Move from UK civil service to Irish civil service

sedum

I'm thinking to apply to the Irish civil service via the AP open competition that has just been launched today. Does anyone have experience of moving from the UK CS to the Irish CS? How have you found it different or the same and how does the application process differ? I've been a grade 7 in the UK for over 6 years, which I think is equivalent to the AP standard grade (I'm assuming Grade 6/7 = AP and Deputy Director/SCS1 = Principal Officer in Ireland?). I've had a good read of the AP-related threads on here which were really helpful. I'm going to apply for a Dublin based role as there's more opportunities there - it's a shame though that you have to just choose one location on this round as I would consider a role based near my parents if it came up, but don't want to risk it as it hasn't had many opportunities in the previous rounds. I've been in the UK for a couple of decades now so any job move would be part of a wider mid-life package of changes for me. I love working in the public sector but it's got harder to stick it out here, even with the recent change in government

Hotblack Desiato

You'll have to apply as a new entrant.

Do you have Irish or other EU citizenship?

If Sinn Fein get into government then you'll have to pass an Irish test to get in regardless of the role.

Lauras5839

I can't speak to the process of applying as I've never done that at AP level but don't worry about the comment above on the Irish language, totally irrelevant to the job you're applying for now.

apkmbarry

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122689202#Comment_122689202

When has SF ever mentioned that?

mehico

There is a good breakdown of each of the roles and responsibilities in the Civil Service at the link below if you haven't already seen it but could help compare with grades in the British Civil Service. Disregard the post about passing an Irish language test, it is not relevant in the majority of cases.

https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/information-hub/civil-service-career-path

sedum

Thanks Mehico!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122691138#Comment_122691138

sedum

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122689980#Comment_122689980

I got an A in my Leaving so I should be grand :) And the Irish passport to go with

AGER

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058372185/move-from-uk-civil-service-to-irish-civil-service

I'd say go for it. Your UK experience will definitely benefit you. I got AP a few years ago and the process was as follows:

1. IQ/Aptitude test

2. Video Interview (talking to camera for several minutes on several competency topics)

3. Interview incl. Presentation on policy topic

The Irish CS has changed a lot from 20 or 30 years ago where most people joined after school or college and rose up the ranks. They hire in from outside at all grades now so it is a much more diverse workforce.

With regard to positions outside Dublin - they are rare and usually secured by local staff however once you are in post for 2 years you can apply for internal mobility and there are often AP positions advertised for outside Dublin.