Job description
Legal Officer
Location: Downpatrick - Rathkeltair House, Market Street, BT30 6AJ
Pay: £47,304 per annum (NICS Band Minimum)
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (Flexi available)
Contract: Temporary (from 01 April 2026)
Hours: 37 per week
Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting for a Legal Officer on behalf of DAERA, Windsor Framework (MFD) Rathkeltair.
This is an excellent opportunity to work within a key government policy area supporting legislative development and compliance across EU and domestic frameworks.
The Role
You will support the interpretation and application of EU and domestic legislation, working closely with DSO officials and legal professionals to respond to queries and support legislative development.
The role involves drafting regulations, supporting the transposition of EU legislation, and contributing to the development of policy and legislation. You will also engage with stakeholders, support co-design and evaluation processes, and assist with project delivery and governance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Interpret EU and domestic legislation to assess compliance and compatibility
2. Work with DSO officials and legal professionals to respond to queries
3. Support the development and introduction of regulations and primary legislation
4. Draft regulations and assist with transposition of EU legislation
5. Contribute to policy and legislative development activity
6. Engage with stakeholders through consultation and co-design
7. Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
8. Support project management and governance activities
Essential Criteria
9. Minimum of 1 year's experience delivering policy or legislative work
10. Ability to work independently and provide updates to management on progress/issues
11. Experience interpreting EU and domestic legislation
12. Experience leading a team
13. Experience working with legal professionals and responding to queries
14. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
15. Strong project management experience
16. Excellent communication and presentation skills
Desirable Experience
17. Knowledge of the Windsor Framework (or willingness to learn)
18. Experience introducing regulations or primary legislation via NI Assembly/Westminster
19. Experience drafting regulations
20. Experience transcribing EU legislation
21. Experience in policy development using evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement
22. Project Management qualification
Benefits
23. £47,304 salary (NICS scale)
24. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
25. 37-hour working week (Monday-Friday)
26. Opportunity to work within DAERA Trade Policy & Legislation
Additional Information