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Job description

The NICS is seeking to fill Senior Professional Technical Officer (SPTO) Architect roles that require specific skills and experience. Applications are invited from candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply for this opportunity and challenge. The Candidate Information Booklet provides further information on the key responsibilities of the SPTO Architect, Senior Conservation Architect role in the NICS and sets out the skills and competencies required. We have also included important information on the selection process. There is currently one full-time vacancy in Historic Environment Division in the Department for Communities. The current post on offer will be based at 7th Floor, Causeway Exchange, 1-7 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7EG.

Responsibilities

• The appointed SPTO Architect will report to a Grade 7 Assistant Director and the main duties and responsibilities of the post holder will include some of the following, dependent on the branch to which they are assigned.
• Manage and oversee the work of an architectural survey team to scope, survey, photograph, research, compile historic building records, leading to objective group evaluations.
• Prepare recommendations for submission to the Department’s statutory advisory bodies and manage the records to their conclusion.
• Undertake engagement with district councils and 3rd parties, as part of the Local Development Plan Process to ensure that positive working relationships are developed and maintained, to underpin effective policy direction.
• Respond to LDP consultations within timeframes as set by individual district councils.
• Manage a HED Planning Response Team for a defined geographical area and provide advice on Development Management queries and planning consultations, Listed Building consent applications and contribute to responses to Area Plan consultations.
• Manage the delivery of Historic Environment Fund schemes, providing expert advice to recognised conservation standards, and certifying completion of works, to enable interim or final grant payments to be made.
• Consider and comment on funding schemes by other agencies such as DfC/ Challenge Fund and NIHE.
• Consider potential listed building enforcement cases. Compile evidence and liaise with district councils regarding all aspects of enforcement action.
• Manage/contribute to conservation and management projects of heritage assets, including those which are in State Care or designated as Scheduled Monuments through professional advice, specification of works and monitoring of activities.
• Help to develop strategic projects such as the Historic Environment Fund, Protocol for the Care of the Government Historic Estate; European Heritage Open Day events;
• Owners Forum, Strategic District Council engagement, Heritage at Risk, Skills Development, Climate Change and advice/guidance publications.
• Manage the production of strategic and technical guidance on the historic Environment; liaise with stakeholders; assist with the management of the Historic Environment Fund.
• Contribute to Branch management by contributing to regular team discussion and consideration of significant development proposals or changes to planning policy/ technical requirements.
• Liaise with applicants/owners/planning applicants as first point of contact through phone, general e-mail queries and letters. Provide input for Ministerial correspondences, etc.
• The role may involve the management of one or several HPTO conservation architects.
• The above list is not exhaustive but gives an indication of some of the areas the role may involve. The emphasis on particular duties may vary over time according to business needs.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications: Be on the live register of the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) of the United Kingdom
• Have at least 3 years post registration experience in architecture
• Have a qualification/certificate in architectural conservation sufficient to allow entry as a Conservation Registrant to the RIBA Conservation accreditation scheme

Further Information

In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the following shortlisting criteria will be used: The Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the depth and breadth of evidence provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion. This objective evaluation will be based upon the following: Evidence of management of conservation projects from inception to completion.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC306311). NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 8th November 2024 at 12pm. Applications from Protestants, females, young people (under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.