Watch Commander Operational Guidance & Policy

We are Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and we are ‘Safer Together’. We are proud to deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community. We value our people and are committed to the principle of equal treatment for all applicants for employment irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion or political opinion. 

We would like to invite applications for the role of Watch Commander - Operational Guidance and Policy (Day Duty).

The Operational Guidance & Policy Business Unit is dedicated to the provision of clear and current operational guidance, policy, and associated training material, and to the alignment of established NIFRS good practice with National Operational Guidance. 

Watch Commanders - Operational Guidance and Policy (Day Duty) perform a vital role within NIFRS, leading others to deliver excellent performance and supporting Middle Management to deliver against a demanding change agenda.

Successful candidates will role model the values of the Fire and Rescue Service and will play a vital role in delivering a sector-leading suite of operational guidance and training material, providing operational personnel with the knowledge, understanding, and practical ability to effectively identify hazards and apply appropriate control measures across a developing range of incident types encountered daily by NIFRS crews.

Please note that NIFRS will create a reserve list for 12 months should any further Watch Commander – Operational Guidance and Policy (Day Duty) vacancies arise after the initial appointments.

NIFRS may appoint secondments from this recruitment and selection process should these arise during the time the reserve list is live. It should be noted that in order to be appointed to a seconded post the candidates’ substantive role cannot be more than one role below. 

All candidates must possess a Level 1 Incident Command assessment prior to appointment.

Please note: the duties and responsibilities of these posts may be subject to change.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Wednesday 15th April 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, dependants, religion or political opinion.
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NIFRS is currently under represented by women and those from the Roman Catholic Community, applications from these groups are particularly welcome. Appointment will be made solely on merit.