Deputy Director for Finance and Operations
Northern Ireland Office
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 Sunday 7th December 2025
1
Contents
Person
Introduction
The Role
Benefits
Specification
Recruitment
Diversity &
FAQs
Contact Us
Process
Inclusion
2
Welcome to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
Thank you for your interest
UK Cabinet minister with lead responsibility
Our work is often high profile and never far
in joining the NIO team
for all matters Northern Ireland.
from the media. This comes with
challenges as well as exciting opportunities
We have achieved a lot over the past year,
not least supporting and enabling the
to share the work that we do. It requires us
successful restoration of the Northern
to deliver through our civil service values
Ireland Executive. Our work is highly
and with an appreciation of the significance
stimulating and fast moving, politically and
and sensitivity of the work that we do. It is
operationally. It also demands sensitivity
also extremely rewarding. Few
and patience.
organisations can offer careers with the
potential to make such a direct impact on
As a department with the benefit of being
society, working closely with a Ministerial
small and expert, we work best together,
team. You may be working in the civil
and in a way that reflects the deep
service or in wider public service, or indeed
oto or video here
Based in London and Belfast, we provide
interconnections between the issues in
elsewhere. If you have the skills,
the best possible advice and support we
Northern Ireland. In practice, this means
experience, ambition and energy to join this
can to our Ministerial team, led by the
we: plan for outcomes; deliver through
team I look forward to your application.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the
projects; and organise through our
relationships and expertise.
Dr Julie Harrison
Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland
Office
3
About the Northern Ireland Office
The purpose of the Secretary of State for
deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities in
a flexible project-based approach to ensure
Northern Ireland and the NIO (UKG’s
Northern Ireland. It ensures Northern
that we have the right people, with the right
centre of expertise on Northern Ireland) has
Ireland issues are fully and effectively
skills, in the right place to support the
remained the same, whether or not the
represented at Westminster and across
delivery of our key objectives.
Executive is functioning, since the
Government - and that the Government’s
For more information about what we do,
Assembly met in 1999. That purpose is to
responsibilities are fully and effectively
visit:
ensure that Northern Ireland is secure, with
represented in Northern Ireland. We do this
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisatio
stable and effective devolved institutions,
through supporting and ensuring the
ns/northern-ireland-office
improving community relations and a
effective functioning of the devolved
growing economy.
institutions; keeping people safe from the
threats of terrorism and organised
The department’s vision is simple; to make
criminality; supporting the delivery of a
Northern Ireland a better place to live, work
growing economy; helping to reduce
and invest. It is a small Ministerial
community divisions; building mutual trust
Department with big responsibilities -
and establishing meaningful
delivered primarily through the purposeful
interculturalism.
application of expertise, organisation and
relationships.
The Northern Ireland Office employs
around 170 staff, with offices in Belfast and
The department supports the Secretary of
State and the wider Ministerial team to
London. As a small Department, we adopt
4
Tara Smith
Conrad Smewing
Joint-Head of Government
Joint-Head of Government
Finance Function,
Finance Function,
and Chief Operating Officer at
and Director General, Public Spending
Department for Business and Trade
at HM Treasury
Joining us in this role also means becoming part of the
A community only works if everyone feels they belong. So,
Government Finance Function (GFF). So, we wanted to take this
diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are always important to us. In
opportunity to introduce ourselves.
fact, they’re the foundation of our future strategy. Plus, we make
sure to keep our community connected in lots of different ways:
We’re the GFF, a community made up of all the finance
through colleague networks and virtual and in-person events.
colleagues throughout government. We might work in different
So, no matter where you’re based, or which organisation you
organisations, in different locations all over the UK, but one very
work in, you’ll always feel part of the GFF.
important mission brings us together: to put finance at the heart
of decision making, delivering value for money and
It all adds up to something pretty special. A 10,000+ strong
strengthening public trust.
community managing one of the largest balance sheets in the
UK. All working together to enable the delivery of high-quality
We manage big budgets, in big ways. And we do it all together.
public services, ensure public money is spent efficiently and
Which means, even though working with public money is a big
effectively, and improve lives all throughout the country. That’s
responsibility, you’ll never shoulder it alone. We’re always
quite something. And it’s why we say: there’s strength in
sharing knowledge, expertise and resources with each other.
numbers.
