*Closes 17th November*

An outstanding individual is sought to become a member of the NIHRC. The successful applicant will be someone who has a commitment to 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.

All Commissioners will be expected to:

  • ensure the Commission fulfils its functions in accordance with its statutory remit as defined in legislation;
  • act in a way that promotes high standards of public finance, including the promotion of regularity, propriety and value for money;
  • 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;
  • ensure that the Commission’s control, regulation and monitoring of its activities ensure value for 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
  • act as representatives of the Commission as required, e.g. at events, seminars or other functions

Organisation description
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 set out in 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.

Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website

Person specification

Essential criteria: Candidates for this role 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 or 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 reputation for personal integrity, professional conduct and credibility, with an exceptional sense of propriety

Further information and details on how to apply here