Job Title : OPCAT Inspector
Location : Wellington City, Wellington
Company : New Zealand Government
Salary :
Open Date : 2023-01-10
Close Date : 2023-05-10

Inspector – OPCAT (x2)

• Have a passion for Human Rights?
• Want to help ensure detention facilities are safe, humane and meet international standards?
• Conduct inspections and promote best practice custodial management.
• Regular travel required

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) is an Independent Crown Entity established by the IPCA Act to investigate and resolve complaints against the Police. Another key role of the IPCA is to serve as a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989, which implements the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
The IPCA is responsible for examining and monitoring the treatment of persons in the custody of New Zealand Police. Central to our monitoring function is conducting inspections of Police custodial facilities. This approach is preventive, aiming to ensure that safeguards against ill treatment are in place and that risks, poor practices, or systemic problems, are identified and addressed promptly.

The Inspector will support the OPCAT function through:

• planning, undertaking and reporting on inspections of places of Police detention and court facilities
• following up and monitoring of recommendations made
• apply and consider best practice methodology and criteria, and relevant national and international law, to identify torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
• recognise and apply Te Ao Māori, disability rights principles and wider cultural and human rights concepts when undertaking examination and inspection activities.
• Work collaboratively with other NPMS, including when assisting or working jointly on examinations and inspections.
• Identify issues, trends and patterns relating to conditions in places of detention (including disability rights issues), from regular environmental scanning, visits and inspections.

To be successful in this role, you could come from a variety of backgrounds including experience in an Inspector role, having worked in a detention centre or a position where you have experience in undertaking evidence gathering and analysis.

We are looking for someone who has:

• proven analytical skills with the ability to quickly identify issues, trends and possible causes that require consideration.
• sound judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• excellent oral communication skills with a proven ability to communicate with people from all ‘walks of life' and from different cultural backgrounds.
• solid relationship management skills, including influencing skills.
• A proven ability to be patient, sensitive and understanding of the detention environment and the individuals detained therein and a willingness to engage with detainees with an open mind.
• proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential material appropriately.
• willingness to travel

If you are interested in this position, please go to our website www.ipca.govt.nz where you can download the Position Description and application form.
To apply, please send your cover letter, resume and completed application form to [email protected]
Applications close at 12pm on Wednesday 25 January 2023

Apply This Job