Job Description

About The Role

The Role

The Senior Operational Policy Assurance and Compliance Officer (SOPAC) is a key part of the Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance team in the ICRIR. The team play a key role in assuring that the crucial work being carried out in the Investigations and Findings teams is carried out to the required standards, meets the public and internal facing policy and process requirements, and is in accordance with the values, mission and vision of the Commission. You will be a strategic leader capable of anticipating long-term impacts and shaping direction across the Commission, and with external stakeholders. You will shape the function and its strategies, plans and practices to support the Commission's transition and long-term vision. You will contribute at a senior level, keeping the Commission's senior and executive teams informed with progress in the function's area and offer options, challenges and advice at senior levels with big-picture thinking and decision-making. ICRIR has entered a period of reform in preparation for its transition to the Legacy Commission including operationalisation of new powers, legislation and capabilities. The SOPAC's role at this key time will be strategically pivotal and transformational, ensuring ICRIR continues to deliver for victims, families and survivors whilst simultaneously developing new and futureproof policies and processes. Reporting to the Head of Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance, you will support them in a thematic policy review to streamline and improve existing policies and processes whilst supporting the changes required to transition to the Legacy Commission, futureproofing the function and the work more broadly in the long-term. You will encourage ideas and improvements and challenge the status quo to inform a transformation of the function's delivery, including by the use of technology and tools such as AI. You will develop joined-up strategies and policies that add value for the operational teams and stakeholders. You will identify systemic compliance issues and shape strategic improvements, as well as refine the framework for the continuous improvement of processes. You will lead and motivate a small policy, compliance and assurance team, inspiring them and the broader operational teams to engage with and deliver the Commission's objectives. You will build a high-performing team aligned with the Commission's strategic priorities, actively sharing and promoting knowledge and sharing of skills, championing development and inclusivity, and you will seek and implement feedback from across the Commission. There may be resource/people management responsibilities supporting the academic researchers' team and oversight of the secretariat responsibilities for the External Advisory Group.

The role continued -

You will use your extensive experience to actively participate in the business-as-usual work of the team as well as providing strategic oversight and direction. You will ensure the timely and high-impact delivery of strategic assurance and inspection activities covering all operational aspects of the Commission's investigations process through the Support, Information Recovery and Findings stages. You will oversee and undertake reviews and other evidence gathering activities to a consistently high standard. You will manage and evaluate a wide range of information and produce strategic insights and robust evidence to inform Commission decision-making in the areas of compliance and adherence to Commission policies and processes in operational casework.

About Us

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation.

We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver.

The Commission is based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit.

The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter, and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

ICRIR's Code of Conduct

Integrity Impartiality Openness Accountability Respect
If you would have any queries or would like to contact us to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please email us at recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk.