Casework Officer (Ref: 23659)

Job summary

This position is based at NIO Erskine House, BT1 4GF, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE LONDON, SW1A 2HQ

Job description

BACKGROUND

The Northern Ireland Office supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland. 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. We are the centre of expertise on Northern Ireland issues across Government.

The Northern Ireland Office employs around 170 staff, with offices in Belfast and London. As a small Department, we adopt a flexible project-based approach to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place to support the delivery of our key objectives.

Due to our structure and size, we are able to offer 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 stimulating work environment.

Our key priorities are set out in our Operational Delivery plan and include:

• Supporting greater inclusion, tolerance and openness in Northern Ireland
• Contributing to a safer Northern Ireland, where terrorist and paramilitary groups are less able to cause harm to communities
• Ensuring that governance in Northern Ireland is responsive, transparent and able to deliver effective public service.
• Addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland

For more information about what we do:

Visit:https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/northern-ireland-officehttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Keeping people safe is one of the UK Government’s core strategic aims. Within the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Security & Protection Group (SPG) delivers on this vital mission through dedicated teams specialising in Policy, Strategy, Operational Delivery, Litigation and Disclosure, and Protection.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, high-impact work at pace and under challenging circumstances. While every SPG colleague is anchored within a core team to build specialist expertise, we champion an agile and flexible culture. Regardless of your grade, you will have the opportunity to work across the Group and wider department, maximising your development and ensuring we remain responsive to departmental priorities.

We offer diverse, rewarding work at the very heart of public service, set within a supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to innovate, stretch their capabilities, and learn.

We are actively recruiting for two Caseworkers, one based in Belfast and the other in London. In both roles, you will focus on one of the UK Government’s highest priorities: national security. You will gain a broad range of operational delivery and policy experience, and will hone your briefing skills within a supportive and focused team.

Owing to the NIO's unique, close-knit size, you will gain significantly more exposure to Government Ministers than in larger departments. You will work on the Department’s fulfilment of its legal and statutory obligations under the Investigatory Powers regime as well as supporting the Department’s information and security compliance posture. You will work closely with partners across national and devolved governments and hold close relationships with Cabinet Office, Home Office and a range of security and law enforcement partners.

You will need an eye for detail and be accustomed to being agile and able to anticipate and respond quickly to new challenges and unexpected developments. The ability to prioritise competing tasks will be essential as is the ability to work at pace under pressure. Building and maintaining a strong and extensive network of business critical relationships with policy and operational partners in Northern Ireland and in Whitehall will be key. Therefore good communication and relationship management skills are essential.

In this role you will be expected to be articulate, discreet and thoughtful in your approach, quick to pick up new subjects and proactive in all your dealings. The role offers a significant amount of autonomy and a high level of responsibility, so good judgement is essential. The team operates a 24/7 on-call system for urgent cases out of hours, and the post-holder will be required to participate in an equal share of the on-call rota. Some flexibility around hours may be required at times of high operational demand.

Due to the nature of the role, it is primarily office-based with some, but limited, scope for home working. DV clearance is essential to be able to fulfil this role. Further details around the specifics of this can be found further below.

Further Note on Working Pattern: Due to the nature of national security work, as stated above applicants must be prepared to participate in an on-call rota for which a standard allowance will be paid. Occasional out-of-hours work will be required, sometimes at short notice. Additional

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities of a caseworker may include:

• Understanding and ensuring departmental compliance with national security and investigatory powers related legislation.

• Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships through regular engagement with government security partners in Northern Ireland and Great Britain as well as government colleagues in Whitehall. Additionally, when required, develop and maintain strong and trusted relationships with the Devolved Administration and third party contractors in order to safeguard and enhance the delivery of HMG strategic objectives.

• Drafting submissions and delivering written and oral briefings for senior officials and Ministers, paying close attention to detail and accuracy.

• Developing, consulting on, implementing and monitoring the application of a broad range of national security related policies and casework.

• Project managing a portfolio of complex casework activity.
• Participating in out of hours on-call duty rota.
• Budget and resource management.
• Line management of staff at EO.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview:

• Strong partnering and collaborating skills, and the ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders to support effective delivery of casework.

