43576 - Policy Advisor, Political Affairs

£30,989 - £47,591 Salary will depend on location
4
12 Months
London, Northern Ireland
Belfast , London
NIO STORMONT HOUSE BELFAST, BT4 3SH, NIO 1 HORSE GUARDS ROAD, LONDON, SW1A 2HQ, SW1A 2HQ
SEO
B
Fixed Term , Loan
Up to 2 years with the possibility of a third by mutual agreement
Full Time
Policy

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity


Inclusion and diversity

The Northern Ireland Office is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as they are under-represented within the NIO at this level.

The Northern Ireland Office strives to be an inclusive employer and is recognised by its staff and externally as being an employer where Diversity and Inclusion are valued.

We hold a Diversity & Inclusion Charter Mark and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader organisation.

In March 2018 we won the award for Best Employer for Diversity & Equality in Northern Ireland (small employer category) in a Gala Award ceremony hosted by Legal-Island, a multi-award winning workplace compliance company based in Northern Ireland.

We have an active D&I network supporting colleagues through D&I Advocates, championed by our Directors.

We want all our people to feel valued for who they are and we are confident that you will find the NIO a warm, welcoming and inclusive place to work.

What we do

Background

The Northern Ireland Office represents Northern Ireland interests at a UK Government level and UK Government interests in Northern Ireland.  We have a wide range of responsibilities, including: underpinning political stability in Northern Ireland; overseeing the Northern Ireland devolution settlement; leading on national security policy in Northern Ireland; addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past; delivering elections and constitutional reform in Northern Ireland; playing a key role in rebalancing the NI economy; representing NI interests, including  on the border with Ireland, as the UK exits the EU.  Our small size and diverse portfolio create a stimulating, fast-paced and challenging working environment, with regular engagement with a range of Ministers and senior officials.  We support flexible working and have a modern, flexible IT system which helps enable this.

About the Roles (team overviews and likely duties and responsibilities)

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for the people of Northern Ireland in delivering high-quality work on issues that matter, at pace and often in challenging circumstances. All post holders can expect diverse, interesting and rewarding work across a range of policy areas that goes to the heart of public service and you can expect to do this in a safe space where individuals and teams are supported to deliver and encouraged to innovate, challenge and learn. 

For all roles it is important that applicants have experience of working in a policy environment in Government, and applicants should have experience of successfully managing stakeholders with competing priorities. Key skills in these roles include the ability to explain complex information to stakeholders in a non-complex manner, strong communication skills and experience in evidence based policy making alongside an ability to grip new issues quickly, work closely with senior managers and/or Ministers and deliver at pace. 

All roles available will be stretching posts that will play a key role in helping to shape the future work of the NIO. As a small department the NIO operates as one team and alongside your immediate team and NIO colleagues, you will have the opportunity to work closely with a range of interesting  and high profile stakeholders including the NI political parties and NI Executive Departments, the Cabinet Office and the other Territorial Offices and key stakeholders in the wider NI political and business communities.  

Political Affairs Group 

The Political Affairs Group works to ensure a thriving democracy at all levels in Northern Ireland. We do this through our strong relationships with Northern Ireland’s political parties, the Executive, the Assembly and with communities and civic, voluntary and academic stakeholders, as well as engaging with international partners. 

The team supports the stability and peace brought about by the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and its successors, and supports the newly restored institutions to survive and thrive to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. The team also oversees the delivery of the New Decade, New Approach agreement reached in January 2020.

The jobholder(s) will be expected to develop a strong expertise on Northern Ireland politics, and community issues, and the events, people and decisions that shape them. They will also play a key role in ensuring that the Northern Ireland Office and the whole of the UK Government maintains a strong understanding of Northern Ireland’s political events and their impact on UK Government policy and approach. 

The roles offer significant amounts of autonomy, and the post-holders should be comfortable with driving forward work and maintaining effective, responsive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. 

  • Senior Policy Adviser, International, will provide policy advice on engagement with stakeholders in the US and Ireland on Northern Ireland affairs, and support the work of the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat.
  • Senior Policy Adviser, Programmes will lead the design and delivery of funding programmes which deliver on the Political Affairs group's objectives.
  • Senior Policy Adviser, Outreach & Engagement will develop relationships with NI community leaders helping to address community challenges and keep Northern Ireland safe.
  • Senior Policy Adviser, Civic Engagement & Programmes will lead on engagement with civic society partners, including faith groups, youth groups and others, while also supporting the delivery of funding programmes which deliver on our objectives.

