Legal Officer

Legal Officer Location: Rathkeltair House, Downpatrick Pay: £47,304 per annum Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week (Flexi available) Contract: Temporary ongoing Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting for a Deputy Principal Legal Officer on behalf of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, based in Downpatrick. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a key government policy area, supporting legislative development, stakeholder engagement, and compliance across EU and domestic frameworks. The Role You will support the development and implementation of policy and legislation, working closely with legal professionals, government officials, and key stakeholders. The role involves interpreting EU and domestic legislation, drafting legislation, supporting the introduction of regulations, and contributing to policy development and project delivery in line with departmental priorities. Main Duties Work with EU and domestic legislation to assess legislative and operational compliance and compatibility Work with legal professionals and legal teams to resolve legal queries Support the introduction of regulations or primary legislation through the Northern Ireland Assembly and/or Westminster Draft legislation and regulations Transcribe EU legislation Contribute to policy and legislation development, including research, stakeholder engagement, co-design, and evaluation Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders Support project management activities and ensure effective governance arrangements Provide updates on ongoing progress, risks, and issues to management and colleagues Essential Criteria Applicants must have: A degree in law or a related discipline, with a minimum of 1-2 years' relevant experience A minimum of 1 year's experience leading a team delivering policy or legislative work The ability to work independently and provide feedback on ongoing progress and issues to management and staff Experience working with EU and domestic legislation to assess legislative and operational compliance and compatibility Experience working with legal professionals and legal teams to resolve legal queries Experience building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders Strong project management experience Strong communication and presentation skills Desirable Criteria Experience introducing regulations or primary legislation through the Northern Ireland Assembly and/or Westminster Experience drafting regulations Experience transcribing EU legislation Experience developing policy and legislation through evidence-based research, exploring policy options, stakeholder engagement, co-design, and evaluation Project Management Certification A working knowledge of the Windsor Framework Agreement, or willingness to develop this knowledge Additional Information To be shortlisted for this role, applicants must meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly; however, your CV may be retained for consideration for future similar opportunities. Successful candidates may be required to undergo the appropriate security clearance process and must have resided in the UK for 3+ years. Benefits Hybrid working pattern available Flexitime arrangements 37-hour working week Monday to Friday working pattern Car Parking Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional development How to Apply If you are interested and available for this position, please upload your CV via the application link or contact Charlene Quinn for further information on Skills: Legal & Legislative Expertise EU & Domestic Legislationt Legislative Drafting Legal Research & Interpretation project management TPBN1_NI