Senior Legal Advisor – SLA20

Working within the Corporate Affairs Directorate, the senior legal adviser will be expected to provide clear, concise and timely legal advice in response to requests for advice on matters relating to any aspect of the UR’s extensive statutory remit.  Such matters will include modifications required to regulatory licences and codes, transposition and implementation of European Directives in so far as they relate to electricity, gas and water; interpretation of energy and water law, advising on the determination of regulatory complaints and disputes and enforcement action in accordance with statutory requirements (where there has been a suspected breach of a licence or other legal requirement); advising on corporate issue and public law matters.  They will also have to direct and manage the work of junior colleagues and engage constructively with colleagues across all UR directorates. The post will involve occasional travel within the UK and EU Member States.

The role itself will also involve some stimulating policy work in areas with a quasi-legal content: sustainability and environmental issues, financial penalties and enforcement, competition issues, freedom of information and data protection issues, complaints, disputes and appeals processes.   The role will also carry more routine legal administration responsibilities to be carried out by the successful candidate on behalf of the Legal Department. For example you will also be involved in managing and working with the UR’s external legal panel.

Essential Criteria

1. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to workplace values that align to those of the UR.
2. A qualified solicitor or barrister, qualified to practice in Northern Ireland or England and Wales with post qualification experience;
3. At least 5 years post qualification experience gained working in energy law; and/or public/administrative law; and/or regulatory law;
4. Proven ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear and concise advice and solutions that resolve business problems at a senior level*;
5. Proven ability to manage significant workloads with limited resources and deliver outputs in line with client/customer expectations and deadlines;
6. Proven ability to build and maintain productive communication networks with colleagues and stakeholder organisations; and
7. Proven experience in both the successful management of a panel of external legal consultants and the ability to manage** internal staff.

Note: Republic of Ireland or other common law jurisdictions may be considered.  An overseas qualification is only acceptable if it is fully comparable and equivalent to the UK counterpart.  You will be required to present original certificates/documentation if you are invited to the next stage of the selection process.

*Senior level is defined as reporting to or advising Board or Senior Managers.

**This may be demonstrated by experience of direct line management or via a mentoring or guiding role for other legal team members.

Application packs can be downloaded below.

Only applications on Utility Regulator forms will be accepted. No CV’s will be accepted.

It is expected assessment and interview processes will take place in Belfast week commencing 19^th October 2020 and 2^nd November Queens House, Belfast.

The Utility Regulator is an Equal Opportunities Employer.