Head of Board Secretariat

The **Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR)** is an independent organisation established to provide information on **Troubles-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors while promoting reconciliation.**

From becoming operational on **1 May 2024**, the Commission’s caseload continues to move at pace. This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive, innovative team where you will work with competing deadlines and emotionally challenging content, while delivering for the public good through this historic work.

**About the role**
- The postholder will manage a regular rhythm of Board and Committee meetings effectively in line with the Commission’s governance framework and the Commission’s values. They will lead on agenda-setting, commissioning and quality assurance on papers, and oversight of the implementation of agreed Board actions.
- They will have line management responsibility for a small team, and lead on a range of governance functions including management of the Commission’s policies on the Declaration and Management of Outside Interests, and Gifts and Hospitality.
- The postholder will be encouraged to forge positive relationships with colleagues working across the various branches of the Commission, including the Executive Secretariat and corporate teams.
- This role offers the postholder ample opportunities for development in a fast-paced, yet highly supportive environment.

**Key responsibilities**
- Provide effective leadership of the Board Secretariat Team, supporting the Head of Team in planning and delivering a strategic and professional programme of Board and Committee meetings.
- Work collaboratively with other office staff to ensure work is completed in times of high pressure or leave, including providing resilience to other team members.
- Lead on the compilation of accurate and high-quality Board and Committee papers.
- Lead the delivery of the Board and its Committees in line with the Code of Conduct and ensuring effective reporting and accountability mechanisms are in place, understood and embedded.
- Provide advice to Board members on the fulfilment of their responsibilities in line with agreed roles and Board objectives.
- Develop smarter ways of working to improve efficiency and delivery.
- Build and develop strong working relationships across the whole Commission.

Essential Criteria
- Experience of working in a corporate governance role, or of successfully obtaining decisions through formal governance boards or a Secretariat position.
- Minute-taking experience.
- Confidence working with senior leaders and excellent interpersonal skills.
- The ability to stay calm under pressure, displaying strong planning and logístical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - an ability to proof-read, summarise and communicate complex information quickly.
- Existing security clearance at the CTC level for the post (preferred) or the willingness to obtain.
- Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working in an Arm’s Length Body
- be highly adaptable and flexible, adjusting to the requirements and strategic direction of the organisation
- have excellent verbal and written communication, with experience of minute taking
- be an engaging leader and trusted adviser, with the credibility and experience to lead a team to deliver quality outcomes
- have outstanding interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with internal teams and senior leaders across the group
- be highly organised, efficient, and flexible as well as able to juggle competing priorities effectively whilst working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
- proactively identify and action opportunities to build organisation-wide knowledge and improve office processes
- have a proactive approach to line management with a focus on encouraging and supporting the team whilst recognising and appreciating challenging demands and deadlines.

We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation about the role and our organisation.

We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.

Our offices are in Belfast and London, with travel and hybrid working arrangements available.

To **APPLY**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £59,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Belfast BT2

Application deadline: 13/01/2025