The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) deals with policy and service developments relating to a number of very important groups in society. It seeks to co-ordinate and develop key actions across Government relating to children and young people. It also works on issues relating to some of their most vulnerable groups including children at risk, children in the care of the State, and other vulnerable, minority and disadvantaged groups. It emphasises inclusivity and support in the area of equality.

The Special Rapporteur on Child Protection was first appointed in 2006; it is a Government appointment for a term of three years. The Rapporteur reviews and reports to Government on specific national and international legal developments, legislative provisions and litigation in the area of child protection, on the request of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The Special Rapporteur is required to prepare, annually, a report setting out the results of the previous year’s work. The Rapporteur can also provide, if requested by the Minister, discrete proposals for reform, prior to the submission of the annual report. The Rapporteur is accountable to the Government to whom s/he reports annually. The annual report is submitted to the Minister who then submits the report to Government for approval to publish.

The successful candidate will have:

• A recognised background and experience in the field of child and family law.
• Specialised knowledge of laws and practices related to child and family law both nationally and internationally.
• Knowledge and experience of national and international developments in the welfare and protection of children.
• A post graduate degree, at minimum level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent, in law, or in a discipline directly related to child and family law.
• Published academic or other materials (articles, studies, reports, research papers or any similar written material) in the field of child and family law.
• Independence and impartiality.

It is desirable that candidates also have:

• Experience in communicating with relevant stakeholders at a senior level including Governments, NGOs and the media.

For more details and to apply please click at: Special Rapporteur

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 29 September 2022.

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Sandra Cairns at sandra.cairns@publicjobs.ie

They are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.