69850 - Business Engagement Advisor

£37,683 - £41,506
1
12 Months
Northern Ireland
Belfast
MOJ NIO Erskine House, BT1 4GF
SEO
SEO
Permanent
Full Time
Policy

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.

Department - Northern Ireland Office
Post Vacant - Business Engagement Advisor
Location - Belfast 
Occasional Travel to other office locations will be required.
Duration - Permanent
Applications invited from - Existing Civil Servants and external candidates
(Salary scale: National £37,683 - £41,506)
Closing Date - 31/1/2023

Who we are

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 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,following the exit from 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 role:

This is a challenging and demanding, but highly rewarding role. As Business Engagement Adviser you will sit at the heart of the Northern Ireland Office in the External Relations and Communications Directorate. You will work closely with Private Offices and policy teams across the department, as well as other government departments, on a range of priorities. This includes, but is not limited to, working closely with teams whose responsibilities are the Economy, Protocol, Trade & Investment and the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

As part of the role you will also have to build and maintain relationships across the Northern Ireland business community acting as a key point of contact for the department. In undertaking this role you will need to coordinate with the department’s policy leads as well as colleagues in BEIS, DIT, DfT and DLUHC who also engage across the NI business community. It will be important to ensure clear and consistent messaging across all discussions. 

This role will not only involve direct business engagement but you will also be responsible for supporting the Head of Business Engagement to set the strategic direction of the department’s Ministerial Engagement with the business community and umbrella organisations, working closely with policy leads across the department as we seek to make Northern Ireland more prosperous. You will also lead the planning and delivery of on the ground visits/engagements for the Northern Ireland Office Ministerial Team, senior officials, and Ministers from other government departments. 

The 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement takes place on 10 April 2023.  This role will be responsible for supporting the prosperity-themed events and announcements taking place throughout the year to mark the occasion. This includes a Trade and Investment event being delivered by the Department for International Trade, as announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a very important area of the UK Government. As a successful candidate, you will be part of a small dedicated team focused on delivering a quality service for Ministers and stakeholders. You will work closely with Private Offices, policy teams and comms and engagement colleagues in other government departments. Building effective networks and relationships with these teams, as well as the Northern Ireland business community, will be critical. We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join the NIO’s External Relations Group to fill a vacancy that has become available due to staff transfer.

Duties and responsibilities:

The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

The post is part of the NIO’s External Relations and Communications Directorate. The Directorate has a broad range of responsibilities which include the strategic planning and delivery of Ministerial engagements, visit programmes for royal visits and visiting VVIPs, and major public events as well as delivering all the departments proactive and reactive communication activity including across our digital platforms. 

The business area works closely with a range of senior stakeholders in Whitehall and NI Departments, Royal Households, the Irish Government, local authorities, businesses, and civil society organisations.

The External Relations and Communications Directorate is a busy and varied area of work, requiring outstanding collaboration and partnering skills. This is a challenging and exciting post which requires good judgement, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to prioritise competing tasks to challenging timescales.

If you are successful, you can expect to work across a number of areas in the Directorate, which will include responsibility for some of the following priority areas of work:

  • Smooth and efficient running of the department’s business engagement activity, working alongside the Secretary of State’s office, Minister of State’s office, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State’s office, senior officials and policy teams. This engagement will seek to support NIO policy & comms programmes and planning in relation to prosperity.
  • Ensuring that the department has a clear understanding of Ministerial views, priorities and objectives for business engagement, while also ensuring these compliment the views, priorities and objectives of the policy and comms teams. 
  • Provide strategic advice on business engagement, in partnership with policy and comms teams, to Ministers and senior officials and providing written and verbal briefing ahead of Ministerial and senior official engagement. 
  • Ensure that Ministerial engagement with key stakeholders, including those based in Northern Ireland, supports the broader engagement strategy of the Department.
  • Providing advice to other Government Departments on engagement and communications with the business community in NI, including major government announcements.
  • Supporting the development of the department’s business engagement strategy to complement our policy priorities.
  • Support the development and oversight of business contacts and engagement recording.
  • Providing insight and analysis of business issues in NI to cross Whitehall stakeholders.
  • Supporting the programme of work to mark Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25th anniversary as appropriate.
  • Delivery of ad-hoc projects that involve working with the NI business community, for example bespoke events and to mark special occasions.  

Travel within Northern Ireland including attending visits and occasional travel between Belfast and London will be required.

Essential Criteria:

  • Proven experience of working effectively with stakeholders; a strong ability to influence at all levels, and to work collaboratively to resolve difficult issues. 
  • Excellent communication, organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to work effectively across a range of tasks and under pressure. 
  • The ability to think strategically and creatively, recognising where improvements can be made and implementing them. 
  • Experience working with senior executives/officials and providing for them high-quality, accurate written briefing to tight deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

  • An understanding of the NI business landscape and key stakeholders. 
  • Experience of working in external relations/affairs.
  • Previous experience of the GCS External Affairs profession
  • Driving licence and access to a vehicle

Additional Information:

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

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

Additional information received after the closing date will not be considered. 

For the essential and desirable criteria please upload a suitability statement of no more than 250 words setting out how you meet the essential/desirable criteria

Selection Process: 

The selection and interview process will consist of two stages:

Sift

Behaviours  

We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at Level 3 during the selection process.

  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace

Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviour “Delivering at Pace” and “Communicating and Influencing.”

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

Experience

Statement of suitability no longer than 250 words outlining how you meet the requirements for the role and a demonstration of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Interview

You will be assessed on the behaviour and experience elements of the success profile framework.

More information on Success Profiles can be found here.

Security Clearance - Security clearance to SC level will be required for this post.
Eligibility Sift - An eligibility sift will be carried out on the basis of the information contained in the application form.  It is therefore important that all applicants demonstrate in their application how and to what extent their behaviours are relevant to the above criteria.  Those candidates who do not clearly demonstrate that they meet the experience and behaviours will not be invited to interview.
Pay and Allowances - The successful candidate will adopt the terms and conditions of the NIO for the length of their appointment. 
Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post.
Further Information -  Further information about the post may be obtained from Oliver Newton by email to oliver.newton@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.

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

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 185 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/

https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/

Merit Lists

In the event that the advertised post following interview, identifies more appointable applicants than available posts, we will hold applicant details on a merit/reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further future appointments can be made. 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.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

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.

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.

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 moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

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

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

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.

Interview dates to be agreed by panel

31/01/2023, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 69850.
Security Clearance (SC)

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 Delivering at Pace.
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
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Seeing the Big Picture - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 250 word limit
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Delivering at Pace, 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
Delivering at Pace
Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
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.