Human Rights Legal Adviser

To provide comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of Human Rights legislation which may have an impact on the delivery of the aims and objectives of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The post holder will work as a key adviser to the Director of Legal Services and to the Service Executive Team.

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday with a requirement to work outside office hours when necessary to meet the demands of the role.

37 working hours per week (42 hours gross).

Salary: £61,742 - £67,403 plus environmental allowance.

Main Activities

• Act as the chief advisor to the Police Service of Northern Ireland on human rights issues, which are relevant to the roles and operational responsibilities of the organisation.
• Provide advice to senior managers on a wide range of strategic and tactical issues, including the Human Rights Act 1998, Investigatory Powers Act 2016 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
• Update the organisation on relevant national and international developments concerning human rights and policing.
• Participate in strategic coordination groups related to the management of major events and incidents and advise senior officers, including the Assistant Chief Constable Crime, as necessary.
• Manage a caseload of Judicial Reviews, including those of strategic significance to the organisation.
• Research and advise the Police Service of Northern Ireland on legislation, court decisions and relevant international human rights standards impacting on the human rights aspects of operational policing.
• Identify and prepare human rights materials for distribution, including legal summaries and background materials on human rights and police powers.
• Liaise with Northern Ireland Policing Board, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and other external agencies engaged in promoting Human Rights compliance.

This Job Description reflects the main duties of the role of Human Rights Legal Adviser. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

A Law Degree

AND

Qualified as a Barrister or Solicitor who is entitled to practice either at the Bar of Northern Ireland or as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court for Northern Ireland by the date of appointment.

Essential Skills and Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience in the legal field to include:

• Knowledge of Civil and Criminal Justice Systems of the United Kingdom.
• Knowledge of Case law relating to the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998 and how they apply to policing.
• Experience of advising, influencing and contributing effectively and appropriately to Senior Management regarding decisions on complex legal issues.

Essential Other

• IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook)
• Applicants must have a valid driving licence and a car available for official business use, or access to a form of personal transport that will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain Developed Vetted (DV) clearance.

Desirable Qualifications

Specific Qualification in Human Rights Law.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of the Civil and Criminal Justice systems in Northern Ireland.
• Knowledge of policing issues such as the exercise of police powers and prosecutions.
• 3 years’ experience of working in/with public sector organisations or public authorities in the application of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Short listing will be carried out based on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed

Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising. Please note that if successful, you will be contacted by email with further information relating to this process. We would encourage you to check the spam within your email system for any relevant correspondence.

Selection Methodology

Competency and Values based Interview

Values

• Integrity
• Impartiality

Competencies – Level 3

• We are emotionally aware
• We take ownership
• We analyse critically
• We are collaborative

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £61,742.00-£67,403.00 per month

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location