And ensuring everyone within the GFF gets the learning and
development they need: from internal training through the
Government Finance Academy to support to pursue external
Find out more about us on our careers site:
qualifications. It makes the GFF a great place to progress your
www.financecareers.civilservice.gov.uk.
career, with plenty on offer to help you follow your interests and
build a future you’re truly excited by.
5
About the role
Job Title
This role is offered on a two year-loan or
As the senior finance professional for the
Deputy Director for Finance and Operations
secondment with the option to extend for a
department, you will be a trusted partner
third year.
supporting the Permanent Secretary in their
Location
role as Principal Accounting Officer. You
For external candidates, this will be a fixed-
Belfast or London
will set the financial strategy for the coming
term appointment. For existing civil
years following the recent Spending
Please note the requirements for travel and
servants this will be via a loan or detached
Review conclusion, ensuring the
level of flexibility available as set out in the
duty. If appointed on promotion, on
department makes best use of available
FAQs section.
returning to the home department/team the
resources to deliver the Government’s
employee will revert to the substantive
Salary
priorities.
grade on which they were employed before
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ
the loan began unless otherwise agreed in
You will also oversee the IT, Estates, and
SCS PB1 range (£81,000 - £117,800)
advance.
Corporate Security functions, ensuring
appropriate infrastructure, efficient
It is expected that successful applicants will
The Role
workspace management, and security
be appointed at the band minimum of
As Deputy Director for Finance and
procedures are in place. Furthermore, you
£81,000.
Operations, you will perform a vital role
will oversee the Knowledge and Information
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in
within the department, leading teams
Management team, ensuring the
line with the Civil Service pay rules in place
across the Corporate Operations Group
department is managing its records
on the date of their appointment.
(COG), working closely with the other
appropriately, responding to Freedom of
Contract Type
Deputy Director for the group.
Information requests promptly and
complying with other regulations. This team
6
is also responsible for the Google services
● Lead on financial planning and
● Lead work on Fiscal Events and lead
used by the department, including the
strategy, ensuring appropriate and
and manage the relationship with
embedding of AI.
robust forecasts are established to
HM Treasury as well as overarching
enable effective delivery of the
financial advice to Ministers on
We are seeking a highly skilled and
department’s priorities as agreed at
handling HMT commissions.
experienced individual to join our dynamic
team. This is a crucial leadership role,
the recent Spending Review and
● Responsible for Departmental
requiring an individual who can operate at a
driving forward efficiency
compliance with technical
strategic level and drive financial and
commitments.
accounting and Government
operations excellence across the
● Be an integral part of the
standards and overseeing the
organisation. We are looking for a
organisation's senior management
production of the Annual Report and
candidate who possesses a strong
background in finance as well as broad
team, forging strong relationships
Accounts.
leadership, communication and change
with strategy, policy and operational
● Oversight of the IT, estates, security
skills. The role would suit someone seeking
teams across the organisation
and Knowledge & Information
to develop the necessary skills for future
ensuring the financial strategy and
Management teams.
Chief Operating Officer roles.
plans are fully aligned to the
organisation’s broader strategy and
● With the other COG Deputy Director,
Key Responsibilities
priorities.
oversee the implementation of new
technology and capabilities,
● Support the Permanent Secretary in
● Attend the Departmental
including the use of AI tools.
their role as Principal Accounting
Management Board, Executive
Officer, providing strong leadership
Committee and Audit & Risk
● In partnership with the other COG
for financial management, planning
Assurance Committee meetings,
Deputy Director, continue to develop
and partnering across the
providing financial reporting,
and mature the corporate
Department.
analysis and insight on key issues.
