Policy Research and Engagement – Staff Officer – BELFAST.

Policy Research and Engagement – Staff Officer – BELFAST

Pay Rate: £19.59 per hour

Location: Belfast

Start Date: ASAP

Expected Duration: 3 months initially

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Requirements: The minimum level of formal qualifications required for entry into the roles is

– 2 GCSEs or equivalent qualification

AND

– a minimum of 7 – 8 years relevant experience.

The minimum level of formal qualifications required for direct recruitment is

– a bachelor’s degree or equivalent

AND

– A minimum of 2 – 3 years’ experience at managerial level.

The knowledge and skills most required in these roles include:

• A detailed knowledge of the NICS guidelines around governance relevant to the management of arm’s-length bodies.
• A working knowledge of governance policies and procedures including experience of supporting a Head of Branch in setting up and management of governance processes and the production of business plans and risk registers.
• Experience of developing, influencing and implementing policy. This includes taking into account the views and concerns of relevant stakeholders, including external stakeholders, to inform decisions.
• Experience of identifying needs to develop detailed operational plans to ensure the structured and progressive implementation of objectives.
• Experience of developing effective and collaborative working relations with key stakeholders, NICS Departments, arm’s-length bodies including other ALBs, and organisations from other jurisdictions. The range of people with whom the role holder is wide and varied, and the above does not represent an exhaustive list.
• Good interpersonal skills in order to liaise with the staff, Director, Board Members as well as stakeholders.
• Excellent communication written and oral skills in order to liaise with management Director and CEO as well as other Departments on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to work positively with colleagues, and partners to generate commitment to deliver results.
• Experience of preparing briefing and advice and delivering presentations.
• Sound understanding of financial planning, monitoring, and delivering value for money services.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Main Duties include:

Policy & Research

The role holders will

• Provide first drafts of policy documents and papers for management
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies
• As the OICE will have a grant funding function and as the OICE develops, it is likely that the role holders may assist in developing and implementing policy in this area
• In the setup stage of the OICE, there will likely be public consultations to develop policies around the roles and functions of the bodies. These SOs will be instrumental in carrying out research and assisting in the development and implementation of policy surrounding these consultations. This will include Section 75 screening

Governance

The role holders will:

• Assist management in the development of procedures and processes
• Adhere to all governance requirements in accordance with NICS and Departmental policy, ensuring all work adheres to requirements around audit and procurement
• Provide first drafts on the preparation of reports for Ministers on progress for approval of management
• Contribute to the development of business cases as required ensuring they are in line with policy and governance arrangements
• Assist management in the production and progress of branch business and action plans
• Contribute to the development of risk registers and business continuity plans
• Adhere to key outputs including appropriate business planning and monitoring mechanisms that will ensure key branch objectives are achieved and key risks are identified and mitigated
• When required, attend finance and governance meetings in the absence of the DPs

Supporting Management

The role holders will assist management in carrying out their duties by:

• Suppling information and assisting with business planning and risk management
• Assisting in the delivery of their duties specific to their relevant area to include providing first drafts of policy documents, papers and responses for approval in respect of official and Ministerial business received
• In the absence of management attending finance and governance meetings with the Office Managers and responding to requests from the sponsor branches
• Assisting management in ensuring the /Director/CEO are adequately prepared with required papers and briefings for meetings
• Ad hoc support as and when required

Stakeholder Engagement

The role holders will;

• Provide support to the DPs, Office Managers, Commissioners, CEO and Director by liaising with external stakeholders as required
• Contribute to building a network of internal contacts and establish effective working relationships and communication channels with key stakeholders, including the Sponsor Branches in TEO
• Supporting the CEO/Director
• The role holders:
• Support the Director and CEO providing advice on governance-related matters
• Provide support to the Director and CEO by producing timely and high quality first drafts of briefing and advice when appropriate
• Contribute to governance-related Assembly Questions (Orals and Written) and Freedom of Information requests (FOIs) within the NICS timeframe
• Develop and maintain effective and close working relationships with colleagues to enable them to carry out their key responsibilities.
• Develop a valuable network of fellow professionals and specialists in TEO Finance Division

Information Management and Data Protection

The role holders will:

• Be responsible for the effective governance of information and adherence to approved policies and relevant legislation in respect of data protection/GDPR, Freedom of Information and record keeping within the offices
• Ensure that the work of the OICE, ILC and CUSUBt take place in accordance with data protection legislation, as well as NICS requirements around information and IT security

Finance

The role holders will:

• Contribute to the finance returns in their relevant area within required Departmental timescales
• When required, deputise or attend in support of management at regular Accountability and Liaison meetings with TEO and work to ensure governance and budget targets are met

A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position.

The UK Recruitment Co. Ltd has policies on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and the Secure Handling, Use, Storage, and Retention of Disclosure Information, copies of which can be made available upon request.

PLEASE READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING.