Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and draft primary legislation for Northern Ireland, driving real change.
- Company: Join the Office of the Legislative Counsel in a pivotal role at Parliament Buildings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contribution, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Shape policies that impact lives and collaborate with diverse teams for positive outcomes.
- Qualifications: Strong legislative drafting skills and a passion for public service.
- Other info: Equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 146469 - 163267 ÂŁ per year.
DEPARTMENT: Office of the Legislative Counsel, The Executive Office (TEO)
SALARY: ÂŁ146,469 - ÂŁ163,267 per annum Plus, an employer pension contribution of 34.2%
LOCATION: Parliament Buildings, Belfast.
The First Legislative Counsel is responsible for leading, managing and contributing to the drafting of primary legislation for Northern Ireland with a focus on the effective delivery of the Executive’s Legislative Programme. This is a challenging and rewarding role. Making effective legislation is a key step in translating the Executive’s policies and strategies into real and tangible change for the people we serve, achieving positive outcomes and delivering for all through collaboration.
For more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please click on the Candidate Information Booklet link below.
In order to apply for this position, please click on the “Apply for this job online” link below to register to this vacancy and to submit an online application. Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Monday 12th December 2025.
Applications from Protestants, males, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants. Further information can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
IRC313626 - First Legislative Counsel in Belfast employer: Northern Ireland Civil Service
Contact Detail:
Northern Ireland Civil Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IRC313626 - First Legislative Counsel in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the legislative field, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest legislative trends and issues in Northern Ireland. Show that you’re not just passionate about the role but also well-informed about the challenges and opportunities facing the Executive’s Legislative Programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the First Legislative Counsel. We want to hear how you can contribute to effective legislation and positive outcomes for the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Get your application in before the deadline and make your mark!
We think you need these skills to ace IRC313626 - First Legislative Counsel in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and its responsibilities. Dive into the job description and highlight key points that resonate with your experience. This will help us see how you fit into the team!
Be Authentic: When filling out your application, be yourself! We want to hear your unique voice and experiences. Avoid using generic phrases and instead share specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a one-size-fits-all application. Tailor your responses to align with the job requirements. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and manage legislative drafting effectively.
Check Your Work: Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure all sections are complete. A polished application shows us you care about the details!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Ireland Civil Service
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with recent legislation relevant to Northern Ireland. Understand the nuances of the Executive’s Legislative Programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role emphasises collaboration, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to work effectively with diverse teams. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated differing opinions to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in legislative contexts. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating how you would approach drafting legislation under tight deadlines.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the challenges the Office of the Legislative Counsel is currently facing or how they measure the success of new legislation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.