General Information Salary £34,140 - £37,105 Working Pattern Full Time, Flexible Working Vacancy Approach External Location Belfast Region Northern Ireland Closing Date 06-May-2025 Post Type Fixed Term, Loan Civil Service Grade HEO Number of jobs available 1 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 5152 Descriptions & requirements Job description About the Role : Are you a creative and confident communicator with a talent for storytelling and a passion for digital content? Were looking for a Digital Communications Manager to join the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Communications Team, representing the work of the UK Government in Northern Ireland across high-profile digital channels. In this exciting role, youll lead the creation of engaging digital content that supports our communications strategy and showcases the work of NIO Ministers and wider government activity. From social media campaigns to key government announcements, youll help bring policy to life through compelling stories and powerful visuals. Youll thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders, and turning complex information into clear, engaging content. Were looking for someone who: Is a confident, audience-focused communicator with strong news or communications experience. Has a sharp eye for what makes a great story and can shape it for digital platforms. Can think strategically and deliver high-quality content aligned with government messaging. Youll be responsible for managing day-to-day content across our digital channels, with a focus on priority communications such as Ministerial visits, key policy moments, and public-facing campaigns. Your work will help shape public understanding of government activity in Northern Ireland. To succeed in this role, youll need: Extensive experience in both photography and videography for high-profile campaigns. Proficiency in editing photos and video post-production. The ability to create a range of digital assets using tools such as graphic design software or online platforms. Duties and Responsibilities: As Digital Communications Manager, youll play a key role in shaping how the Northern Ireland Office connects with the public and stakeholders across digital platforms. Your main responsibilities will include (and not limited to): Planning and delivering a weekly programme of digital content that brings NIO policies, Ministerial visits, and key announcements to lifealigned with wider government communications strategies. Creating engaging, audience-focused content across digital platforms, including and social media channels. Managing and growing the NIOs social media presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagramadapting messages to suit different audiences and platforms. Producing high-quality digital assets, including filming, editing and publishing video and photography content, while ensuring accessibility and editorial standards are met. Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including Ministers, to advise on and pitch effective digital communication strategies. Responding swiftly to fast-moving news events, drafting digital content in collaboration with news desk colleagues to address emerging stories in real time. Tracking performance and analysing results from social media platforms, using insights to fine-tune digital activity and drive continuous improvement. Collaborating with No. 10s New Media Unit, aligning messaging and sharing best practice across government. Working ly with partners across Whitehall, including the Government Communication Service (GCS), to maintain a joined-up communications approach across departments Essential Criteria: The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview: Experience working in a news or communications environment Experience working in a large organisation to deliver digital content strategies Experience planning and creating digital content at pace and measuring the impact of its success Desirable Criteria: A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland Experience in developing and implementing graphics for social media as well as capturing and editing video content to high standard, using Adobe suite Active security clearance at CTC level Behaviours: We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at the HEO level during the application sift and interview process : Communicating and Influencing (lead behaviour) Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Working Together Please provide 250 words for each behaviour outlining how you have demonstrated the behaviour, using specific examples. More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found. Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviour communicating and influencing Interview: You will be assessed against the same behaviours at the interview stage and will be asked to provide examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviours. 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? 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. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. 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 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 ( The vetting charter - GOV.UK ( In addition, t is a minimum UK residency requirement set by the Cabinet Office which is dependent on the security level required for the role. This role requires CTC and to be eligible to apply for this role you should have been resident in the UK continuously for the past 3 years Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post. Further Information: Further information about the post may be obtained from Alison Shields via email to. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment. 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 Commissions Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. Please contact SSCL () 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: 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 to be removed from the reserve list. Additional Information Working Arrangements & Further Information The NIO offers Hybrid Working arrangements w 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 everyones circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. 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, w 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 NIOs Flexible Working policy. 