Senior Operational Policy Assurance and Compliance Officer (SOPAC)

About The Role

The Role

The Senior Operational Policy Assurance and Compliance Officer (SOPAC) is a key part of the Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance team in the ICRIR. The team play a key role in assuring that the crucial work being carried out in the Investigations and Findings teams is carried out to the required standards, meets the public and internal facing policy and process requirements, and is in accordance with the values, mission and vision of the Commission. You will be a strategic leader capable of anticipating long-term impacts and shaping direction across the Commission, and with external stakeholders. You will shape the function and its strategies, plans and practices to support the Commission's transition and long-term vision.

You will contribute at a senior level, keeping the Commission's senior and executive teams informed with progress in the function's area and offer options, challenges and advice at senior levels with big-picture thinking and decision-making. ICRIR has entered a period of reform in preparation for its transition to the Legacy Commission including operationalisation of new powers, legislation and capabilities. The SOPAC's role at this key time will be strategically pivotal and transformational, ensuring ICRIR continues to deliver for victims, families and survivors whilst simultaneously developing new and futureproof policies and processes.

Reporting to the Head of Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance, you will support them in a thematic policy review to streamline and improve existing policies and processes whilst supporting the changes required to transition to the Legacy Commission, futureproofing the function and the work more broadly in the long-term. You will encourage ideas and improvements and challenge the status quo to inform a transformation of the function's delivery, including by the use of technology and tools such as AI. You will develop joined-up strategies and policies that add value for the operational teams and stakeholders. You will identify systemic compliance issues and shape strategic improvements, as well as refine the framework for the continuous improvement of processes. You will lead and motivate a small policy, compliance and assurance team, inspiring them and the broader operational teams to engage with and deliver the Commission's objectives. You will build a high-performing team aligned with the Commission's strategic priorities, actively sharing and promoting knowledge and sharing of skills, championing development and inclusivity, and you will seek and implement feedback from across the Commission.

There may be resource/people management responsibilities supporting the academic researchers' team and oversight of the secretariat responsibilities for the External Advisory Group.

The role continued

You will use your extensive experience to actively participate in the business-as-usual work of the team as well as providing strategic oversight and direction. You will ensure the timely and high-impact delivery of strategic assurance and inspection activities covering all operational aspects of the Commission's investigations process through the Support, Information Recovery and Findings stages. You will oversee and undertake reviews and other evidence gathering activities to a consistently high standard. You will manage and evaluate a wide range of information and produce strategic insights and robust evidence to inform Commission decision-making in the areas of compliance and adherence to Commission policies and processes in operational casework.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Deep strategic understanding of the ICRIR's mission, values and evolving remit, with the insight and judgement to navigate the complex challenges of its transition to the Legacy Commission. Demonstrates the ability to anticipate long-term implications, and shape policy and operational direction accordingly.
• Experience in relevant operational contexts (e.g. law enforcement, regulatory or investigative environments).
• A proven track record in developing, implementing and assuring policy and audit frameworks in a data and evidence-led manner that drive performance and accountability, shape strategic decisions, enhance service delivery and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly and confidently with stake ambiguity or competing demands.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously while maintaining quality, pace and impact.
• Sound judgement in weighing competing perspectives and risks, with the ability to generate pragmatic, values-led solutions that support the Commission's objectives and uphold public confidence.
• Consistently demonstrates the values and ethical standards set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, impartiality and respect in all interactions.
• Forward-thinking and innovation-oriented, with a willingness to lead the exploration and adoption of novel tools - including AI - to enhance policy delivery, assurance and operational effectiveness.
• Ability to operate in a flexible manner to support operational demands, and contribute to the team's throughput at all levels.
• Willingness to undergo and meet the requirements for SC clearance, if not already held.

Person Specification

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in developing policy and oversight systems in response to new legislation or during periods of organisational transition, showing the ability to navigate complexity, anticipate risks and embed sustainable, futureproof change.

About Us

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation.

We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver.

The Commission is based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit.

The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter, and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

ICRIR's Code of Conduct

If you would have any queries or would like to contact us to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please email us at .

• Integrity
• Impartiality
• Openness
• Accountability
• Respect

For further information including a Candidate Information Pack and to submit your application, click the apply icon.

Advertising End Date: 01 Dec 2025