Thank you for your interest in the position of Principal Consultant, Innovation and Consultancy Services (ICS).ICS is the primary source of internal consultancy to Executive departments and their public bodies. We provide independent advice, insights and service improvement to help support the public sector to deliver better outcomes for our people. We operate on a hard-charging, full cost recovery basis and work out of the Department of Finance, although we operate independently from the department in the work we do.Principal Consultant is a key role within ICS. You will lead and oversee the delivery of our consulting activity across multiple project teams for a wide range of senior public sector clients. The work you will be involved in is therefore hugely varied and interesting, spanning across the ICS service offer. You will also take an active role in the ongoing development and management of the organisation as part of the Senior Management Team.The role requires someone who can work with senior clients on key public sector challenges and provide strong direction and guidance to staff to deliver on significant programmes of work. The ability to bring creativity and ideas to public sector problems, while ensuring the effective delivery of services within a fast-paced commercial client environment, is therefore vital.This is an exciting opportunity to support the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) as it embarks on a major programme of transformation and improvement. You will have the scope to get involved in a diverse range of strategically important areas and have a real impact on public services.Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates. I hope that this pack meets your information needs and encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
* As a Principal Consultant, the postholder will be responsible for leading, directing and managing the development, delivery and quality of consulting activity across ICS, including the development of staff capabilities.
* Providing leadership, oversight, strategic direction and guidance to project managers and teams across a portfolio of client projects.
* Taking an active role in leading and/or delivering high profile, significant projects which are strategic, crosscutting, politically sensitive, contentious or high-risk in nature.
* Proactively driving forward business development by converting leads into tangible chargeable projects that can be delivered by ICS.
* Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for further information.
Skills and Qualifications
* Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications: A minimum of 2 years experience of effectively leading and managing teams to deliver a portfolio of complex consultancy projects for clients.
* AND A minimum of 2 years experience of developing and maintaining positive, collaborative partnerships and demonstrable experience of effective stakeholder engagement and management with a diverse range of senior internal and/or external stake.
* AND A minimum of 2 years’ direct experience within at least 2 areas where ICS provides services.
* AND A minimum of 2 years direct experience of operating in an income-generating consultancy environment.
* In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to the next stage of selection, the following shortlisting criteria will be used:
* The Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the depth and breadth of the information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 1.
Further Information
NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 12th September 2025 at 12 noon.Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9EDThe Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Applications from Protestants, females, young people (people who are under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.
Application Information
Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC317834)
Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 04 Sep 2025
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