Parades Northern Ireland - Rural Caseworker

Background

The Parades Commission was established under the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998. The duties and functions of the Commission set out in the 1998 Act are:

• To promote greater understanding by the general public of issues concerning public processions.
• To promote and facilitate mediation as a means of resolving disputes concerning public processions.
• To keep itself generally informed as to the conduct of public processions and protest meetings.
• To keep under review, and make such recommendations as it thinks fit to the Secretary of State concerning the operation of the Act.

The Commission is currently seeking to appoint a Caseworker who will assist it in its decision making by providing advice and guidance. The case‑worker plays a crucial role in stakeholder engagement and will work alongside the Deputy Secretary and Secretary to ensure the Commission is fully briefed and receives representation from all stakeholders during its deliberation process.

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The Caseworker reports directly to the Deputy Secretary and to the Secretary. The post holder will exercise a high degree of autonomy for his/her particular area of work and have the ability to work as a key member of a small secretariat team. Hybrid working arrangements are offered as part of this role. Hybrid working arrangements are offered as part of this role.

The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including parade‑protest organisers, PSNI, local political representatives, residents’ groups, church representatives, PUL and CRN community reps, members of the public etc.
• Building up an extensive knowledge of parading in Northern Ireland and undertaking research in relation to parading in other jurisdictions as required.
• Dealing with sensitive/contentious parades – seeking additional information and arranging oral/written representation from stakeholders; drafting determinations/correspondence following decisions made by the Commission; advising parade‑protest organisers of the outcome of Commission considerations and dealing with enquiries and complaints.
• Preparing detailed briefs for the Commission on sensitive parades; presenting information to the Commission at formal meetings both verbally and in report format.

The successful officer may be required to work normal office hours of 9am to 5pm, however additional hours may be required particularly during the main parading period of June – August. There will also be restrictions on annual leave during these months. The post holder will be required to work outside normal conditioned hours e.g. evenings, weekends and public holidays to attend outreach meetings, Commission meetings and parades.

Due to the nature of the work this can often be at short notice. The post holder will be, where possible, expected to take annual leave outside the busy parading periods of Easter and during June – August. CTC clearance is an essential requirement for this post and successful applicants must undergo CTC clearance on taking up post if not already held.

The post holder must have access to a form of transport for use in connection with work.

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to deal with a range of stakeholders
• Integrity, impartiality and sensitivity
• Local political awareness

• Previous experience of working with, or supporting relationships with organisations in a group structure
• Previous experience of supporting senior decision makers
• Previous experience of working independently, to deadlines
• Previous experience of analysing information, producing concise briefings and reports

• Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally,…