy teams, responsible for
their personal development and ensuring they can retain high standards and resilience
through competing priorities and demands. This role will put you at the heart of the NIO,
coordinating, enabling and helping to steer Ministerial and business priorities, engaging
with a variety of teams and individuals including external stakeholders and officials across
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Whitehall. It will afford you an unrivalled insight into the workings of the wider Department,
Whitehall and the operation of devolved government in Northern Ireland
Key Responsibilities
• The effective management and leadership of the policy team. Taking a strategic
approach to our policy commitments and implementation and working with other areas
of the business to deliver NIO’s departmental aims.
• Ensuring a first-class service across in the policy team that supports Ministers and
enables collaboration and the provision of accurate and timely advice from across the
department.
• Play an active role in the leadership of the department as an active member of the
Senior Management Team. Champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing across the
department.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders including other Whitehall and NI departments.
Represent the views of the Secretary of State, Ministers and senior officials credibly
with key policy stakeholders, both within and outside Government.
• Developing and maintain a high-performing team, playing a crucial role in the
management and development of our people to ensure everyone reaches their full
potential
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Person Specification
It is important through the recruitment process that you give evidence and examples of
proven experience of each of the essential and desirable criteria.
Later on in the pack you will be told what is being assessed at which stage of the process.
Essential Experience:
• Lead Criteria - Leadership experience of a high-performing team to deliver quality
policy objectives.
• A proven ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders, senior leaders,
and ministers.
• Creative problem-solving and the ability to address complex issues strategically.
• Strong analytical skills and proof of evidence-based decision making.
• Experience of cross-organisational engagement and ability to influence decision-
making at senior levels.
Desirable Experience:
• An understanding of the Northern Ireland political system and the work of the Northern
Ireland Executive would be advantageous but is not essential.
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
You will also be assessed against the following Behaviours during the Recruitment
Process:
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
Read more in the Civil Service Success Profiles Section.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
The selection process will be chaired by Linda Hamilton, Director for Security, International
and Politics. The other panel members will be:
• Gillian Morton, Director for Growth, Transformation, and Sustainable Institutions
• To Be Confirmed
Support during the selection process
If you need any support or have any questions during any stage of the selection process,
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Stages of the selection process
Internal Stakeholder Conversations
You are invited to arrange an informal discussion with Linda Hamilton to learn more about
the role and the organisation before applying. This is not part of the assessed elements of
the selection process.
Application
You will need to complete the online application process accessed via the advertisement
for this role.
This should be completed no later than 23:55 on Sunday 15th March 2026. As part of the
application process, you will be asked to complete:
1. Responses to the eligibility questions to check you are eligible to apply for the role.
2. A response to whether you would like to request reasonable adjustments during the
selection process. The Disability Support section explains how adjustments can be
made to the selection process to accommodate a disability.
3. You will also need to complete a CV and Statement of Suitability. It is important that
your CV and Statement of Suitability give evidence and examples of how you meet the
essential experience set out on page 5. The Statement of Suitability should be no
more than 1000 words.
Find out more information about our application process here.
After the Application Stage
You will be advised whether your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange the next stage of
the selection process.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
In the event we receive a high volume of applications, we will conduct the initial sift against
the following lead criteria:
- Leadership experience of a high-performing team to deliver quality policy objectives
Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of applicants for this role, we are unable to
provide feedback to those not successful at shortlist stage. Candidates who are shortlisted
and attend an interview will be offered verbal feedback from a member of the interview
panel.
Panel Interview and Presentation
You will be invited to attend an interview and presentation with the selection panel. You
will be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute presentation based on a topic that will be
provided in advance. The interview and presentation will last for approximately 45 minutes.
What is being assessed?
Behaviours, as listed on page 5.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview, the performance of all candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates will be notified of the outcome as soon as
possible after the conclusion of all interviews.
Future Opportunities
If you are not the successful candidate but meet the required standard, you may be invited
to join a merit list for consideration for future SCS vacancies. The Northern Ireland Office
is currently undergoing organisational changes that may lead to additional opportunities.
Any future roles are expected to be based in London or Belfast, with frequent travel
between both locations.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
The Civil Service recruits using Success Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
Success Profiles used to see whether candidates are able demonstrate specific
Behaviours associated with the role they are applying for during the selection process.
In this process the below Behaviours are most relevant to this role and will be assessed
during the interview stage of the process. The definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
Seeing the Big Picture
You understand the wider context of the organisation’s work, considering the political,
social, economic, and technological environment both currently and in the future. You
create and implement strategies to achieve the organisation’s aims and meet the needs of
the public. You promote the organisation externally, advocating positive outcomes for the
sector you operate within. You motivate staff by ensuring they understand how their work
fits into the big picture.
Leadership
You visibly demonstrate the organisation’s values in all your activity, leading authentically.
You seek to engage staff in the aims of the organisation and communicate the
organisation’s strategy in an inspiring way. You create an inclusive and fair culture which
creates a sense of belonging by treating staff as individuals and actively valuing diversity
within the organisation. You empower teams and individuals to excel by creating a shared
vision and objectives and demonstrate trust in staff by giving autonomy
Making Effective Decisions
You make defensible, objective and fair high-impact decisions, considering the impact on
the service user and wider organisation. You are willing to take ownership of your
decisions, being transparent and open about the reasons for them. You effectively analyse
data to make evidence-based decisions, whilst being comfortable taking considered risks
based on the best evidence available. You consult with others to incorporate views and
professional expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are involved in the decision-
making process.
Communicating and Influencing
You communicate clearly and with confidence, both verbally and in writing. You are open,
honest and transparent in your communications. You communicate effectively with internal
and external senior stakeholders to present information in a convincing and influential
manner. You tailor your communication methods and content to the audience, simplifying
strategic messages.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Please click here or more information on Behaviours and Success Profiles
Guidance for writing your Statement and CV
As part of the application process, you need to submit a Statement and CV. Both your
Statement and CV should demonstrate how you meet the essential experience outlined in
the Person Specification section.
