Chair and 15 members - Climate Change Just Transition Commission

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking to appoint a Chair and 15 members to the newly established Climate Change Just Transition Commission (JTC).  The members will represent 12 mandated sectors (as below).

The Just Transition Commission has been established in law to oversee implementation of Northern Ireland departments’ statutory obligations towards achieving a just transition to a low-emissions economy and to help ensure emissions reductions are achieved in an inclusive, fair and sustainable way. 

The JTC will also provide advice to departments on how to help ensure that specified proposals, policies, strategies and plans comply with the just transition principle. More information on the JTC can be found at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/just-transition-commission.

These roles offer a unique opportunity to help shape fair, inclusive and representative decarbonisation policies.

Summary of Chair role

The Chair is responsible for determining the work plan of the Commission, in consultation with Members, and for the delivery of the work plan in conjunction with the Secretariat. The Chair will: 

• Be responsible for fulfilling the Commission’s functions as set out in the Act and the Regulations, including undertaking oversight and presenting advice and reports to Government officials, Ministers, and the NI Assembly.
• Facilitate government in delivering Net Zero in line with the Just Transition principle, through supporting Commission Members to provide constructive challenge and advice on policy and government action in relation to the just transition elements of the Act.
• Maintain an awareness of the strategic context and key issues, as relevant to the work of the Commission.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Commission and produce, manage delivery and monitor the annual work plan in collaboration with the Secretariat, including development and publication of an annual report to be laid before the NI Assembly.
• Work in a cohesive and supportive manner with the Secretariat, providing oversight to ensure that appropriate management and effective and proportionate governance arrangements, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements, are in place for the Commission ensuring its effective function as an independent advisory body.
• Ensure that close, constructive working relationships, strategic alliances and governance arrangements are established and maintained internally and between the Commission, DAERA and other NICS departments and key partners.
• Lead in conveying the Commission’s advice to the relevant NICS departments and develop constructive challenge and dialogue to ensure that advice reflects its statutory functions in reviewing and reporting on the just transition elements of the Act.
• Represent the best interests of the Commission both internally and externally to a range of audiences, acting as principal spokesperson and public face of the Commission, representing the Commission for example at events and conferences, and in the media. 

Summary of Member role

Commission Members will be responsible for the delivery of the work plan in conjunction with the Secretariat. Members will: 

• Support the Chair in the development and delivery of the JTC’s strategic objectives, maintaining an awareness of key issues, as relevant to the work of the Commission
• Facilitate government in delivering Net Zero in line with the Just Transition principle, through providing constructive challenge and advice on policy and government action in relation to the just transition elements of the Act.
• Act as representative of their mandated sector and be prepared to represent the relevant sector’s interests as a whole and not solely those areas within which the Member may have particular expertise/knowledge/interest.
• Provide independent and expert advice and oversight, primarily on the development and implementation of departmental proposals and policies within five-yearly Climate Action Plans, on Sectoral plans, and as requested by NICS departments, in relation to the consideration and application of the just transition principle.
• Work in a cohesive and supportive manner with the Secretariat and build and maintain constructive relationships and strategic alliances between the Commission, the NICS departments and key internal and external partners.
• Undertake outreach, engagement and participatory activities with a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, the voluntary sector, business and industry, government agencies, and other organisations, to ensure diverse views are considered and evidenced when providing advice and undertaking other key work activities of the Commission.
• Identify specific potential areas of research to take forward that are relevant to the work of the Commission.
• Contribute to the adherence to and implementation of governance and procedural arrangements as determined by the Chair/ DAERA, as well as development of the annual work plan, annual reports and ad-hoc reports.
• Represent the best interests of the Commission both internally and externally, at events and conferences when requested by the Chair.

The Chair role requires approximately 15 days per annum and is remunerated at a daily rate of £436. The Member role requires approximately 15 days per annum and is remunerated at a daily rate of £309.

It is anticipated that successful candidates will be appointed from 1 February 2027. The Chair appointment will be for 5 years. The Member appointments will be for 4 years.

Applicants will be expected to complete an application form demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria for appointment.

To apply please download the documents linked below:

• Application Form & Candidate Booklet

Closing date: Completed applications must be returned to the Department by noon on Thursday, 25 June 2026.