7
capabilities to support delivery of the
department’s priorities and meet its
legislative and regulatory
responsibilities.
8
Person Specification
It is important through your CV and Statement Essential Experience:
Desirable Experience:
of Suitability that you give evidence and
• A substantial track record of success in
• Previous experience in leading similar
examples of proven experience of each of the
a senior finance leadership role in a
operations teams, including relevant
selection criteria detailed.
fast-moving finance area within a
legislative requirements.
complex organisation, preferably within
• Previous experience leading Spending
the public sector.
Review process and negotiations with
• A highly effective track record of
HM Treasury.
interpreting financial information to help
• Previous experience of Enterprise
shape and influence organisational
Resource Planning (ERP)
strategy.
implementation and transformation.
• Strong relationship building, numeracy
Required Qualifications:
and analytical skills, and strategic
• Qualified with CCAB, CIMA, or
thinking.
equivalent.
• Strong leadership skills with evidence of
building diverse, high performing teams.
9
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
You will also be assessed against the following
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communication and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
Read more in the Civil Service Success
Profiles Section.
10
The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
1. Responses to the eligibility questions to
Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of
check you are eligible to apply for the role.
applicants for this role, we are unable to
The selection process will be chaired by Holly
2. A response to whether you would like to
provide feedback to those not successful at
Clark, Chief Operating Officer, NIO. The other
request reasonable adjustments during
shortlist stage. Candidates who are shortlisted
panel members will be confirmed ahead of the
the selection process. The Disability
and attend an interview will be offered verbal
interviews.
Support section explains how adjustments
feedback from a member of the interview
can be made to the selection process to
Support during the selection process
accommodate a disability.
panel.
3. You will also need to complete a CV and
If you need any support or have any questions
Panel Interview [and Presentation]
Statement of Suitability. It is important
during any stage of the selection process,
that your CV and Statement of Suitability
You will be invited to attend an interview and
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team
give evidence and examples of how you
presentation with the selection panel. You will
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
meet the essential experience set out on
be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute
Stages of the selection process
page 8. The Statement of Suitability should presentation based on a topic that will be
be no more than 1000 words.
provided in advance. The interview and
Application
presentation will last for approximately 45
Find out more information about our
minutes.
You will need to complete the online
application process here.
application process accessed via the
What is being assessed?
advertisement for this role.
After the Application Stage
Behaviours, as listed on page 12.
This should be completed no later than 23:55
You will be advised whether your application
After the Panel Interview
on Sunday 7th December 2025. As part of
has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
the application process, you will be asked to
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will Following the interview, the performance of all
complete:
contact you to arrange the next stage of the
candidates will be reviewed, and the
selection process.
successful candidate identified. All candidates
will be notified of the outcome as soon as
11
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If
you are not the successful candidate but you
meet the standard required, you may be invited
to have your details retained on a merit list to
be considered for future SCS roles.
.
12
Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
You motivate staff by ensuring they understand others to incorporate views and professional
how their work fits into the big picture.
expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are
The Civil Service recruits using Success
involved in the decision-making process.
Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
Communicating and Influencing
Success Profiles used to see whether
Changing and Improving
You communicate clearly and with confidence,
candidates are able demonstrate specific
Behaviours associated with the role they are
both verbally and in writing. You are open,
You create an environment of continuous
honest and transparent in your
improvement and change. You see the benefit
applying for during the selection process.
communications. You communicate effectively of change and promote this within your area of
In this process the below Behaviours are most with internal and external senior stakeholders
responsibility. You identify business needs,
relevant to this role and will be assessed
to present information in a convincing and
both current and future, and use this to identify
during the interview stage of the process. The influential manner. You tailor your
opportunities for change, utilising innovative
definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
communication methods and content to the
solutions that benefit the end user. You are
audience, simplifying strategic messages.
