The Role
The role of the Equality Officer is a challenging and diverse post. The post holder will report into the Head of HR Operations and will support in leading the Commission’s Equality Strategy to assist in ensuring the Commission meets its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, 1998, and section 49A and 49B of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended by Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006) across all of the Commission’s functions.
The post holder will provide advice and guidance to stakeholders and will play a pivotal role in maintaining the Commission’s corporate equality objectives and developing plans to implement these. They will assist in the research, design, implementation and evaluation of a policy framework which guides the Commission in maintaining compliance with the statutory duties. The Equality Officer will develop and manage relevant external relationships and will ensure that relevant statutory compliances are in place.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Commission in meeting Section 75 equality and disability duties across all its functions (including service provision, employment and procurement) through the effective implementation and monitoring and review of its equality scheme and associated equality action plans
- Advise and assist directorates on the implementation of the Commission’s equality scheme, particularly in relation to policy formulation, equality screening, equality impact assessments, consultations and on-going monitoring and review procedures ensuring this work is conducted in accordance with the guidance published by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) and the Commission’s equality scheme
- Assist in the review and development of equality models and policies, including research, liaison with other organisations and consideration of legislation and good practice
- Develop effective relationships and maintain a network of contacts with a range of external and partner organisations
- Assist with and/or investigate Section 75 complaints (that arise either internally or externally) and prepare an investigation report and inform complainants and the Senior Leadership Team of the outcome(s)
- Conduct research to inform equality objectives and analyse data to inform policy/plan decisions and for the identification of any gaps in provision
- Assist in undertaking internal and formal public consultation projects based on equality related strategies, action plans or policies in compliance with ECNI guidance
- Contribute to the submission of the ECNI annual equality progress report and five-year review reports
- Develop and maintain arrangements to facilitate public access to information and services provided by the Commission.
- Comply with all the Commission’s policies and procedures including Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies and procedures and all mandatory training requirements
- Support Colleagues in HR ongoing, for example with peaks in recruitment.
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.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience assisting with the development, implementation and review of equality and diversity policies, practices and procedures,
- You can work under your own initiative. You should have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively as you carry out your new and important role.
- You must also be able to work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders and engage professionally and partially with senior managers
- Prior experience in the development of strategies and policies to ensure service users and consultees have access to information and services.
- Experience in consultation and analysis of the outcomes.
- Experience of managing recruitment campaigns.
- Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for CTC clearance, if not already cleared.
- Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct
Desirable Criteria
- Previous assessment of the equality impacts of policies adopted or proposed to be adopted by a public authority.
- Generalist HR experience
Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. Please also provide a statement of suitability (max 1000 words) setting out your key skills and experience against the essential criteria listed in the person specification by no later than 5pm, Friday 8th August 2025 to [email protected]. Where appropriate, please indicate your location preference for the role – either Belfast or London.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £46,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Belfast BT2 7AP
Application deadline: 08/08/2025
