Current opportunities
The PPS is currently recruiting for the positions of:
You can visit the NICS Recruitment Page to access the Candidate Information Booklet and to apply for these positions.
Who can apply?
Applicants must, by the closing date for applications:
- Be a Barrister or Solicitor who is entitled to practise either at the Bar of Northern Ireland or as a Solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland. Those candidates, who are not currently entitled to practise must, prior to taking up appointment, be a Barrister or Solicitor who is entitled to practise either at the Bar of Northern Ireland or as a Solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland.
and
- Have at least one year’s post qualification experience in criminal law.
and
- Be able to demonstrate experience in Court Advocacy.
Benefits
The PPS offers an interesting and dynamic career where your experience and knowledge as a legal professional will be recognised and where you can immediately contribute to the future success of the PPS.
PPS staff are members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS). The generous terms and conditions offered to Civil Servants are aimed towards an effective work life balance. Benefits include generous salary and leave entitlement, flexible working hours in most locations and opportunities for advancement. New appointees also have the choice of an occupational pension scheme or a partnership pension account.
Location
The Public Prosecution Service has regional offices in Belfast, Londonderry and Newry as well as a satellite office in Omagh and successful candidates must be prepared to work in any PPS location.
Salary
The salary for these posts will be within the range £43,584 - £46,712 (£47,304 - £49,515 with effect from 1 August 2025) within which pay progression will be performance related.
Starting salary will be at the minimum of the scale. If the successful candidate is an existing civil servant, normal pay on promotion/re-grading arrangements will apply.
Pensions
The NICS offers all employees an attractive pension package. You'll find further details on the Civil Service Pensions (Northern Ireland) website.
Holidays
In addition to public and privilege holidays, currently 12 days, the annual leave allowance will be 25 days, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
Hours of Work
The normal conditioned hours of work are full-time (37 hours net) Monday to Friday. You will be required to work outside normal working hours, when necessary to facilitate business needs. The successful candidates may be required to participate in a rota for attendance at court on Saturdays and Bank/Public Holidays which will attract the appropriate allowance.
It is envisaged that some element of home working and / or remote working may be possible in line with the NICS Hybrid Working policy and business need.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Consideration of files submitted by police and government departments with a view to deciding, or advising, as to prosecution in cases alleging the commission of an offence which can be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court;
- Preparation of papers for prosecution, where appropriate, and directing such charges and evidence as is appropriate in each case;
- Attending court and conducting the prosecution of cases in the Magistrates’ Courts anywhere in Northern Ireland;
- On occasion preparing committal papers in Indictable cases;
- Providing prosecutorial advice, liaising and communicating with criminal justice stakeholders including victims and witnesses; and
- Carrying out such other duties as are required of a Public Prosecutor by the business needs of the PPS.
The above list is not exhaustive but gives a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties may vary in accordance with business needs
Further Information
More detail, including Candidate Information Booklets for both posts, is available on the NICS Recruitment website.
Applicants wishing to learn more about the post before deciding to apply may email Diana McIntyre resourcemanagement@ppsni.gov.uk
If you have any questions about the competition process, or require any documentation in an alternative format, you should contact HRConnect on 0800 1 300 330 or email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net