Committee Specialist, Joint Committee on Human Rights

Do you have a good understanding of the human rights framework in the UK, coupled with relevant policy, research, practical or scrutiny experience, and knowledge of the roles of the key individuals and organisations in the field? Would you relish the opportunity to become a policy specialist working in an inclusive, fast-paced environment at the heart of British democracy? Then make the move to the House of Commons Committee Office team.

The Committee Office provides support and advice for all aspects of the work of select committees. This particular role sits within the team that supports the Joint Committee on Human Rights, which comprises members of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The Committee looks into matters which concern Human Rights in the UK through its thematic inquiries, and also examines laws proposed by the Government to ensure they are compatible with Human Rights legislation. Join us and you could soon be playing an important role at the heart of the team.

Your challenge will be to provide impartial, policy and research support directly to a committee of Members of Parliament and Peers. As well as advising on, arranging and leading committee inquiries, we’ll rely on you to deliver written and oral briefings to support the Committee’s hearings and produce reports to communicate its findings. Supporting the Committee’s media and public engagement work will be an important aspect of the role too. And, along the way, you’ll work closely with the MPs and Peers who sit on the Committee and engage with high-profile individuals and organisations in the public, private and third sectors within the Committee’s areas of interest. You may also be required to work for other House of Commons Committees from time to time, plus there could be the opportunity to contribute more widely to the work of Parliament through involvement in various projects and cross-cutting working. Although the role is working for the human rights committee in the first instance, in the longer term you may be asked to work for another Committee or in a related role.

As well as a proven background gained in a human rights role that’s given you a firm grasp of the relevant issues, you’ll need a demonstrable ability to research often unfamiliar topics and rapidly acquire specialist knowledge using a range of sources. A flair for analysing information and developing well-argued, evidence-based conclusions is also required, while an understanding of the work of Parliament and Government, including the role of select committees, would be useful, but is not essential. You will, however, need to be adept at planning and prioritising a busy workload and have the communication skills it takes to explain complex information clearly, impartially and succinctly to a non-specialist audience and thrive in a fast-changing environment.

In addition to an attractive salary and benefits package, we welcome applications from candidates who wish to work part-time or as part of a job share, while annual leave entitlement starts at 30 days pro rata and increases with length of service up to 35 per annum. Some of the other benefits include interest-free season ticket loan and bicycle loan, access to training and development, in-house gym, onsite nursery, and a Contributory Civil Service Pension Scheme. 

For further information or to apply, visit: https://housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/candidate

We are committed to equality and diversity. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds. Our aim is to build a diverse, dedicated and high-performing workforce to keep the House of Commons running smoothly and to support a thriving parliamentary democracy.