Human Rights Commission

The Government is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission and the new role of Commissioner with responsibility for disability rights.

Rosslyn Noonan’s term as the Chief Commissioner ends this year. Ms Noonan first joined the Commission in 2001 and has served two terms as Chief Commissioner.

Acting Chief Commissioner Dr Judy McGregor said, “Rosslyn has led and developed the Commission into an influential and effective national human rights institution that is widely respected in New Zealand and internationally for progressing, promoting and protecting human rights.”

The new role of Human Rights Commissioner with responsibility for disability rights was signalled in 2010 to meet the Government’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by New Zealand in September 2008.

Ms Noonan said: “This is a role that the Commission has long advocated for. A Commissioner with specific responsibilities for the human rights of disabled people is a role that will ensure a strong focus on ensuring disabled people can take an equal place in New Zealand society without discrimination.”

The Human Rights Commission has been designated and funded as one of the agencies responsible for the independent monitoring of the CRPD.

To obtain an information pack for either position, please phone the Ministry of Justice, (04) 494 9730 and leave your contact details, or email philip.gini@justice.govt.nz.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 11 March 2011.

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Human Rights Commission

Chief Commissioner

Suitably qualified applicants are being sought for the position of Chief Human Rights Commissioner under section 8(a) of the Human Rights Act 1993.
The primary functions of the Human Rights Commission include to promote and protect human rights and encourage harmonious relations between people in New Zealand. The principal functions of the Chief Commissioner are:
(a) To Chair the Human Rights Commission;
(b) To ensure that the Commission’s activities are consistent with the strategic direction set by the Commission;
(c) To be responsible for matters of administration in relation to the Commission;
(d) To allocate spheres of responsibility among the Commissioners.

Applicants must have an understanding of domestic and international Human Rights law and be able to demonstrate a well developed awareness of contemporary social, economic and employment issues. Relevant professional qualifications, leadership experience and relationship management skills are also critical factors.

The legislation provides for an appointment term of up to five years. The salary for the position is set by the Remuneration Authority.

Human Rights Commissioner (with responsibility for Disability Rights)

Suitably qualified applicants are being sought for the position of Human Rights Commissioner under section 8(d) of the Human Rights Act 1993. The position is part-time, equivalent to four days a week. The appointee will have specific responsibility for disability rights issues.
The appointee will need to have a sound appreciation of the Human Rights Act 1993, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and New Zealand’s obligations under various United Nations conventions including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Relevant professional qualifications and relationship management skills are also critical.
Applications are welcome from all interested parties including those with lived experience of disability.
The appointment will be for a term of 18 months. The salary for the position is set by the Remuneration Authority.
To obtain an information pack for either position, please phone the Ministry of Justice, (04) 494 9730 and leave your contact details, or email philip.gini@jstice.govt.nz.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 11 March 2011.