*Closes 01st 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.

Commissioner – Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Sponsor department: Northern Ireland Office

Number of vacancies x 4

Remuneration – £7,500 per annum

Length of term – Three years

Application deadline – Midday on 1 May 2026

Appointment description:

All Commissioners will be expected to:
  • ensure the Commission fulfils its functions in accordance with its statutory remit as defined in legislation;
  • ensure that the Commission’s activities are conducted in an efficient and effective manner;
  • ensure that strategies are developed for meeting the Commission’s overall objectives in accordance with Government’s policies and priorities and the wider context;
  • monitor the Commission’s performance to ensure that it fully meets its aims, objectives
  • and performance targets;
  • demonstrate a commitment of the principles of independence, participation, effectiveness, inclusion and partnership under the Commission’s work;
  • ensure that the Commission’s control, regulation and monitoring of its activities provide value for public money within a framework of best practice, regularity and propriety;
  • appoint the Chief Executive should this vacancy arise and ensure that his/her performance is regularly assessed against clear objectives and targets;
  • attend Commission meetings regularly and any sub committees as required; and
  • act as a representative of the Commission e.g. at events, seminars or other functions.

Person specification:

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.

How to apply:

In order to apply, you will need to create an account or sign in. Once you are logged into your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions by the closing date of 1 May 2026 at 12 noon. 
The selection panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all the elements listed below, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.
For your application to be properly considered by the Selection Panel, you must upload:
  • A supporting statement of no more than 1000 words summarising your proven ability related to the essential criteria and person specification. Your statement should provide specific and detailed examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria (including what you did to achieve a specific result);
  • A full CV (including education and professional qualifications, career history, and relevant achievements and responsibilities).
  • Diversity / Equality Information; and
  • Information relating to any outside conflicts of interests or reputational issues.
Completed applications should be submitted by the closing date of Friday 1 May 2026 at 12 noon.
Further information on how to do this is set out below. However, should you be unable to submit an online application, or have any issues then you should contact us at the earliest opportunity by email or telephone at nihrc2026@nio.gov.uk.