Director of Communications, Northern Ireland Office

Senior Civil Service, Pay Band 2

Closing date: Noon, 26th November 2019

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Contents

The RoleThe Department

Person Specification

Salary & Benefits

Application Process FAQs Diversity &

Inclusion Contact Us

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Welcome MessageSir Jonathan Stephens KCB, Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Office

There are a number of activities that are critical to achieving this goal. Working to restore devolved institutions; representing Northern Ireland’s interests in the preparations for leaving the EU; ensuring safety and security across Northern Ireland in response to a continuing dissident threat; delivering a growing economy; and ensuring a stronger society by overcoming the division and legacy of the past.

The department’s strategic objectives are all linked to the two principal challenges that we face in both the immediate and longer-term: working with the Northern Ireland political parties, and the Irish Government where appropriate, to restore the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly; and ensuring that Northern Ireland’s interests are represented during the negotiations for withdrawal from the European Union and in the post-Exit settlement. Both challenges will have a direct impact on the social and economic landscapes and across all communities in Northern Ireland.

We are a department with 240 talented people and we punch above our weight in terms of the issues and risks that we manage on behalf of the Government. We engage on a wide range of issues in Northern Ireland on behalf of the UK Government, as well as representing the interests of Northern Ireland across Whitehall.

We work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive (when in formation), Cabinet Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Exiting the EU, Department for International Trade and the Irish Government; as well as with stakeholders across the community in Northern Ireland to meet our objectives. This post will be a key part of our leadership team, responsible for:• Developing and leading our communications strategy to

ensure that our priorities are understood more widely• Ensuring a close working relationship with the wider

Government Communications Service• Leading a team of dedicated communications professionals to

support the work of Ministers through public messaging• Working closely to support the delivery of cross Government

campaigns In Northern Ireland

We are a hard-working team, working flexibly with colleagues and partner organisations to make Northern Ireland a better place through building political stability, a prosperous economy, keeping people safe and in dealing with our past. I would encourage you to consider applying for this exciting opportunity that provides a unique and crucial role in supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s priorities for Northern Ireland.

Sir Jonathan Stephens KCBPermanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Office

We are a department with 240 talented people and we punch above our weight in terms of the issues and risks that we manage on behalf of the Government.

Sir Jonathan Stephens KCB

Thank you for your interest in this important role.This is a critical moment to be joining the Northern Ireland Office. The work of our department is at the centre of the Government’s desire to see Northern Ireland as a thriving and successful part of the United Kingdom

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About the Northern Ireland Office Who we are

The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland within a stronger United Kingdom.

• We make sure that Northern Ireland interests are represented within the UK Government and that UK government responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland.

• The Northern Ireland Office employs around 240 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. The successful delivery of the NIO’s strategic priorities requires us to adopt a flexible approach to ensure that the right people, with the right skills, are in the right place.

• This means we are able to offer staff extensive exposure to Ministers and the opportunity to work on a far wider portfolio of policy and responsibilities than might be the case in a larger department. This creates an interesting and challenging work environment.

What we do

Our key purpose is to maintain Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. In order to achieve this we will work to ensure good political governance by effectively working alongside a restored Northern Ireland Executive to:

• Secure, sustain and support effective, inclusive devolved government in Northern Ireland and the full and faithful implementation of the Belfast and other Agreements.

• Ensure a more secure Northern Ireland.

• Deliver a growing and strengthening economy.

• Ensure a stronger society by supporting initiatives designed to build better community relations and a genuinely shared future.

• Support the United Kingdom’s effective exit from the European Union

• Ensuring that Northern Ireland’s interests are represented during the negotiations for withdrawal and in the post-Exit settlement.

