Senior Policy Officer - Law Society of Northern Ireland | The Law Society of Northern Ireland

JOB TITLE: Senior Policy Officer

REPORTING TO: Head of Policy and Engagement

Summary of the role

The Senior Policy Officer will support the Departmentâs work to develop and deliver high-quality policy and research and representing the solicitor profession with external stakeholders. The role requires strategic thinking to consider issues which may affect the profession now and, in the future, and a positive, problem-solving approach to dealing with those issues. Those with experience of developing policy in Government or for a professional representative body would be well suited to the work. Knowledge of the legal profession would be beneficial but is not essential.

The main duties of the post include:

Proactively supporting the Chief Executive and Presidential Team matters of policy and external engagement.
Drafting and presenting high-quality, evidence-based policy papers to Committees and Council.
Preparing high quality and timely responses to Government legislative and policy proposals, representing the Society at meetings with Government Departments, and evidence sessions before Committees of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Producing evidence-based research in support of the Society's objectives and to assist the Committees, the Presidential Team and the Society's international representatives in their decision-making and engagement activity.
Drafting presentations and briefing for the Chief Executive, the Presidential team and other senior management for delivery to Law Society and external audiences, including at international events.
Monitoring and anticipating legislative and/or social changes in respect of policy and practice, and to assess the impacts of these changes.
Building and maintaining a strong expert knowledge of legal services policy issues, contributing to the Society's programme of continuing professional development and training where appropriate.
Developing and maintaining trusted and constructive relationships with stakeholders including solicitors, government departments, industry and sister Law Societies.
Supporting the work of Society Committees and working groups as required, which may include preparing the agenda, taking minutes, preparing briefing notes and taking appropriate follow-up action.
Leading, planning and managing the work of the Policy and Research team (currently three staff), promoting a culture of excellence and continuous development.
Undertaking any other reasonable duties deemed necessary for successful delivery of the Law Society's objectives.

1. Person specification

Essential

* A University degree.

* A minimum three year's post-graduation experience in a relevant role with a focus on policy and/or engagement.

Desirable

* A minimum of three yearsâ experience developing policy in one of the following areas:

a Government Department or Armsâ Length Body;
a professional representative organisation;
an NGO; or
other relevant employment aligned to the responsibilities of this role.

* Knowledge of the legal services sector in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

* An awareness of the wider political and social context of the justice sector in Northern Ireland, including the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

* Experience of advising on Government policy proposals and providing high impact responses to public consultation exercises.

2. Terms of appointment

This is a full time, permanent position. Alternative working patterns, including job share will be considered.

The position will be based at Law Society House, Victoria Street, Belfast. Some provision for homeworking is possible.

Key benefits

Salary scale for the post is Â£31,760-38,484 per annum, dependent on experience.
A contributory pension scheme to which the employer contributes at a rate of 10% of the salary.
Private health insurance.

The successful applicant will undergo a probationary period of 6 months.

In addition to the normal public and bank holidays, a leave entitlement of 22 days per annum which increases to 25 days per annum after 5 yearsâ continuous service.

The Law Society is an Equal Opportunities employer.

3. Selection Process

All dates are indicative and subject to change.

Applications

Applications forms must be completed in full and submitted by 5pm, 31 January 2022. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications are to be submitted to fiona.dowds@lawsoc-ni.org

Email applications are preferred however postal applications are accepted to:

Fiona Dowds, HR Manager

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Law Society House

96 Victoria Street

Belfast

BT1 3GN

Shortlisting

A shortlisting exercise will take place week commencing 7 February 2022.

Interviews

Interviews will take place week commencing 14 February 2022.

The interview stage will include a presentation and competency-based questions. Both the presentation topic and competency framework will be provided to candidates in advance.