Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: Commissioner - deadline Friday 1st May

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. Its powers and duties stem from the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.The NIHRC was established in 1999. It is a public body independent of Government. It operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.Appointments to the NIHRC are made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The NIHRC is a National Human Rights Institution with ‘A’ status accreditation from the United Nations (UN). Its powers are set out in legislation and its responsibilities as a National Human Rights Institution are in compliance with the UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 (The Paris Principles).The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland. The NIHRC also plays a key role in the dedicated mechanism, established under Article 2 of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union, working with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

Essential criteria

Outstanding individuals are sought to become Commissioners of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The successful applicants will be individuals who have a commitment to protecting, respecting and promoting human rights. They should have an understanding of and commitment to working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders and be able to apply personal expertise in contributing to the work of the Commission. They should also be committed to the need for good governance in public bodies.Candidates for these roles will need to demonstrate:

• the ability to build productive and respectful relationships with fellow Commissioners, senior stakeholders and diverse communities;
• knowledge of human rights law and in depth understanding of the considerations that influence the environment in which the NIHRC works (including understanding of its statutory remit) and an ability to make a personal contribution to the work of the Commission;
• the ability to analyse information and exercise judgement across a broad spectrum of policy and high level human rights issues; and
• a practical understanding of and commitment to the Nolan Principles including accountability and personal integrity.

Click here for more information and to apply