• For more information about what we do go to:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/northern-ireland-office

About the Government Communication ServiceAlex Aiken, Head of Government Communications Function

In this role you will be part of the Government Communication Service and one of its senior leaders across Whitehall. The Government Communication Service (GCS) is the professional body for people working in communication roles across government. Their aim is to provide an exceptional standard of professional practice in support of the government, implementing the priorities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to build a stronger economy, a fairer society, a United Kingdom and a global Britain. GCS draws together professional communicators from across the UK to support the work of 25 ministerial departments, 21 non-ministerial departments and over 300 agencies and other public bodies. exceptional public service.

For further information about the GCS visit their website https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/.

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About the roleYou will be responsible for delivering a highly effective and resilient communications and media operation in the Northern Ireland Office as Director of Communications, allowing you to play a part in wider government communications as a senior leader in the Government Communications Service.

The Director of Communication will lead the strategic communications and supporting media activity across the department. You will be responsible for developing communications objectives to underpin key policy, as well as overseeing day to day communications and media activity by Ministers. You will use your judgement to identify issues that need to be brought to the attention of Ministers and senior officials, as a key member of the senior leadership team.

Ensuring strong internal communications activity within the department and linking departmental communications activity into wider campaign activity across government will be essential. Given the work of the Department, a good understanding and experience of Northern Ireland issues would be highly desirable.

Building effective external networks and relationships with other communications and media professionals in both Whitehall and Northern Ireland will be critical. You will provide corporate leadership within the department working closely with fellow senior leaders.

You will also have responsibility for the leadership and development of your team, overseeing their activity and performance management to ensure high standards of service to ministers and senior officials, while ensuring that they are resilient when under pressure.

Job titleDirector of Communications, Northern Ireland Office

Vacancy ReferenceOPCD

LocationThe successful candidate can be based in London or Belfast but regular travel between the two locations will be necessary.

Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.

Grade and SalaryExternal applicants can expect to achieve between £90,000-£100,000 per annum.

Existing civil servants will be appointed in line with the Civil Service pay rules in place on the date of their appointment.

The Role This is a challenging and demanding role, but also a rewarding one. It offers a unique opportunity to operate at the very heart of Government in the Northern Ireland Office, working closely with Ministers and senior officials to develop and lead our approach to communicating our priorities strategically.

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Key responsibilities as Director of Communication will include, but are not limited to:• Overall responsibility for developing and delivering a communications strategy for

the Department, ensuring that it addresses key policy priorities and departmental objectives so that they can be communicated clearly to a wide range of audiences.

• Play an active role in the wider leadership of the Government Communications Service across Whitehall, building partnerships with key external stakeholders. You will need to demonstrate the ability to represent the views of the Secretary of State, Ministers and the Department credibly in these high-level relationships.

• Strategic oversight on the preparation of communication advice to support policy development from across the Department, ensuring that it links in with wider cross Government priorities.

• Leadership of the NIO’s communications team, ensuring that they are managed effectively and that they work as one team, to deliver the high level of support required to communicate the Department’s wider policy priorities.

• Ensure that that arrangements are in place for the Communications and Media team to be accessible out of hours to support media activity on emerging issues.

• Contribute to the development of the Communications Strategy for the UK Government, highlighting the role and work of the Northern Ireland Office, working closely with the Permanent Secretary, senior officials and special advisers, delivering the highest quality support for the Secretary of State and Ministers as they communicate key policy.

• Improving professional practice within the communications and media team, as well as in the wider NIO, supported by the GCS, assisting the development of capability on public messaging across the team.

• Contribute to the wider corporate leadership of the Northern Ireland Office through being a key member of the Senior Leadership team in the Department.

• Lead and develop internal communications within the NIO to ensure that key corporate messages are delivered to teams in both Belfast and London

• Professional leadership of UK Government Communicators based in Northern Ireland including the Cabinet Office team.

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This is a very challenging role in a complex political environment. Successful candidates will need to be able to demonstrate a track record against the below essential criteria:

Person Specification

• Be an experienced senior communicator and leader with skills in successfully delivering strategic communications in a challenging environment, in an internal and external context.

