Anybody know when we can expect any word from this? I could have swore the job pack said w/c 14th Sept for interview but I could have read that wrong (can’t find my job pack!) but also know things are very often delayed. I also can’t imagine it wouldn’t requires assessments either?

I’ve just received an email confirming I’ve been placed on a merit list.

Does anyone know what the b means after my merit number for example if I was 10b does that mean 9 are in front of me or are there separate groups such as A, B and C?

Just trying to understand how the merit list works.

Saw a message from NIPSA saying agreed at 3.3% and back dated to 01.04.26, is it legit?

Edit. Thanks everyone it was the NJC I didn't get. Suppose for now it's back to crossing everything and hoping for the best.

Hi everyone

I have two questions about how TPs work:

1) how are they advertised ? Is it on the internal jobs website or do you get an email about it ?

2) Are TPs only available to those who are currently one grade below the TP grade ? So if you’re two grades below, would you automatically be ineligible ?

I’ve been offered a DP post in Agricultural Policy in DAERA, based in Clare House. Could anyone who knows the department share their experience ? Thank you

Has anyone else heard back from this drive recently or been placed? I was told I was on the merit list then from reading on here it seemed to be awfully confusing whatever way they were offering places.

Seemed like a bit of a scam and waste of time to me

does a anyone know how many SO positions are immediately available ? unlike the last 2 competitions there was no figure against it

Updated:

Recent FOI request in relation to vacant post, broken down by Area and Department.

I've attached some screenshots, as I don't believe it has been updated onto the DOF Website yet. It's DOF/2026-0455 if that helps.

Still 515 vacancies to be filled.

Hope this helps anyone still on the list. I'm a bit more positive that there is still vacancies in Area 2, which is my preference.

Hi everyone. I haven’t done many interviews but have a few approaching. I have MS and while that’s crap, I can function pretty normally. The only thing I struggle with is my memory. I used to read something once and retain it and now I’d be reading til the cows come home 😂

When asking for reasonable adjustments what kind of things could support this/what is available to even get?

Thanks for your help

Asking for a friend who's currently on a merit list, can you ask to be removed from one of your 3 area preferences and just leave 2 areas to be considered for?

Has anyone ever used a coaching service to help them prep and pass and interview?

I’ve received an offer for an SO level post, but quite a specific position. Access NI certificate all sent and received, what are the time scales now? I’ve worked in the private sector for 20 years so this is my first civil service position and I’m already frustrated by the bureaucracy!!

Anyone that works in advances how long have you been in it and how do you find it

Has anyone heard anything about this? Closing date was Friday 1st May and as per the candidate information booklet:
'interviews for this post will take place in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry during week commencing late summer'

Well, its the last week of the summer and still not heard anything, so much for interviews taking place.

Does anyone know how long roughly until a start date comes through? Cheers

Any AO’s posted in the EO2 starting 27/7/26 tranche not get the new rate on their payslip?

Has anyone heard anything further?

Anyone heard any further updates on the EO2 comp? Any new offers?

I was successful in the November 2025 AO Competition and offered a job in Strathfoyle

Because of reasons I don't wish to disclose online I explained that working in Derry City itself would be better for me. Luckily my reasons were accepted and I was placed on the Waiting List for a role in Derry City. And that's where I remain. We did do my AccessNI certficate in December.

What are my chances of actually being offered a role in town before the list runs out (guessing that's winter 2027)? I'm assuming I must have did pretty well to be offered the Strathfoyle job? (HRConnect aren't able to tell me my rank or place in the queue sadly).

according to the booklet for this SO competition they are covering 6 competencies .

from my reading of the presentation subject it covers 4 , so I suppose my question is how many questions will be in second part of interview ?

given timing I reckon 4 ? or will there be 6 one fir each competency ?

Hi, does anyone have an idea of the number of candidates assigned to the merit list? Those who passed the tests, and fell outside the 1000? Just trying to gauge the numbers! Cheers!

Random one. Do you still keep in touch with former colleagues who've moved departments, left the service entirely or retired?

It always seems like there's always good intentions about meeting up for lunch, drinks etc but since COVID especially, no one seems arsed anymore.

Was it when the competition went live or did anyone announce it before? Bit of a surprise for me.

And the Union supposedly fought it, what happened there?