Skip to content

General Information

Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Belfast, London
Region
London, Northern Ireland
Closing Date
15-Mar-2026
Post Type
Fixed Term, Loan, Secondment
Civil Service Grade
SCS 1
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
15347

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

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 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.
Additional Information

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

Please view our candidate information pack for full details about the role, key responsibilities, person specification, and the criteria you will be assessed against throughout the recruitment process. 

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.


Contact Information
If you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please provide a statement to evidence how you meet the essential criteria required for the role.
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
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected week commencing 30th March 2026
Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture
Leadership
Making Effective Decisions
Communicating and Influencing

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

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.