Policy and Legislation Officer - Belfast

Our client, A Large public sector organisation, based in Belfast is looking for a Policy & Legislation Officer to join their team.

Duration: October 2026 with possible extension

Rate of pay: £19.59

Location: Belfast BT3

Hours: 37 hours per week

Start date: ASAP

Main Duties:

The role will involve developing and implementing ongoing amendments to both the UK ETS and the EU ETS.

The duties will involve assisting in the implementation of NI Emissions Trading obligations within the UK ETS and those arising from the obligations to align with the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

Assist in monitoring and assessment of ongoing amendments to UK and EU ETS legislation to assess applicability to NI.  This may include the provision of information to assist the NI Assembly Democratic Scrutiny Committee in the assessment of impacts on NI of proposed developments to EU ETS legislation considered applicable to NI or preparing for debates in the NI Assembly for UK ETS legislation.

Assist in the development of UK ETS policy along with counterparts in the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments.

Assist in the progression and implementation of legislative amendments to NI EU ETS Regulations as required under the Windsor Framework and progressing UKG Legislation through the NI Assembly to implement the UK ETS.

Assisting in engagement with relevant stakeholders across DAERA/other NI Departments seeking input to emissions trading policy development proposals, to ensure all NICS Departments with an interest in the policy have sufficient input to the policy development process.

Assisting in engagement with external stakeholders, including NI Regulator, ETS participants, industry representative bodies and the environmental Non-Governmental Organisation (eNGO) sector, seeking views and input into UK and EU ETS policy development. To include assisting with the preparation of briefing materials and delivery of stakeholder presentations.

Assisting in the drafting of high quality, reliable, accurate and timely submissions to Ministers, Senior Officials, AERA Committee, Departmental Board and other internal and external stakeholders as required. This material will be subject to review and clearance by line management and head of branch prior to submission.

Essential Criteria:

• A degree with a minimum of 12 months’ experience
• A minimum of 6 months experience working with EU and domestic legislation to assess legislative and operational compliance and compatibility;
• Experience of working with legal professionals and teams to resolve legal queries; Maintaining and building relationships with key internal and external stakeholders; project management experience; supporting senior colleagues using communication and presentational skills.

Desirable Criteria:

A working knowledge of the Windsor Framework Agreement or willingness to learn; experience of introducing regulations or primary legislation via the NI Assembly and/or Westminster; experience of drafting regulations; experience of transcribing EU legislation; Experience of developing policy and legislation including research in line with best practices, such as an using an evidence-base, exploring policy options, engagement/ co-design with stakeholders and evaluation. Project Management Experience.

Candidates should be aware that the postholder will require a medical and will be required to attend an appointment provided by the Department for a satisfactory MCA Sea Farers Medical Report (ML5) or an ENG1 as appropriate prior to them being appointed.

**Please note that successful applicants will be required to complete an AccessNI

To apply please send your CV via the link or email

RecCoBelfast Alana McCoy