Pilot recruitment drive launched for 200 Civil Service roles in the North West

Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced a new pilot recruitment drive aimed at filling around 200 Administrative Officer (AO) vacancies across government departments in the North West.

The initiative marks a shift towards a more streamlined and responsive approach to Civil Service hiring, with applicants invited to register their interest and complete a self-assessment of their skills and experience via www.nicsrecruitment.co.uk.

Following registration, approximately 600 candidates will be shortlisted and invited to attend a dedicated recruitment event on 27 November at the Ebrington Hotel, Londonderry, where they will have the opportunity to interview for available positions and speak directly with departmental representatives.

With a starting salary of £26,449 per annum, along with generous annual leave and pension benefits, the Administrative Officer posts offer what the Minister described as “an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career in public service.”

Minister O’Dowd said:

“Administrative Officers are essential to the daily functioning of the Civil Service, whether engaging directly with the public or supporting teams in the delivery of services and projects, their contributions have a meaningful impact on the lives of people and communities here.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in a career within the Civil Service to register their interest. It is expected there will be up to 200 vacancies within the North West across a number of departments.

“At the recruitment event applicants will be able to explore vacancies, speak directly with departmental representatives, and complete interviews on the day with outcomes provided within days. Successful applicants will then be eligible to be placed in vacancies as they arise.

“This competition signals a move from traditional, annual campaigns to a more agile and dynamic approach to recruitment.”

The registration process for the pilot competition closes at 12 noon on Friday 7 November 2025.

This new method of recruitment aims to simplify and speed up the process of hiring for vital frontline administrative roles within the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS), while also giving candidates a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within government departments.

For more information or to apply, visit www.nicsrecruitment.co.uk.