34718 - National Preventive Mechanism - Head of Secretariat

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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, parliamentarians, select committees and other senior stakeholders.
• Speak on behalf of the NPM at external events and conferences.

Resource management

• Responsible for NPM budget (approx. £120,000), financial reporting and bids for resources
• Line manage Band C Assistant NPM Coordinator
• Reporting line to Assistant NPM Coordinator based at HMIP Scotland
• Recruit and oversee external consultants to deliver specific NPM projects
• Contributing to the management and development of the Secretariat

Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential:

Demonstrable experience of leading and influencing policy development at a high level with a range of actors in the UK.

• Experience of managing high-level multi-stakeholder networks or organisations, including coordinating meetings, business planning, and leading work to strengthen governance frameworks.
• Experience of leading high-level partnerships across organisations and with senior external stakeholders, relationship management.
• Proven experience of applying human rights law to practice and policy.
• Thorough understanding of United Nations human rights frameworks, including in relation to the prevention of torture.
• Proven experience of the specific issues associated with the prevention of torture in detention settings.

Desirable:

• Experience of working on complex policy issues.
• Demonstrable understanding of working independently of government and dealing with the conflicts and tensions that often result.
• Knowledge and understanding of devolved administrations within the UK.
• Understanding of law making processes.
• Experience of working internationally.
• Masters degree in international human rights law, public policy or related field.

Behaviours and Strengths

You will be tested against the Success Profiles used across the Civil Service and its agencies at
application and/or at interview stage.

Essential behaviours:

Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.

Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.

Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.

Seeing the Bigger Picture – understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives.

Essential strengths:

Networker – you proactively create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation. You identify connections and reach out to bring people together

Mediator - you provide stability and cohesion within teams, finding common ground and purpose.You enjoy collaborating with others to drive forward a shared goal.

Explainer – you communicate thoughts and ideas, verbally or in writing. You simplify complexities and adapt communications so others can understand.

Decisive - you use your judgement and take a considered approach to situations and tasks when making decisions.

Challenger - you can bring a fresh perspective whatever the situation or context. You see other people’s views and can appreciate there are many different angles to consider.