Duties and responsibilities of these roles will involve:

  • Working with teams across the NIO to manage the delivery by UK Government of our commitments made under the New Decade, New Approach deal, as well as managing the governance arrangements under that agreement to oversee wider implementation of the agreement by all parties;
  • Shaping the NIO’s international engagement programme;
  • Actively monitoring and reporting on political events in Northern Ireland, including Assembly and Executive business, and using excellent political awareness and judgement to identify and communicate the wider implications of this on the NIO’s work;
  • Identifying risks to political stability in Northern Ireland, and working with teams across the NIO to manage and mitigate these;
  • Establishing and building effective relationships with civic sector groups (voluntary, community, youth, academic, faith, and local council groups).
  • Providing advice and briefings to Ministers and senior officials.
  • Supporting senior official/ministerial engagements with civic sector groups.
  • Explore options for investment in community outreach programmes.

Essential Criteria for all Roles:

  • Strong ability to see the bigger picture and to weigh up the pros and cons of various factors to give robust and accurate advice to senior leaders.
  • Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and ability to present and disseminate analysis and recommendations effectively and persuasively to a range of audiences, including senior leaders or Ministers.
  • The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and a broad range of stakeholders.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and facilitate solutions to challenging issues. 

Desirable Criteria

  • A good understanding of the political environment in Northern Ireland.

Selection Process

The process for selection will be in two stages: application and interview.

 Application

The application is made up of 2 parts:

  • A suitability statement of no more than 500 words setting out how you meet the essential/desirable criteria.
  • Evidence statements of no more than 250 words on the following Civil Service Behaviours 

(We will assess these at Level 3 of the Civil Service Success Profiles):

  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Delivering at pace
  • Working Together

Should we receive a high volume of applications we will be sifting against the suitability statement and the lead behaviours of ‘Communicating and Influencing’ and ‘Seeing the bigger picture’.

More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found here.

Interview

The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of behaviours, technical skills and experience based questions.

Security Clearance

Candidates can expect to undergo CTC level security clearance to take up this post. SC and/or DV clearance may be required for specific posts.

Pay and Allowances

The successful candidate will adopt the terms and conditions of the NIO for the length of their appointment. 

A Recruitment and Retention Allowance is available for Belfast-based staff up to a maximum of £4,000 for Band B, bringing the effective band minima up to £34,989 (from £30,989).

This allowance is non-pensionable and subject to annual review in line with MoJ pay awards.

Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post.

Further Information

Further information about the post may be obtained from 

Paul.Flynn@nio.gov.uk 

Applications

You can apply for this post through the Civil Service website at: civilservice.gov.uk.  Once logged onto the site go to the civil service jobs page and then search for jobs in the Northern Ireland Office where the application form can be found.

Additional information received after the closing date will not be considered.  Failure to provide sufficient information in support of an application prior to the closing date will not be considered as grounds for an appeal if an applicant is not shortlisted for interview.

Home Civil Service applicants who, because of disability, need assistance in completing the application form should contact MoJ Shared Services on 0845 010 3512.

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment.

Please note that due to the high interest in NIO opportunities, feedback cannot be given if you are unsuccessful at sift stage. Feedback is available on request if unsuccessful following interview.

Additional Information

Further information about us

We are a small and friendly department of approximately 175 staff.  Due to our size we are able to offer staff more exposure to ministers and the opportunity to work on a far wider portfolio of responsibilities than might be the case in a larger department.  This creates an interesting, though often challenging, work environment.

Other Benefits

The NIO offers a pleasant, modern work environment which allows consideration of a range of flexible working arrangements which support a good work/ life balance. These include flexible/ alternative working patterns, part-time and job-share options.

Benefits include:

  • interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans
  • Reward & Recognition scheme

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

The Northern Ireland Office operates the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, details of which are attached to the application form for this post.

In the event that we identify more appointable candidates than we currently have posts available, we will hold applicant details on a reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. This may include roles at a lower grade. Candidates placed on a reserve list will be informed of this. Those candidates who do not wish to remain on the reserve list should contact MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com to be removed from the reserve list.  

Further information on civil service careers can be found at  www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk

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. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles.  

Please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk) in the first instance.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: 

http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

Working Arrangements & Further Information

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Support

·         A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.

·         Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits,retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.

·         For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

·         Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.

·         Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

1-    To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) 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 (details available here)

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Grading Structure Review

The Ministry of Justice is currently undergoing a review of posts which are currently graded at Band A to realign our grading structure with the majority of the wider Civil Service.

Posts advertised at Band A may be graded at either Grade 6 or Grade 7 once the review has taken place.  

Interview dates to be agreed by panel

19/05/2021, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 43576.
Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC)

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Seeing the Big Picture.
if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 500 word limit
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace
Working Together

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

· UK nationals

· nationals of the Republic of Ireland

· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020

· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.