able to embed change, managing risks. You
Seeing the Big Picture
evaluate the impact of change against the
Making Effective Decisions
You understand the wider context of the
expected outcomes for service users and the
organisation’s work, considering the political,
You make defensible, objective and fair high-
public.
social, economic, and technological
impact decisions, considering the impact on
You work collaboratively to achieve outcomes
environment both currently and in the future.
the service user and wider organisation. You
both within your area of responsibility and
You create and implement strategies to
are willing to take ownership of your decisions, across the organisation. You create a
achieve the organisation’s aims and meet the
being transparent and open about the reasons supportive working environment where all
needs of the public. You promote the
for them. You effectively analyse data to make opinions are considered, and individuals are
organisation externally, advocating positive
evidence-based decisions, whilst being
valued for their expertise and unique
outcomes for the sector you operate within.
comfortable taking considered risks based on
contribution.
the best evidence available. You consult with
13
Please click here or more information on
Behaviours and Success Profiles.
14
Guidance for writing your Statement and CV
As part of the application process you need to • You should ensure that you detail recent and For more information on how to write your
submit a Statement and CV. Both your
relevant examples of the essential
Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
Statement and CV should demonstrate how
experience required for the role and describe Careers Website.
you meet the essential experience outlined in
the outcome that came from this.
the Person Specification section.
Providing a name-blind CV and Success
Ensure you read through the role information
Profile Statements
thoroughly and identify the essential criteria for In both your CV and Success Profile
each area. You should ensure you provide
Statements please remove references to any
evidence for each of the essential experience
personal information that could identify you.
which are required for the role in your
For example:
Statement and CV. You may not be
• Name and title
progressed to the next stage of the
• Educational institution names
assessment process if you do not provide this
• Age and gender
evidence.
• Email address
When structuring your Statements try to:
• Postal address and telephone number
• Group evidence of the same essential
• Nationality and immigration status.
experience together by using subheadings
This will help us to recruit based on your
and paragraphs. This will help to ensure you knowledge and skills, and not on your
are writing about the experience that is
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this
directly relevant for the role you are applying way is called name-blind recruitment.
for.
15
Expected Timeline
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are
therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given.
Please note that these dates may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
23:55 on Sunday 7th December 2025
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
Week commencing 15th December 2025
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week commencing 5th January 2026
16
Working for the Northern Ireland Office (NIO)
themselves, to feel supported and have a
privilege entitlement to mark the King’s
strong sense of belonging in the workplace.
Birthday.
Our commitment to creating a diverse and
inclusive workforce is reflected in all of our
Flexible Working
people policies and strategies.
While not every type of flexible working will be
Benefits
suitable for every role and business area,
flexible working can take many forms and the
As a Northern Ireland Office (NIO) employee,
NIO is committed to delivering its business
you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits
effectively and sustainably by creating modern
which include but are not limited to:
and inclusive workplaces that enable smart,
flexible and hybrid working.
Pension
For more information on our amazing benefits
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of
including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
the best workplace pension schemes in the UK
annual and special leave, and our Equality,
public sector. Visit
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for
please visit our Senior Civil Service website.
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity, more details.
openness and together - are at the heart of our Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday
commitment to create a culture where all our
Allowance
people are able to thrive and flourish in the
workplace.
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a
sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
We want to attract and retain the best talent
This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will
from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
be complemented by one further day paid
We want everyone to be the best of
17
Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made • Providing interview questions in a written
If you have any questions in advance of
if I have a disability?
format at the interview as well as orally;
making your application regarding reasonable
• An interview at a certain time of day;
adjustments please contact the SCS
We are committed to supporting all candidates This is not an exhaustive list but rather some recruitment team at
to take part in the recruitment process. This
examples of how we can support you during
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
includes supporting individuals who have a
the SCS Recruitment Process.
disability by making reasonable adjustments to
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme
the recruitment process.
