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Job description

The NICS comprises nine departments that support the Northern Ireland Executive and Ministers. We do this by developing and implementing government policies and legislation and delivering key public services in areas such as health, public finances, social development, justice, education, regeneration, environment, culture, agriculture, economic development, employment and transport. In addition, the Public Prosecution Service is a non-Ministerial Department staffed by Civil Servants. All civil servants are appointed on merit and on the basis of fair and open competition. They are expected to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the NI Civil Service’s core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality. The Department for Communities (DfC) is seeking to fill a Deputy Principal Senior Health and Safety Officer role within the Historic Environment Division that requires specific skills and experience. DfC has the Statutory responsibility for listing buildings of special architectural or historic interest in Northern Ireland. Historic Environment Division record, protect, conserve and promote our heritage in ways which support and sustain our economy and our communities. Applications are invited from candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply for this opportunity and challenge. This booklet provides further information on the key responsibilities of the role in the NICS and sets out the skills and competencies required. We have also included important information on the selection process. Thank you for your interest in this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide health and safety leadership, assurance, and compliance oversight for occupational, heritage, construction, maintenance, repair, restoration,
• conservation, and office-based activities, ensuring work is carried out in accordance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Develop, implement, and continually improve the department's Health & Safety Management System, including policies, procedures, guidance documents, risk management processes, and associated governance arrangements.
• Work collaboratively across teams to provide professional health and safety advice, guidance, and support to managers, staff, contractors, and other stakeholders on a wide range of health and safety matters.
• Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for more information.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications: Possess a NEBOSH National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals or equivalent at the closing date for applications.
• (Candidates holding alternative qualifications should clearly demonstrate how these are equivalent in level and content to the NEBOSH National Diploma) and,
• Have at least 3 years’ demonstrable experience in the management of Health and Safety within construction, maintenance, engineering, or operational working environment and,
• Provide evidence of at least 2 years’ experience managing and improving Health and Safety management system within construction, maintenance, engineering, or operational working environment.
• Have at least 2 year’s practical experience in the provision of health and safety advice to a wide range of stakeholders and,
• A current driving licence valid for driving in Northern Ireland and access to a vehicle to carry out the duties of the post.

Desirable Skills

• In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the breadth and depth of information provided..
• by candidates in response to eligibility criterion This will be completed on a scored basis. All applicants will be listed in merit order and the highest scoring applicants will proceed to interview.

Further Information

Location - Causeway Exchange 1-7 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG. NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 30th October 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, young people (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

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC327281)