Ensure you read through the role information thoroughly and identify the essential criteria
for each area. You should ensure you provide evidence for each of the essential
experience which are required for the role in your Statement and CV. You may not be
progressed to the next stage of the assessment process if you do not provide this
evidence.
When structuring your Statements try to:
• Evidence your experience by using subheadings and paragraphs. This will help to
ensure you are writing about the experience that is directly relevant for the role you are
applying for.
• You should ensure that you detail recent and relevant examples of the essential
experience required for the role and describe the outcome that came from this.
Using AI in your application
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples
and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your
own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and
experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may
be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate
use
Providing a name-blind CV and Success Profile Statements
In both your CV and Success Profile Statements please remove references to any
personal information that could identify you. For example:
• Name and title
• Educational institution names
• Age and gender
• Email address
• Postal address and telephone number
• Nationality and immigration status.
This will help us to recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not on your
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this way is called name-blind recruitment.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
For more information on how to write your Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
Careers Website
Expected Timeline
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer
alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below
timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to
meet the dates given. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
23:55 on Sunday 15th March 2026
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
Week commencing 23rd March 2026
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week commencing 30th March 2026
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Working for the Northern Ireland Office
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity, openness and together - are at the heart of
our commitment to create a culture where all our people are able to thrive and flourish in
the workplace.
We want to attract and retain the best talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
We want everyone to be the best of themselves, to feel supported and have a strong
sense of belonging in the workplace. Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive
workforce is reflected in all of our people policies and strategies.
Benefits
As a NIO employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits which include but are not
limited to:
Pension
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the
UK public sector. Visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for more details.
Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’
service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will be complemented by one further
day paid privilege entitlement to mark the King’s Birthday.
Flexible Working
While not every type of flexible working will be suitable for every role and business area,
flexible working can take many forms and The Ministry of Justice is committed to delivering
its business effectively and sustainably by creating modern and inclusive workplaces that
enable smart, flexible and hybrid working.
For more information on our amazing benefits including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
annual and special leave, and our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
please visit our Senior Civil Service website
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?
We are committed to supporting all candidates to take part in the recruitment process. This
includes supporting individuals who have a disability by making reasonable adjustments to
the recruitment process.
If you feel you require any kind of support and/or would like to discuss this with someone,
please indicate 'yes' to requesting reasonable adjustments in your application form and
ensure that you respond to the Reasonable Adjustments Scheme team by email.
How we can support you
There are many types of reasonable adjustments that can be made during assessment
processes.
Examples of some types of adjustments include:
• Extra time to complete assessments.
• Providing a break within an assessment.
• Providing interview questions in a written format at the interview as well as orally.
• An interview at a certain time of day.
This is not an exhaustive list but rather some examples of how we can support you during
the SCS Recruitment Process.
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments requested, there may be occasions where this
isn't possible. If an adjustment cannot be provided, the reasons for this will be explained to
you.
Help with your application
It is important you contact us as early as possible by email if you would like to request
reasonable adjustments so that the recruitment process runs smoothly for you.
If you do decide during the process that you do require adjustments and you have not
completed all your assessments, please contact the SCS recruitment team in advance of
your next assessment.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
If you have any questions in advance of making your application regarding reasonable
adjustments, please contact the SCS recruitment team at scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme for Disabled Persons?
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ offer an interview to disabled candidates who
meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. This could
be in terms of the advertised essential skills and/or application form sift criteria. Within the
application form, you will be asked if you would like to be considered for an interview under
this scheme, so please make us aware of this when prompted.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant?
Yes.
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
This role is available for full-time or flexible working arrangements (including job shares).
To discuss your needs in more detail please get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
Where will the role be based?
If successful you will be based in Belfast or London.
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
Regular travel between Belfast and London will be required for this role.
Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances
and only when agreed in advance.
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
For information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.
Is security clearance required?
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to SC level.
You should also note that future posts that may become available may require DV
clearance. More information about the vetting process can be found here.
Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service Commission?
No. However, the recruitment process will still be governed by the Civil Service
Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
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.
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles and
you wish to make a complaint, you should contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department you are able to
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00) or
e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
3. To the Civil Service Commission
(https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/)
What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest?
If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest, you must declare it by contacting
SCS Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk before submitting your application
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all personal information in accordance with data protection
legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act
2018.
Data Sharing
To process your application your personal data will be shared with the Ministry of Justice
SCS Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members and anyone else necessary as part of
the recruitment process.
The legal basis for processing your personal data is:
Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.
Personal data are processed in the public interest because understanding civil servant
experiences and feelings about working in the Civil Service can inform decision taken to
improve these experiences, and ultimately organisation performance.
Sensitive personal data is personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions,
religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data
concerning health or data concerning a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation.
The legal basis for processing your sensitive personal data is:
1. Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest for the exercise of a
function of the Crown, a Minister of the Crown, or a government department: it is
important to know if groups of staff with specific demographic characteristics have a
better or worse experience of working for the Civil Service, so that appropriate action
can be taken to level this experience;
2. Processing is of a specific category of personal data and it is necessary for the
purposes of identifying or keeping under review the existence or absence of equality of
opportunity or treatment between groups of people with a view to enabling such
equality to be promoted or maintained.
3. Please note if you are successful in your application your sensitive personal data will
be used as part of the on-boarding process to build your employee record.
For further information please see the GDPR Privacy Notice
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent where it is found. To
learn more, please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
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Deputy Director, Northern Ireland Office
Contact us
Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before submitting an application,
please contact SCS Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
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