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 Interpret EU and domestic legislation to assess compliance and compatibility Work with DSO officials and legal professionals to respond to queries Support the development and introduction of regulations and primary legislation Draft regulations and assist with transposition of EU legislation Contribute to policy and legislative development activity Engage with stakeholders through consultation and co-design Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders Support project management and governance activities Essential Criteria Minimum of 1 year's experience delivering policy or legislative work Ability to work independently and provide updates to management on progress/issues Experience interpreting EU and domestic legislation Experience leading a team Experience working with legal professionals and responding to queries Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills Strong project management experience Excellent communication and presentation skills Desirable Experience Knowledge of the Windsor Framework (or willingness to learn) Experience introducing regulations or primary legislation via NI Assembly/Westminster Experience drafting regulations Experience transcribing EU legislation Experience in policy development using evidence-based research and stakeholder engagement Project Management qualification Benefits £47,304 salary (NICS scale) Hybrid and flexible working arrangements 37-hour working week (Monday-Friday) Opportunity to work within DAERA Trade Policy & Legislation Additional Information To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted. Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate. How to Apply If you are interested and available for this position please upload your CV to the link or contact Hannah Fitzsimons for further information - Skills: Legal Assistant Solicitor Barrister Legislation deputy principle EU and domestic legislation