Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer)

Who we are

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is an independent public body that regulates Ireland’s rental sector. We work to deliver a fair rental system for everyone in Ireland.

In our role, we:

• Inform tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities

• Ensure landlords register tenancies and follow rental law

• Help to resolve tenancy disputes

• Provide trusted data and insights to inform rental sector policy

• We are committed to delivering quality services that make the rental sector fairer and easier to navigate.

We operate under the auspices of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

What we do

A healthy rental sector is a vital part of a well-functioning housing market. Our work is central to delivering this for Irish society.

Each year we:

• Register over 300,000 private, Approved Housing Body, cost rental and student-specific accommodation tenancies.

• Resolve disputes between more than 9,000 landlords, tenants and neighbours.

• Run targeted compliance campaigns to ensure landlords are following rental law.

• Provide information on rental law to 700,000 visitors to our website.

• Publish four quarterly updates with the latest data on the state of Ireland’s rental sector.

How we function

• Staffing: We have an approved staffing level of approximately 131 employees. We also outsource some business processing, legal and information technology functions to external providers.

• Funding: We are funded by tenancy registration fees, dispute fees and Government funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

• Priorities: You can read about our strategic priorities in the RTB’s Statement of Strategy 2023 – 2025 on our website

Working with us

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to employment policies, procedures and practices that do not discriminate because of a person’s gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller community.

We aim to create a diverse, inclusive and rewarding place to work. We believe that we benefit from the different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of our staff. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to join our organisation.

Career development

As a Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) at the RTB, you will have opportunities to grow your career and to experience a wide range of responsibilities. You will deal directly with RTB staff, stakeholders and members of the public, helping to respond to their queries and to resolve issues. You may also have the opportunity to broaden your skillset by taking part in groups and projects outside of your formal duties.

At the RTB, we recognise and value the contribution of our staff, and we continually invest in their development. Our work environment supports staff and provides opportunities for personal and professional development.

Your work will make an important contribution to delivering a fair rental sector that works for the people of Ireland. You will work together with a team of experienced colleagues who are experts in rental law and regulation.

Benefits

Your benefits as a Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) will include:

• Hybrid working environment with flexible working hours (potential to accrue additional flexi leave of 1.5 days per month).

• Good base salary – public sector pay rates with incremental progression (Higher Executive Officer salary scale).

• Generous annual leave - 29 working days per year, rising to 30 after 5 years’ service based on a five-day week.

• Public sector pension scheme membership.

• City centre location, easily accessible by public transport.

• Career progression and cross-skilling opportunities.

• Educational supports through employer sponsored academic education, paid study leave, and in-house training and development programmes.

• Access to Taxsaver travel tickets

• Access to Bike-to-Work Scheme and bike storage.

• Confidential counselling services provided as part of our Employee Assistance Service (EAS)

About the role

The RTB is a public body which is governed by a complex piece of legislation, namely the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. In addition, as a public body, the RTB has a number of other compliance/governance requirements which include, but are not limited to:

• Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies

• External Audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General

• Adherence to complex procurement guidance

• Compliance with Data Protection legislation

• Compliance with employment law and guidance

The Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) will play a key role in the RTB’s Legal Affairs function, supporting the delivery of high-quality, timely and risk-aware legal services across the organisation.

The successful candidate will be self-driven and results-oriented with experience of providing support on complex legal matters. They will have excellent analytical, technical and drafting skills and an ability to provide practical and solutions-focused advice. A key requirement of the role is the ability to take the initiative and run matters independently while also working as part of a team with a strong growth mind-set that is open to feedback. Given the dynamic nature of enforcement, a proven ability to adapt and work within strict deadlines is required.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the residential rental sector in Ireland and to make a significant contribution to the delivery of legal services in an organisation with a wide range of enforcement and regulatory powers.

Who will I report to?

As a Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) you will report directly to the Head of Legal Affairs (or other nominated person). The successful applicant will also interact with the Executive Leadership Team and staff at all levels in respect of matters related to their area of responsibility.

What will my responsibilities be in this role?

Working closely with colleagues and your line manager, your duties may include:

Case Preparation, Management & Follow-Up

• Assist the Head of Legal Affairs (or other nominated person) and our legal advisors in preparing case files for hearings and court proceedings.

• Maintain accurate case records and documentation, ensuring all actions are tracked and completed within required timeframes.

• Proactively follow up on outstanding matters, escalating where necessary to ensure resolution and compliance.

• Monitor and report on progress to ensure regulatory deadlines are consistently met.

