34718 - National Preventive Mechanism - Head of Secretariat

Ministry of Justice ,
London, Greater London

Overview

Job Description

Salary Minimum 52,845 - 63,500 Number of jobs available 1 Detail of reserve list 12 Months Region London City/Town London Building/Site 10 SOUTH COLONNADE LONDON, E14 4PU Grade Grade 7 Organisation Grade for MoJ Grade 7 Post Type Permanent Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share Role Type Other Job description We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: ABOUT THE ROLE The National Preventive Mechanism and HM Inspectorate of Prisons are looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Head of NPM Secretariat. This is a key post working with 21-member organisations, their heads and senior staff. The Head of NPM Secretariat is based at HM Inspectorate of Prisons, reporting to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons Head of Secretariat and the NPM Steering Group and Chair. They are expected to manage a large network of relationships and to work closely and collaboratively with HM Inspectorate of Prisons staff as well as all other NPM members. They are responsible for overseeing the work of the NPM Secretariat, liaising closely with all NPM members to build consensus on joint priorities and work across the NPM. They assist NPM members to develop NPM objectives and design an NPM business plan and oversee delivery of that plan. The post-holder liaises on behalf of the NPM with government, international bodies and a wide range of high level external stakeholders, and provides advice and support to its constituent members. The post-holder is required to work with minimal supervision over the substantive elements of the role and is responsible for managing a Band C assistant coordinator. The postholder also provides supervision to the Assistant NPM coordinator in Scotland. The role involves balancing competing demands, juggling priorities and defining clear objectives between different organisations and senior stakeholders. It involves identifying and reconciling different views and experiences from across the NPM, finding ways to ensure its 21 member bodies can work together in pursuit of common objectives and influence detention policy and practice in line with international obligations. Responsibilities The Head of NPM Secretariat has the following responsibilities: Coordinate joint NPM activity * Support the NPM's independent Chair (drafting correspondence, diary management,briefing) and assist the NPM members in recruiting the Chair when there is a vacancy. * Advise and support NPM members (heads of organisations and senior staff), the NPM's four thematic and geographical subgroups, and Steering Group on the effective implementation of OPCAT in the UK. * Support members to set the strategic direction of the NPM through consultative business planning,identifying opportunities for future collaborative work and to ensure OPCAT compliance. Address competing demands, problem-solving and juggle priorities to see these through effectively. Maintain overview of external environment for strategic NPM work. * Draft and monitor implementation of the NPM business plan and budget, ensuring appropriate governance of all activities * Set agendas and organise multi-stakeholder NPM meetings (business meetings, Steering Group meetings, ad hoc meetings). * Provide a secretariat role to the NPM Steering Group and NPM Chair, and strategic advice and input to four NPM subgroups. * Assist NPM members to develop their policies and working practices by working with them to implement international standards and best practice, encouraging collaboration and advising on human rights approaches. Develop and oversee substantive projects to take this forward. Work with individuals and groups of NPM members to build consensus on issues related to the prevention of ill treatment. * Work with NPM members to identify opportunities for staff to develop and build their human rights expertise and competence. External influencing and stakeholders * Act as primary interlocutor with government officials across UK on implementation of OPCAT, in close consultation with NPM members. * Work with NPM members to develop policy and external briefing documents, training materials and manage communications and social media to further NPM work. * Liaise with and advise international actors (UN Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, OSCE and other NPMs) to ensure UK NPM experience informs and reflects international best practice. * Coordinate input from NPM members, produce annual report and oversee laying in parliament, and other outputs as agreed in NPM business plan. * Lead efforts, with the NPM Chair and HMIP Head of Secretariat, to strengthen the NPM's governance, structure and resource base. * Develop and maintain external relationships with NGOs, human rights commissions,academics, pa