Principal Inspector OPCAT | Wellington

Job Description

Principal Inspector OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture)

• Do you have problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to apply these within a complex multi-faceted human rights setting?
• Are you able to provide credible thought leadership and technical advice with demonstrated experience in matters of relevance to OPCAT examinations?
• Are you culturally aware, and have an understanding of criminal justice or health and disability issues?
• Wellington or Auckland location

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

As an independent Officer of Parliament, the Chief Ombudsman works to ensure people are treated fairly, primarily in relation to the administrative conduct of public sector agencies. As part of his role, the Chief Ombudsman has been designated as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to ensure New Zealand meets its obligations under the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).  This designation includes monitoring and examining the conditions and treatment of people detained in prisons, court cells, immigration facilities and health and disability facilities such as intellectual disability and mental health units and secure privately run aged care facilities.

Mō tō mātou tira – About our team

The OPCAT team is responsible for monitoring the conditions and treatment of people detained in prisons, court cells, immigration facilities, and health and disability facilities such as intellectual disability and mental health units and secure privately run aged care facilities. Reporting to the Director OPCAT this position provides technical and thought leadership on examination, inspection activity and operational practice.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

The role of the Principal Inspector OPCAT is to bring technical expertise and thought leadership to the OPCAT examination portfolio. The Principal Inspector will do this by supporting OPCAT Managers and team members and through contributing subject matter and inspection expertise and advice to shape operational practice aligned with the Chief Ombudsman's direction and goals.

Working closely with team members in OPCAT and maintaining good working relationships across other teams in the office, you'll be required to make sound judgments drawing on your previous experience, analytical thinking and problem solving skills. You will also have the ability to work autonomously on projects agreed with the Director OPCAT.

He kōrero mōu – About you

• To be successful in this role you will have:
• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law, policy, social sciences or related discipline.
• Proven analytical skills and a knowledge and understanding of human rights in New Zealand
• Significant experience at senior level with the OPCAT examination functions including visiting or working in places of detention, particularly in the field required for the position (prisons, health, and aged care).
• A proven ability to motivate, mentor, guide and train others
• Experience working with iwi, Māori and Pasifika / Knowledge of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Proven analytical skills and a knowledge and understanding of human rights issues in New Zealand
• Experience in undertaking evidence based research and analysis, including conducting interviews and site visits to obtain key information
• Resilience, and the ability to navigate complex environments and competing demands
• Ideally the successful candidate will have experience working in places of detention; including mental health facilities, intellectual disability facilities, or immigration detention facilities.

All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a writing test as part of the selection process.

Me pēhea e tono - How to apply

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [email protected]

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check, police vetting and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $119,700 and $179,550 (with the midpoint – 100% of the band being $149,625). The appointment will depend on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Applications close on the 02nd of April with interviews to be ideally held the week of the 11th of April.