• Working effectively with senior level Executives, or Ministers and senior officials, with the ability to influence at all levels, and working collaboratively to resolve challenging issues.

• The ability to think strategically and creatively, recognising where improvements can be made and implementing them through effective leadership.

• A good understanding of the media environment and experience of working with senior level stakeholders to influence outcomes.

• Exceptional interpersonal and management skills with the ability to provide strong leadership across a geographically dispersed team.

• Building, maintaining and managing strong relationships with key stakeholders in a complex organisational environment.

• Strong corporate skills working as part of a wider leadership team in the Department.

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Salary and BenefitsSalary and Pension

The post is at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 (SCS 2) level. External applications can expect to achieve between £90,000 and £100,000 per annum. Standard pay rules apply for existing civil servants.

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package where the employer makes a significant contribution to the cost of your pension; your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken. This means, if you pay tax, your take-home pay will not be reduced by the full amount of your contribution; and your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. For more information visit www.civilservice.gov.uk/pensions

Leave Allowance

Full time new entrants to the Civil Service and those Civil Servants on modernised terms and conditions will be entitled to 25 days leave increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition to this you are entitled to 8 public/bank holidays plus an additional day for the Queen’s Birthday.

Other Benefits

Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans.

Available Working Pattern(s)

The NIO is keen to support and promote flexible working and is open to receiving applications from individuals who would like to job share and/or who would like to discuss flexible working. However this will be a full-time role and there might be irregular hours and a sustained working pattern.

Where will I be based?

The post will be based in either London or Belfast with regular travel between the two locations. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.

Training and development:

We are committed to investing in our staff and offer a range of work-based training and qualifications, coaching and mentoring opportunities and a guaranteed five days of learning a year.

On appointment to this role, you will become a member of the Government Communication Service -the professional body for people in communication roles across government. You will have access to an extensive curriculum of professional development opportunities, talent development programmesand networks for communication professionals.

More information can be found in the GCS Handbook: https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/6.4043_CO_SB_GCS-Handbook_v2_Nov2017.pdf

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ApplicationTo apply for this post, you will need to submit the following documentation to www.saxbam.com/appointmnts, using the code OPCD by no later than Noon on Tuesday 26th November.

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.

2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than two pages) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for this role, with particular reference to the criteria in the person specification.

3. A completed Diversity Monitoring Form. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select ‘prefer not to say’.

Failure to complete these documents (CV and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. Please ensure that both documents contain your full name.

As part of the online application process, you will be asked a number of diversity-related questions. The information you provide when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service becoming the most inclusive employer by 2020.

If you are unable to apply online please telephone Sophie Tredinnick on 020 7227 0889.

GDPR personal data noticeAccording to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data within your CV (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior agreement.

The diversity monitoring form will not be shared with anyone involved in assessing your application. You will need to complete the form as part of the application process.

Application Process

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Selection process Sarah Laessig, a Civil Service Commissioner, will chair the process. The Civil Service Commission has two primary functions:• Providing assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. For the most senior

posts in the Civil Service, the Commission discharges its responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and by a Commissioner chairing the selection panel

• Hearing and determining appeals made by civil servants under the Civil Service Code which sets out the Civil Service values – Impartiality, Objectivity, Integrity and Honesty - and forms part of the relationship between civil servants and their employer.

More detailed information can be found on the Civil Service Commission website.In addition to Sarah, the other panel members will be:

Lindy Cameron, Director General Northern Ireland OfficeMark Larmour, Director Political Engagement and Security Alex Aiken, Executive Director for Government Communications

Longlist and ShortlistYou will receive an acknowledgement of your application through the online process.The panel will then assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the person specification. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and all longlisted and shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

AssessmentIf you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a series of assessments which may include psychometric tests and a technical assessment. These assessments will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to support the panel’s decision making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview. In addition to this, you may be required to meet with the Secretary of State, Northern Ireland.You will be asked to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Two professional references may be taken in advance of the final interviews with the shortlisted candidates. Please be assured we will not contact your referees without your permission to do so.Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

Application Process

Timetable Candidates are asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, as it may not be possible to offer any alternative dates for assessments or interviews. Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing DateNoon, 26th November 2019

Longlist MeetingWeek commencing 2nd December

Short List MeetingWeek commencing 6th January

AssessmentsWeek commencing 13th January

InterviewsWeek commencing 20th January

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FAQs1. Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant?

