NICS Marine Licensing Case Officer in Belfast

CPL have partnered with Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to recruit two Marine Licensing Case Officers (SO Grade) to join their team on a temporary contract, with possibility of extension.

Pay Rate: £19.59 per/hr

Location: DAERA, Marine and Fisheries Regulation and Enforcement/Marine Licensing.

Benefits: 37 days holiday per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Responsibilities will include:

• Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:
• all fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health);
• the marine environment.

Marine Licensing Branch

The Marine Licensing Branch provides a main function for marine licensing, compliance and enforcement under Part 4 of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009, the Marine Works (EIA) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and subordinate legislation.

Main Duties:

• Take the lead in handling routine and, where necessary, complex marine licence applications.
• Oversee a caseload from initial submission through to determination, ensuring decisions are delivered within agreed timeframes.
• Facilitate early discussions with applicants, agents, and consultees to clarify requirements and expectations.
• Conduct site visits when necessary to inform planning decisions.
• Draft licence documents using approved templates and guidance, ensuring recommendations and decisions are clear, well-reasoned, and compliant with relevant legislation and policy.
• Contribute to the assessment and planning of Offshore Renewable Energy proposals and other strategic marine developments as required.
• Assist in developing and implementing the Branch’s Business Improvement Plan.
• Lead or support projects that enhance processes, improve service delivery, and adapt to industry changes.
• Draft responses to general correspondence, Ministerial queries, Freedom of Information (FOI), and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests, acting as a trained decision-maker within the business area.
• Ensure adherence to departmental policies and standards, including health and safety, performance management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Foster a culture of learning and professional development within the team.

Essential Experience/Qualifications:

• Have a Degree in an accredited Planning / Planning & Development course.
• Have a Degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Have 2 years post qualification experience gained within the last 5 years of working in the planning or scientific profession.
• Have access to a form of transport which will enable the postholder to fulfil the responsibilities of the post.

Desired Experience and Qualification:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities to manage competing deadlines.
• Skilled in interpreting technical and regulatory information to make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong case work experience dealing with applications/licences.

Relevant or Equivalent Qualifications:

Applications will also be considered from applicants with relevant formal qualifications considered to be of an equivalent or higher standard to those stated. Relevant or equivalent qualifications: give the type of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body). If you believe your qualification is equivalent to the one required, the onus is on you to provide the panel with details of modules studied etc so that a well-informed decision can be made.

If successful you will be required to complete a criminal record check through Access NI, having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from this process. CPL have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders.

Cpl is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities, and one another.