The general counsel for the NSW government department that handed former deputy premier John Barilaro the job of Trade Commissioner to the Americas says it is "not correct" that a former bureaucrat was fully offered the job first.

Department of Enterprise Investment and Trade's Chris Carr gave evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, which is investigating the controversial appointment of Mr Barilaro to the position.

Mr Barilaro's appointment, which comes with a $500,000 annual salary package and is based in New York, was confirmed last month. 

Mr Barilaro withdrew from the role after a political backlash.

A week ago, former bureaucrat Jenny West told the inquiry she had been verbally offered the job in August last year and had also negotiated her contract.

It was then rescinded after a government decision to change the recruitment process.

Mr Carr today told the inquiry he wanted to "correct the record".

"Ms West's evidence was that her contract terms were finalised on 13 August 2021. She also stated that she was fully offered the job — her words," Mr Carr told the inquiry.

"That is not correct."

He said that there were taxation issues in the contract that had not been finalised.

"Investment NSW was not in a position to issue any contract, or offer to any candidate, prior to mid-December 2021," Mr Carr said.

"Until the agency signs an agreement, counter-signed by an applicant, a person remains an applicant."

Mr Carr said while he provided policy advice on changing the recruitment process, he had a "limited" role.