Senior Professional and Technical Officer (SPTO) Building Regulations Policy Advisor
The role involves close working on all aspects of the branch’s responsibilities, with the SPTO taking ‘lead writer’ responsibility for developing Building Regulations legislation and Technical Booklet guidance on a particular technical aspect or technical ‘Part’ of the Building Regulations. The successful candidate may also be expected to provide technical insight and support on the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 (as amended).
Responsibilities
* Taking the lead in writing amendments to one or more Parts of the Building Regulations, associated Technical Booklets and other supporting documentation;
* Contributing to the development and analysis of proposed amendments to all other aspects of building regulations and EPB legislation;
* Undertaking necessary research and investigative work to develop initial policy proposals on technical issues, developing and providing draft information papers;
* Preparation of the Department’s proposals (relating to amendments to relevant Parts of the Building Regulations) for consideration by the NIBRAC and its sub-committees, the Finance Committee and for public consultation;
* Providing input/comment on proposed legislation, policy, research papers and draft publications prepared by other Government Departments, research bodies and institutes in relation to the effect of such proposals on the building regulations;
* Representing the Department on building regulations matters, locally at interdepartmental committee meetings or other fora, & nationally at Government Department & research body meetings in England, Wales, Scotland & the Republic of Ireland or online
* Giving accurate and timely responses to technical queries from Building Control, the construction industry and the public;
* Preparing timely responses to statutory appeals casework;
* Provision of background information and draft responses to Ministerial cases, Assembly Questions etc. on Building Regulations and related matters;
* Delivering presentations on the background to amendments of the building regulations & related technical matters, to stakeholder groups, including Senior Civil Service, NIBRAC and the Finance Committee, online and at public seminars, conferences etc.
* Managing assigned work and providing appropriate reports to Senior Management, clients and others;
* Managing, motivating and developing any HPTO staff;
* Other matters as may arise in relation to building regulations and construction related technical advice supporting government initiatives.
* The above list is not exhaustive but gives an indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties may vary over time according to business needs.
Skills and Qualifications
* A BTEC/Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma, in a Building Construction related discipline.
* AND A minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in: one of the areas listed on page 19 of the Candidate Information Booklet.
* OR A Degree in a Building Construction related discipline or a related specialist technical area directly relevant to the Building Regulations;
* A minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in; one of the areas listed on page 19 of the Candidate Information Booklet
* OR Membership of a Chartered Professional Body incorporated under or with Royal Charter; holding one of the titles listed on page 19 of the Candidate Information Booklet.
* AND A minimum of 3 years experience in one of the areas listed in on page 19 of the Candidate Information Booklet
* Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet for further information on the Eligibility Criteria.
* Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet for further information on the Shortlisting Criteria.
Further Information
NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 10th April 2026 at 12 noon.Applications from Protestants, females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
Application Information
Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC323342)
Vacancy ID 1763549 Job ref. IRC323342 Job Sector Public Sector,Construction, Trades and Architecture Area Belfast Location Belfast, Goodwood House, 44-58 May Street Salary £47,304 to £49,515 per annum No. vacancies 5 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 09/03/2026 Closing date 10/04/2026 Worktime Monday to Friday, to be confirmed
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