---

Job description

The Senior Public Prosecutor is responsible for considering files, in the full range of cases, submitted by police and Government departments with a view to deciding or advising, as to the appropriate course of action to take i.e. prosecution, no prosecution or any other form of disposal. The role holder will primarily have responsibility for prosecutorial decision making in the full range of criminal cases, the preparation of committal and trial papers and managing prosecutions through the courts. They may also have direct line management responsibility for Public Prosecutors and/or non-legal staff.

Responsibilities

• Within the role holder's overarching accountability, there are three core areas of responsibility. These are: 1. Prosecutions 2. Organisation and People 3. Corporate Management
• 1. Reaching correct and timely decisions as to prosecution or no prosecution (primarily in indictable cases) having applied the Test for Prosecution and in accordance with relevant law, practice and procedure and the policies of the Director;
• Correct and timely preparation of court/trial papers in accordance with relevant law, practice and procedure and the policies of the Director;
• Timely provision of advices and recommendations as to prosecution or no prosecution in those case which are required by Departmental policy to be referred upwards to the Assistant Director, Senior Assistant Director, the Director or Deputy Director.
• Dealing in a correct and timely manner with all correspondence relating to any case work for which the role holder is responsible;
• Attendance at court as required;
• Managing prosecutions (including bail applications and other interlocutory applications) in the full range of cases and before all courts;
• Being familiar with practice and procedure relating to Cases Stated, Appeals, Unduly Lenient sentence matters and Judicial Reviews;
• Correct and timely provision of prosecutorial advice to police in accordance with the policies of the Director;
• Review of charges pre-first appearance for more serious offences cases;
• Senior Public Prosecutors will be required to undertake out of hours working where required in accordance with operational needs.
• 2. Lead and manage all staff for whom the roleholder has line management responsibility, taking personal responsibility for ensuring objectives in their performance agreements are met and personal development requirements are achieved;
• To personally contribute and ensure that all staff for whom the postholder has line management responsibility contribute positively to the culture and corporate values of the Service;
• To contribute to optimum levels of service, deal with ineffective behaviour and performance issues within their team (as applicable) in accordance with NICSHR policies.
• Ensuring behaviours in the work place are in accordance with the NICS code of ethics, the PPS code of ethics, NICS equality and dignity at work policies and best practice of this area.
• 3. Be accountable for delivering corporate wide objectives and ensuring the delivery of key performance targets in the PPS;
• Contribute to the consistent application and development of working practices and policy within the PPS;
• Work with the Assistant Director to ensure that effective community outreach, which inspires and raises public confidence in the Public Prosecution Service, is carried out;
• Represent the PPS externally as required in engaging with stakeholders and the public;
• Act in a representational capacity on behalf of the Assistant Director and others upon request;
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade as may be required. Please refer to page 7-8 of the Candidate Information Booklet for further details.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• The Director will designate the successful applicants as Senior Public Prosecutors in pursuance of section 29(5) of Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. Applicants must, by the closing date for applications:
• 1. Be a Barrister or Solicitor who is either currently entitled to practice at the Bar of Northern Ireland or as a Solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland. Please refer to Candidate Information Booklet for further details.
• AND 2. Have at least 5 years’ post qualification experience of criminal law and practice. You will be required to provide documentary evidence of your qualifications, therefore, please ensure you have these readily available.

Further Information

42 hours per week which includes a 1 hour meal break (37 hours net) Monday to Friday. NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date 24th July 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, males, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk. (Please quote reference number: IRC327710)