PRESS RELEASE : Applications invited for appointments to the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 19 January 2023.

The arrangements for electoral administration in Northern Ireland are administered centrally by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland who is both the electoral registration officer for all 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland and returning officer for all elections and referendums in that jurisdiction.

Personal Specification

An outstanding individual is sought to become the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland: someone with good judgement, resilience and sensitivity; someone with a track record of achievement at board or senior executive level in the private or public sector; someone experienced in financial management and meeting challenging performance objectives.

The successful applicant will be someone who can give strategic and operational direction to the work of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland, provide strong leadership and build an inclusive organisation. Critically, the successful candidate must be able to command cross-community respect and confidence in Northern Ireland.

Terms of appointment

It is expected the appointment will commence with effect from 1 April 2023 or as close to that date as possible. Candidates may wish to note that:

• The position is based in Belfast;
• The position is full-time;
• Remuneration on appointment will be within the range £74,912 – £84,122 and will be paid monthly in arrears;
• This position is pensionable. If the successful applicant is not already a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme he or she will be able to join
• The term of office will be for a period of five years from the date of appointment; and
• This appointment requires security vetting. If you are appointed to the post, you will need to undergo a Security Check (SC) clearance.

How to apply

Those interested in applying for the post should download the application pack from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website

Completed applications should be sent by email to:ceo2023@nio.gov.uk. by the closing date of 12 February 2023.

Equality of Opportunity

Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.