Yes. This role is open to suitably qualified people in the external market and to existing civil servants and those in accredited Non Departmental Bodies.

2. Is this role permanent?

This role is being offered as a permanent role.

3. Is this role suitable for part-time working?

The NIO is keen to support and promote flexible working and is open to receiving applications from individuals who would like to job share and/or who would like to discuss flexible working. However this will be a full-time role and there might be irregular hours and a sustained working pattern.

4. Will the role involve travel?

The role will be based in London or Belfast with regular travel between the two locations.

5. Where will the role be based?

The role will be based in London or Belfast with regular travel between the two locations.

Unfortunately relocation costs will not be reimbursed.

6. Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?

No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

7. What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply?

To be eligible for employment to this role you must be a national from the following countries:

• The United Kingdom

• The Republic of Ireland

• The Commonwealth*

• A European Economic Area (EEA) Member State

• Switzerland

• Turkey

• Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless of their nationality.

• (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who have no right of abode in the UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.)

• For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.

• Certain family members of EEA, Switzerland and Turkish nationals are also eligible to apply regardless of their nationality.

• (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the UK, who have no right of abode in the UK and who do not have leave to enter the UK are ineligible to apply.)

• For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.

8. Is security clearance required?

Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to SC level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-clearance

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FAQs9. What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. Reasonable adjustments could include; allowing extra time during selection tests; ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format or; by providing training.If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us in the first instance.

If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information, or in an alternative format e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then please contact: Sophie Tredinnick on 020 7227 0889.

10. What is the role of the Civil Service Commission in relation to recruitment into the Civil Service?

The Civil Service Commission has three primary functions:• To provide assurance 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. For the most senior posts in the Civil Service, the Commission discharges its responsibilities directly by overseeing the recruitment process and by a Commissioner chairing the selection panel.

• To hear and determine appeals made by civil servants under the Civil Service Code which sets out the Civil Service values – Honesty, Integrity, Impartiality and Objectivity – and forms part of the relationship between civil servants and their employer.

• Civil Service Commissioners chair selection panels for all external recruitment competitions at Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 (Directors), Pay Band 3 (Director General) and Permanent Secretary levels. An external competition is one that is advertised outside the Civil Service and candidates who are not existing civil servants may apply.

12. What do I do if I want to make a complaint?

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the recruitment principles and wish to make a complaint then you should contact Sophie Tredinnick Sophie.Tredinnick@saxbam.com in the first instance.

13. What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest?

Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the Department.

If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest, please contact Mark Larmour Mark.Larmour@nio.gov.uk before submitting your application.

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The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer in the UK.vWe are committed to understanding, respecting and representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service.

Our vision is to ensure the Civil Service represents modern Britain and is a truly inclusive employer - an example to other employers. We will create an organisation where diversity is not only respected and valued - but celebrated.

What’s in it for me?

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us - regardless of background.If you’re interested in becoming a world class leader, developing your career with us – starting with this interesting and challenging role – or doing things differently and inspiring colleagues, then the Civil Service is the place for you.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

What’s next?

You’ve taken the first step and looked through this job pack to understand the skills and experience needed to perform this role. Now join us in achieving our ambitions and let us help you achieve yours.

Contact usFor more information about the GCS, visit https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk

We encourage all candidates to discuss the role further before submitting an application. If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Sophie Tredinnick on 020 7227 0889.