Inspector Of Prisons (Chief Inspector)

Department Of Justice

Dublin/Tipperary

The Department of Justice has overall responsibility for public policy and administration in respect of criminal justice, public safety, civil and family law, national security, immigration and data protection issues. The Department employs over 2,700 people directly and has responsibility for the Justice sector, with overall 25,000 staff and a budget of €3 billion.   The Inspector of Prisons (Chief Inspector) is a key statutory role, leading a team in carrying out regular inspections of prisons and presenting reports to the Minister for Justice, for laying before both Houses of the Oireachtas and publication.   The Inspector also investigates the circumstances surrounding the deaths of prisoners in custody and any death of a prisoner on temporary release from custody that occurs within one month of her/his release. Arising from legislation in preparation to enable Ireland ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), it likely that the current role of the Inspector will become part of a wider remit for inspection of criminal justice system places of detention. The successful candidate will have: • A successful track record of achievement at senior level, in either the Public, Non-Government, Private Sector or Judicial Level; • Excellent judgement and analytical skills with the proven capacity for independent assessment of complex issues, decision making and clear presentation of findings; • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills with the ability to develop strong and effective relationships with key strategic stakeholders; • Ability to successfully manage the Inspectorate team, supporting and enabling team members through strong performance management, active communication and personal development; • Strong capacity to liaise and expertly communicate with individuals and stakeholders who interact with the Inspector’s Office; • A detailed knowledge of a human rights based approach to prison oversight and the levers and drivers that build sustainable improvements in prison systems reform; • Knowledge and understanding of the workings of international human rights oversight bodies; • A detailed knowledge of Ireland’s obligations under national and international law as they relate to prisoners’ human rights. Given the nature of the work, the following are desirable: • Familiarity with the workings of the Criminal Justice System in Ireland and developments at International level on penal and human rights policy; • A previous track record of leading programmes of improvement in the quality, safety and experience of people interacting with a criminal justice system in Ireland or internationally. This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position. Further information including details on how to apply is available on www.publicjobs.ie. If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Karan Nesbitt on karan.nesbitt@publicjobs.ie.  The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 18th November, 2021. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

883 days ago