Detention Monitoring and Torture Prevention Treaty (OPCAT) Coordinator (ACT NPM Coordinator)Canberra ACT
We are seeking a highly motivated person with experience working with detained people, high level stakeholder engagement and management skills, research skills, and strong oral and written communication skills to fill the newly created role of Detention Monitoring and Torture Prevention Treaty Coordinator (ACT NPM Coordinator) in our ACT Strategy & Inspector team.The work of an NPM is to provide preventive oversight over places of detention, and work constructively with detaining authorities to make evidence-based findings and recommendations to reduce risks of torture and ill-treatment in detention. NPMs are established in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) a human rights treaty to which Australia is a State Party.Under the Monitoring of Places of Detention (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture) Act 2018, the ACT Government has designated the ACT Ombudsman, the ACT Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services, as a multi-body ACT National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). We are also part of the broader Australian NPM.The successful candidate will hold relevant qualifications in law, human rights, criminology or public administration (or similar fields) or have equivalent professional experience, and will have knowledge and understanding of the OPCAT and key concepts relating to prevention of torture and ill-treatment. They will have experience in complex stakeholder management, interpreting and analysing legislation, applying human rights principles, and a demonstrated ability to:
cultivate productive relationships and nurture internal and external stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and partnershipscommunicate with influence, including to produce high quality reports suitable for publication, written briefsdevelop methodologies, supporting materials and guidance tools to assist the ACT NPM carry out its functionsapply human rights principleswork effectively under pressure, independently or as part of a team, to achieve results.A familiarity with the functions of the three ACT NPM agencies, as well as with the framework of closed environments in the ACT, including prison, youth detention, secure mental health facilities, and police watchhouses and police stations, as well as aged care and disability settings is highly desirable. The key duties of the position include:Support the ACT NPM agencies to establish and implement the necessary governance structures for the ACT NPM, so as to promote collaboration, cooperation and consistency between agencies and alignment with OPCAT's international standards.Coordinate and support the development of ACT NPM monitoring methodology and priorities, and supporting materials and guidance toolsCoordinate the ACT NPM annual reporting, and contributions to the Australian NPM annual reportRaise awareness of the role of the ACT NPM with key stakeholders (detaining authorities, persons deprived of their liberty, civil society organisations)Work collaboratively with the Australian NPM Coordinator as well as the Commonwealth and State and Territory NPMsOther functions as requiredThe successful candidate must:
be an Australian citizen,undergo a National Criminal History records check andbe able to obtain and maintain a baseline security clearanceUndertake a pre-employment psychological assessment. Some work can involve exposure to potentially distressing information and materials. It is important we are confident you will be able to engage with this work without experiencing harm to your wellbeing.#J-18808-Ljbffr