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. T 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 Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at 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 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail ); To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (); To the Civil Service Commission (details available ) 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 wver it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Interview dates Date(s) TBC Closing Date: 2nd May 2025, 23:55 hours. Contact information If you require any assistance please call (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Additional Information About the Role : Are you a creative and confident communicator with a talent for storytelling and a passion for digital content? Were looking for a Digital Communications Manager to join the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Communications Team, representing the work of the UK Government in Northern Ireland across high-profile digital channels. In this exciting role, youll lead the creation of engaging digital content that supports our communications strategy and showcases the work of NIO Ministers and wider government activity. From social media campaigns to key government announcements, youll help bring policy to life through compelling stories and powerful visuals. Youll thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable juggling priorities, working with senior stakeholders, and turning complex information into clear, engaging content. Were looking for someone who: Is a confident, audience-focused communicator with strong news or communications experience. Has a sharp eye for what makes a great story and can shape it for digital platforms. Can think strategically and deliver high-quality content aligned with government messaging. Youll be responsible for managing day-to-day content across our digital channels, with a focus on priority communications such as Ministerial visits, key policy moments, and public-facing campaigns. Your work will help shape public understanding of government activity in Northern Ireland. To succeed in this role, youll need: Extensive experience in both photography and videography for high-profile campaigns. Proficiency in editing photos and video post-production. The ability to create a range of digital assets using tools such as graphic design software or online platforms. Duties and Responsibilities: As Digital Communications Manager, youll play a key role in shaping how the Northern Ireland Office connects with the public and stakeholders across digital platforms. Your main responsibilities will include (and not limited to): Planning and delivering a weekly programme of digital content that brings NIO policies, Ministerial visits, and key announcements to lifealigned with wider government communications strategies. Creating engaging, audience-focused content across digital platforms, including and social media channels. Managing and growing the NIOs social media presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagramadapting messages to suit different audiences and platforms. Producing high-quality digital assets, including filming, editing and publishing video and photography content, while ensuring accessibility and editorial standards are met. Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including Ministers, to advise on and pitch effective digital communication strategies. Responding swiftly to fast-moving news events, drafting digital content in collaboration with news desk colleagues to address emerging stories in real time. Tracking performance and analysing results from social media platforms, using insights to fine-tune digital activity and drive continuous improvement. Collaborating with No. 10s New Media Unit, aligning messaging and sharing best practice across government. Working ly with partners across Whitehall, including the Government Communication Service (GCS), to maintain a joined-up communications approach across departments Essential Criteria: The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview: Experience working in a news or communications environment Experience working in a large organisation to deliver digital content strategies Experience planning and creating digital content at pace and measuring the impact of its success Desirable Criteria: A strong understanding of the political and cultural landscape of Northern Ireland Experience in developing and implementing graphics for social media as well as capturing and editing video content to high standard, using Adobe suite Active security clearance at CTC level Behaviours: We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at the HEO level during the application sift and interview process : Communicating and Influencing (lead behaviour) Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Working Together Please provide 250 words for each behaviour outlining how you have demonstrated the behaviour, using specific examples. More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found. Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviour communicating and influencing Interview: You will be assessed against the same behaviours at the interview stage and will be asked to provide examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviours. 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? 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. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. 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 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 ( The vetting charter - GOV.UK ( In addition, t is a minimum UK residency requirement set by the Cabinet Office which is dependent on the security level required for the role. This role requires CTC and to be eligible to apply for this role you should have been resident in the UK continuously for the past 3 years Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post. Further Information: Further information about the post may be obtained from Alison Shields via email to. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment. 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 Commissions Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. Please contact SSCL () 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: 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 to be removed from the reserve list. 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, w 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 NIOs Flexible Working policy. Interview dates Date(s) TBC Closing Date: 2nd May 2025, 23:55 hours. Contact information If you require any assistance please call (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Contact Information MoJ: If you require any assistance please call (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Please quote the job reference 5152 HMPPS If you require any assistance please call (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Please quote the job reference 5152 Allowance On call allowance Job Description Attachment Digital Communications Manager Job Description (2).docx (Job Description Attachment) Select new file Application form stage assessments Behaviours A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, w all behaviours will then be considered. Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit 250 Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Working Together Interview stage assessments Interview Dates Not decided yet Behaviours Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace Working Together Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Level of security checks required Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)