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments
for Disabled Persons?
requested, there may be occasions where this
If you feel you require any kind of support
As a Disability Confident employer, the offer
isn’t possible. If an adjustment cannot be
and/or would like to discuss this with someone,
an interview to disabled candidates who meet
provided, the reasons for this will be explained
please indicate ‘yes’ to requesting reasonable
the minimum selection criteria, except in a
to you.
adjustments in your application form and
limited number of campaigns. This could be in
ensure that you respond to the Reasonable
Help with your application
terms of the advertised essential skills and/or
Adjustments Scheme team by email.
application form sift criteria. Within the
It is important you contact us as early as
application form, you will be asked if you would
How we can support you
possible by email if you would like to request
like to be considered for an interview under this
reasonable adjustments so that the recruitment
There are many types of reasonable
scheme, so please make us aware of this
process runs smoothly for you.
adjustments that can be made during
when prompted.
assessment processes.
If you do decide during the process that you do
require adjustments and you have not
Examples of some types of adjustments
completed all your assessments, please
include:
contact the SCS recruitment team in advance
• Extra time to complete assessments;
of your next assessment.
• Providing a break within an assessment;
18
FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
you wish to make a complaint, you should
civil servant?
contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
For information on whether you are eligible to
first instance.
Yes.
apply, please visit Gov.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
Is security clearance required?
receive from the Department you are able to
This role is available for full-time or flexible
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
working arrangements (including job shares).
to obtain, security clearance to SC level with
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845
To discuss your needs in more detail please
the potential for DV level. More information
241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00)
get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
about the vetting process can be found here.
or e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-
Where will the role be based?
Will this role be overseen by the Civil
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
Service Commission?
Belfast or London.
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing
No. However, the recruitment process will still
(resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s
This role will also require travel to regular
3. To the Civil Service Commission
Recruitment Principles.
travel between Belfast and London.
(https://civilservicecommission.independent
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
.gov.uk/contact-us/)
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
during the recruitment process?
The law requires that selection for appointment What should I do if I think that I have a
to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of
conflict of interest?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse fair and open competition as outlined in the
you, except in exceptional circumstances.
If you believe that you may have a conflict of
Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment
interest you must declare it by contacting SCS
Principles.
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
before submitting your application.
Should you feel that the recruitment process
has breached the recruitment principles and
19
Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all experiences and feelings about working in the
the Civil Service, so that appropriate action
Civil Service can inform decision taken to
can be taken to level this experience;
personal information in accordance improve these experiences, and ultimately
with data protection legislation,
2. Processing is of a specific category of
organisation performance.
personal data and it is necessary for the
including the General Data
Sensitive personal data is personal data
purposes of identifying or keeping under
Protection Regulation and Data
revealing racial or ethnic origin, political
review the existence or absence of equality
opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or
of opportunity or treatment between groups
Protection Act 2018.
trade union membership, and the processing of
of people with a view to enabling such
Data Sharing
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of
equality to be promoted or maintained.
uniquely identifying a natural person, data
3. Please note if you are successful in your
To process your application your personal data concerning health or data concerning a natural
application your sensitive personal data will
will be shared with the Ministry of Justice SCS person's sex life or sexual orientation.
be used as part of the on-boarding process
Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members The legal basis for processing your
to build your employee record.
and anyone else necessary as part of the
sensitive personal data is:
recruitment process.
For further information please see the GDPR
1. Processing is necessary for reasons of
Privacy Notice.
The legal basis for processing your
substantial public interest for the exercise
personal data is:
of a function of the Crown, a Minister of the
Processing is necessary for the performance of
Crown, or a government department: it is
a task carried out in the public interest.
important to know if groups of staff with
Personal data are processed in the public
specific demographic characteristics have a
interest because understanding civil servant
better or worse experience of working for
20
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain
and invest in talent where it is found. To learn
more, please see the Civil Service People Plan
and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
21
Contact us
Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before
submitting an application, please contact SCS Recruitment on
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
22