• The ability to present and communicate complex information and recommendations to senior decision makers in a clear and impactful manner.

• Ability to self-organise, prioritise and pay close attention to detail.

• A strong track record of briefing and supporting Ministers and/or senior officials or managers.

• Sound judgement and analytical skills, the ability to make evidence based recommendations and decisions.

• A willingness to acquire DV clearance if not already held, and be able to work from the office for a significant proportion of the week.

• Willingness to participate in the out of hours on-call duty rota and to work unsocial hours (at times at short notice) when the operational tempo demands.

• A full current driving licence (for out of hours duty requirements and travel to alternative locations).

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Experience working on complex casework related to national security and or investigatory powers.

• An understanding of the political and security environment in Northern Ireland.

• Existing DV clearance.

HOW TO APPLY

The vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Strengths for HEO level during the application sift and interview process. You will be asked to submit:

1. A 250 word statement on each of the following Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

1. A statement of suitability no longer than 500 words to assess the essential and desirable criteria. Your statement needs to set out evidence of how your experience meets the requirements set out above. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. One narrative example may cover the requirements needed. You don’t have to explain the whole process, just what you have done and the skills and experience you have used. Share with us what makes you suited to this role and why. What you can do, the skills you have that are transferable and the life experience or passion you have that are linked to this role.

1. A CV outlining your work history. This will not be formally assessed so please put the main evidence of your skills into your personal statement. Work history will be used to add context to your personal statement.

STRENGTHS

It is difficult to prepare for strength type questions. However, you can think through your answers, focus on your achievements and aspects you enjoy and decide how these can be applied in the organisation and role. While strengths questions are shorter and we do not expect a full STAR response, the panel is interested in your first reaction to the question and information or reasoning to support this.

If you do not have work-based examples then please give examples from school/college, clubs, volunteering or other activities you have been involved in.

More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found here.

Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviour“Making Effective Decisions".

INTERVIEW

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Candidates will be assessed against the same Behaviours and Strengths at the interview stage and will be asked to provide examples of how you have demonstrated these.

It may help to use one or more examples of a piece of work you have completed or a situation you have been in and use the WHO or STAR model to explain:

• WHO: What it was? How you approached the work/situation? What the Outcomes were, what did you achieve? or
• STAR: What was the Situation? What were the Tasks? What Action did you take? What were the Results of your actions?

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment.

OFFER

Once all interviews have been completed, you will be notified of the outcome by email. Offers will be made in strict merit order to the highest scoring candidate first. The successful candidate will be notified of a start date following successful security checks. 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.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

This role requires National Security Vetting of DV clearance given the access to sensitive information afforded by the job role. You can find more information by reviewing the information held in the following links:

United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The vetting charter - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role requires DV and to be eligible to apply for this role you should have been a UK resident for at least 10 years.

Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Further Information:

Further information about the post may be obtained from Nicholle Dunlop via email to nicholle.dunlop@nio.gov.uk

Please note that due to the high interest in NIO opportunities, feedback cannot be given if you are unsuccessful at the sift stage. Feedback is available on request if unsuccessful following the interview.

COMPLAINTS:

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/

RESERVE LISTS:

In the event that the advertised post following interview, identifies more appointable applicants than available posts, we may 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.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The NIO offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different NIO sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

Eligibility:

Please note that eligibility for this vacancy is determined by the employing organisation and campaign type. As the NIO is a UK Civil Service department, Northern Ireland Civil Service employees are not eligible to apply. However, NICS staff are eligible to apply for vacancies advertised externally, subject to the advertised eligibility criteria.

Flexible working hours

The NIO offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. NIO welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the NIO’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits:

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years service
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. We are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Interview dates

TBC

Closing Date:

10 November 2026

Contact information

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

Person specification

Please refer to Job Description

Licences

A full current driving licence (for out of hours duty requirements and travel to alternative locations).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,335, Northern Ireland Office contributes £10,236 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
• Telephone : 0345 241 5359

Recruitment team

• Email : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and 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-recruitm…

https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/23659?entityId=23659