SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER DP BELFAST STORMONT ASAP START.

We are currently recruiting a Deputy Principal for our client based in Belfast, Stormont Estate. The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork and ANI completed.

Start date: ASAP

Rate of pay: £24.59ph

Duration: Up to 29/03/26 with possible extension                             

Hours of work: 37

Key Responsibilities:

While the precise duties and responsibilities of individual posts will vary, the main duties and key responsibilities will include:

• Provide strategic communications advice to Ministers and senior officials demonstrating sound judgement, political awareness and sensitivity;
• Provide strategic direction on all communications (traditional, social and digital), ensuring the content, messaging, tone and consistency are in line with the communications strategy;
• Handle complex and sensitive commmunications issues, providing clear advice to Ministers and senior officials;
• Plan and deliver creative, dynamic and engaging digital solutions;
• Support the Principal Information Officer on all aspects of communications during a crisis, including identifying emerging issues and providing strong proactive advice;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of effective external media handling strategies/plans within a fast changing news environment;
• Managing, maintaining and building good working relationships with key stakeholders, customers and partners;
• Managing and arranging press conferences, radio and TV interviews, and media coverage of important events, announcements and visits;
• Supporting Ministers at site visits within and outside Northern Ireland, including international visits;
• Overseeing the preparation of news releases and other internal and external written communications;
• Responding to media enquiries including briefing journalists and managing relationships with the media;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of communications (including social media) against objectives and business outcomes; and

The above list is not exhaustive however it gives a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.                                    

Essential Criteria applicants must have:

• 5 GCSE’s, a communications qualification & degree (Proof of certs required)

•  At least two years’ experience, gained as a practitioner in public relations, journalism, advertising or a marketing environment.
• At least one years’ experience, gained within the last five years, of working with Senior Officials and key stakeholders to develop and deliver engaging digital content to promote important announcements, initiatives, news or events.

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

• At least two years’ experience of managing social media accounts, producing and editing original, visual and dynamic content working in a communications environment.
• At least two year’s practical experience, working with senior colleagues to handle high-profile and sensitive communication issues.

Please send your CV via the link or email megan.mcbride@therecruitmentco.uk