Legal Support

• Providing high quality, clear, and timely legal support to the Board, Director and various business units on tenancy legislation, regulatory compliance, and RTB statutory obligations.

• Actively develop the relationship between the work of the Legal Affairs Unit and its internal customers by collaborating on projects.

• Provide training and guidance to RTB staff on legal matters and updates in relevant legislation.

Risk Management

• In conjunction with the Head of Legal Affairs, identify, manage and mitigate legal risk across the RTB.

• Ensure the RTB complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including housing legislation and data protection laws.

Policy Development

• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practices.

• Contribute to proposals or recommendations regarding legislative changes, supporting continuous improvement

Contract Management

• In conjunction with other relevant RTB business units, draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements to ensure the RTB’s interests are protected.

General

• Represent the RTB at external stakeholder meetings and events if required.

• Engage with local authorities, government departments, and housing bodies in a way that is aligned with the RTB’s strategic objectives with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships.

• Have a strong focus on engaging, empowering and supporting team members.

Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this position may be changed from time to time based on organisational requirements. The person appointed must be flexible and be prepared to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the organisation. The responsibilities outlined in this job description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the business requirements of the organisation.

Am I eligible to apply?

To apply, you must have:

Education

• A third level qualification in a relevant discipline such as Law (e.g., LLB/LLM or Legal Studies/Legal Practice) or such discipline as deemed relevant to the role.

Experience

• A minimum of 4 years’ demonstrable professional experience in a similar role.

• Demonstrate possession of the essential skills/competencies identified as being essential for the role (see below).

• Be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Please note, under the Residential Tenancies Act (S.169(4)), a member of a local authority cannot become an RTB staff member. Members of the Oireachtas and representatives to the European Parliament are also precluded from becoming members of the RTB. For more information on eligibility for this role, please read Appendix 2.

Essential skills and experience

All candidates must have:

• A strong understanding of legal principles relevant to corporate law as it pertains in the public sector (commercial supplier contracts, procurement, public/administrative law) and proficiency in document drafting and legal research.

• Proven ability to use standard office software and case management systems, with familiarity in legal software packages.

• Have excellent organisational and planning skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and manage a high volume of work effectively and meet deadlines.

• Have a strong understanding of data protection regulations and compliance (GDPR) and experience in implementing data protection measures.

• Have well-developed relationship management skills, as well as leadership and influencing skills in dealing with individuals and stakeholder groups at all levels.

• Have the ability to work independently and on their own initiative with strong multitasking capabilities.

Desirable attributes

In addition to the essential requirements, it is desirable that candidates have:

• Have an in-depth understanding of landlord and tenant law, litigation and the regulatory framework the RTB operates within.

• Membership of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives.

• Have a good knowledge (or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge) of public service policies and activities, particularly in respect of RTB-related services.

4) Key terms and conditions for this role

Below is an overview of the key terms and conditions for this role. If you are successful in this competition, your full terms and conditions will be set out in your employment contract.

Panel, term and probation period

At the end of this competition process, the RTB will form a panel for the post of Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer). We may fill current and future, permanent and specified, or fixed-term Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) vacancies from this panel.

The panel will include all successful applicants in order of merit. The panel will remain in place for 12 months from the date it is established. If you are appointed from the panel, this can be on a permanent or fixed-term basis as a public servant. We reserve the right not to use this panel to fill a Higher Legal Executive (Higher Executive Officer) role where a post requires specific skills. Any appointment is subject to successfully passing your probation period. In certain situations, the RTB can extend your probationary period.

During your probation period, your line manager will review your performance to determine if you have:

• Performed in a satisfactory manner; and

• Been satisfactory in general conduct.

The RTB will decide if you have passed your probation based on your performance against the criteria above. We will explain our probation process in more detail to successful candidates when they begin work with the RTB.

Notwithstanding the paragraphs in this section, your probation period can be ended at any time before the end of your contract term by you, or by the RTB, in line with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005.

Location

Your usual place of work will be at RTB offices in O’Connell Bridge House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2.

Under the RTB’s Blended Working Policy, all employees are required to attend at RTB offices on, at least, two days per week to be agreed with their line manager. Additional in-person attendance may also be required depending on role and business need. The RTB’s Blended Working Policy is under review and current arrangements may change in the future.

During the probation period, a minimum attendance of 3 days per week in the RTB office will be required.

Salary Scale

The salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1st August 2025) is: Higher Executive Officer Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Salary Scale

€56,047 - €74,112 per year

Annual leave

29 working days per year, rising to 30 after five years’ service at the grade. Your annual allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave. It is based on a 5-day week and does not include public holidays.