85296 - Head of Ceremonial

Department     NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE
Post Vacant    Head of Ceremonial
Location    Belfast
Duration    Permanent
Applications Invited From    External, level transfer, on promotion
Closing Date    27th March 2024

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; and 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:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead on the Department's planning for BRIDGES including LONDON BRIDGE and Other BRIDGE events which are likely to be high profile in Northern Ireland. Includes:
  • Attendance at Cabinet Office-led XWH/Royal Household planning meetings
  • Secretariat to the NIO's own BRIDGES governance structures including the Strategic (GOLD) and Operational (SILVER) planning groups
  • Maintenance and oversight of the Everbridge alert system 
  • Management of Partners including procurement and contract management
  • Development of a new version of Op SHAMROCK including the Ceremonial plan
  • Testing, exercising and recces
• Ensure comprehensive planning and effective delivery for visits by members of the Royal Family, including the Secretary of State's annual Garden Party.
• Responsible for delivery of the Honours rounds for the Department and any matters relating to ceremonial medals or other awards
• Oversight of a range of other protocol issues including:
  • Lord-Lieutenants (LLs), Deputy LLs,
  • Car pool and management of the self-drive, including contracted supplier of chauffeur services
  • Consequentials of the change of Monarch including supporting the ERII Memorialisation Committee, new Great Seal for Northern Ireland and a change in the Coat of Arms 

Essential Criteria:

• An ability to communicate and influence a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration skills, demonstrating the ability to work effectively across boundaries to achieve organisational priorities.
• A proven track record in delivering high profile visits and/or events.
• Excellent leadership capability, able to motivate and inspire a small and very high-performing team.

Desirable Citeria:

• Experience of working with the Royal Households or in a role that requires a comprehensive understanding of royal protocol.
• Experience in finance, procurement and/or contract management.

Selection Process:

The selection and interview process will consist of two stages. Additional information received after  the closing date will not be considered. 

SIFT – In the event of a large number of applications, sift may take place based on the lead behaviour: Communicating and Influencing.

INTERVIEW – Candidates invited to interview will be asked to give a five minute presentation at the start of the interview, and the panel may ask some follow up questions relating to it before progressing to the rest of the interview. The title of this presentation will be provided to candidates alongside the interview invitation.
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. 
FURTHER INFORMATION     Further information about the post may be obtained from x
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. 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.

Addition 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.