Chief Legal Officer(
Job Reference:
26002425)
Primary Location
:Antrim-Belfast-Belfast OfficeContract Type:Permanent Duration of Contract/Contract End Date:N/AStatus:Full-TimeHours per Week:The normal hours of work are 36 per week.Working Pattern:Monday - Friday The post-holder will be required to work flexibly in order to successfully carry out the duties of the role.Grade/Scale:Director | £102,877 - £113,524 per annum. Progression through the salary scale will be dependent upon satisfactory performance and linked to a performance management framework for Directors and Assistant Directors. Additional Allowance(s):Not ApplicableAnticipated Interview Date(s):2 June 2026Additional Information:The successful candidate will be based at EA’s Headquarters at Academy Street, Belfast. As the role carries regional responsibility, travel across Northern Ireland (and on occasion further afield) will be required in order to attend meetings and fulfill the full range of duties and responsibilities. The successful candidate can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Candidates must demonstrate on their application form that they meet the following essential criteria.
FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentQualification
Be a qualified Solicitor entitled to practice in Northern Ireland and hold a practising certificate issued by the Law Society of NI.
AND
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent, higher or professional qualification.
Application Form/
Pre-Employment ChecksExperience
Demonstrate three years' post-qualification experience (‘PQE’) in law to include demonstrating legal analytical ability and sound judgement in the resolution of complex legal cases.
Demonstrate one year's experience of working collaboratively across a senior leadership team to deliver strategic alignment of purpose, vision, and goals, and optimise use of the organisation’s resources to deliver maximum value for the public/customers.
Experience of providing over-arching leadership with evidence of empowering, championing excellence and establishing momentum for continuous improvement that has delivered improved outcomes for the public/customers.
Be a strong communicator with proven skills to engage across a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating successful impact.
Demonstrates an understanding of the potential along with the challenges of delivering high quality legal operations including ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating legal risk.
Application Form/
Presentation/
Interview
Other
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at or the