For more information about this competition and how to apply, please visit the NI Direct website: Public Appointment Vacancies – Chair and 15 Members to the Just Transition Commission (JTC) | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Information can be made available in other formats on request. All reasonable adjustments for applicants with a disability will be considered on request. The Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability will be in operation for this process. 

Equality of Opportunity: DAERA is committed to the principle of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. DAERA is also committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependents.  Since women, young people, people from minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities are currently under-represented on boards of DAERA public bodies, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome.

Further information is available by contacting: Public Appointments Unit, Jubilee House, 111 Ballykelly Road, Ballykelly, BT49 9HP Tel: 028 7744 5130 or e-mail: [email protected] 

Essential Criteria: 

Candidates will need to demonstrate by way of example that they have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. It is your responsibility to provide relevant examples, at application and interview stages, which clearly show how you meet each criterion listed below as relevant to the position you are applying for. 

1.    Subject matter knowledge of Just Transition and Climate Change (CHAIR AND MEMBER)

•  Please demonstrate evidence that you possess a clear understanding of the just transition principle and the wider climate change and green growth legislative and policy context in Northern Ireland, as relevant to the work of the Just Transition Commission (JTC) (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/just-transition-commission).
• We are seeking individuals who will facilitate government in delivering Net Zero, in line with the Just Transition principles. You will need to understand the importance of a transition to a lower emissions society and economy that is just and fair to all. We are looking for evidence that you have sufficient knowledge of just transition and climate change issues relevant to Northern Ireland, understand the work of the Commission and recognise the role of the JTC in supporting the delivery of Net Zero. You should have an awareness and clear understanding of the Just Transition Commission’s statutory remit and the broader legislative and policy landscape relevant to the work of the JTC.

2.    Strategic leadership (CHAIR ONLY)

•  Please demonstrate by way of practical example(s) how you have used your effective leadership skills to make a positive contribution to the performance of an organisation or group in an area relevant to the work of the Just Transition Commission (JTC).
• The Chair will be responsible for establishing strategic direction within the scope of the JTC’s statutory responsibilities and ensuring that it achieves its aims and objectives. The Chair of the JTC will be expected to understand the wider policy, legal and political context and how their role fits with and supports government and  departmental objectives and the wider public needs. The Chair will need to have the ability to lead and support a new body in its establishment and development, ensuring it functions in line with the JTC’s statutory role and operates effectively and efficiently. The Chair will also act as a primary ambassador and spokesperson for the JTC.
• We are seeking evidence of the ability to lead and think strategically to influence strategies and plans, anticipating, adapting and responding to changing strategic priorities to ensure that the JTC effectively delivers its functions. As Chair you will need to be able to use your mediation, negotiation and leadership skills to achieve consensus on complex issues. You will be expected to maintain integrity and provide credible and inclusive leadership to the JTC. You must be able to exercise sound judgement and decision making. You should be an effective communicator who has worked at Board level* or equivalent and be able to lead a multi-disciplinary team.  You will be expected to facilitate contributions from, and take on board the views of, others, offering constructive challenge and building consensus in support of beneficial outcomes.

* Experience at board level includes taking decisions affecting the corporate body or organisation.

3.    Sector knowledge and representation (MEMBER ONLY)

• Please demonstrate by way of practical example(s), evidence that you possess the expertise and experience required to credibly represent one of the mandated sectors*.
• As a member, you will be expected to have the ability to represent your chosen sector with appropriate and relevant skills and experience. You will directly engage, actively listen to, and represent the voice of a wide range of stakeholders and diverse views across the sector. Through your expertise and experience of your sector you will possess a clear understanding of the key challenges and opportunities that your chosen sector faces, and of its contribution to addressing climate change and just transition challenges.  As a representative voice, you will demonstrate the ability to build trusted collaborations and encourage consensus on strategically important and complex issues relevant to the just transition and the entire sector you represent.

* Mandated sectors are academia; agriculture; built environment; civic society; energy; environmental groups; fisheries; green finance; rural; trades unions; transport; youth groups. 

4.     Collaboration and communication (CHAIR AND MEMBER)

•  Please demonstrate by way of practical example(s), your experience in building and maintaining effective partnerships, and the communication skills used, to develop and deliver good outcomes.
• We are seeking demonstrable evidence of your ability to build and sustain a network of collaborative working relationships. You will be expected to be able to share your knowledge and proactively and constructively engage in group discussions and Commission deliberations, including in areas outside of your main expertise, and be receptive to, and respectful of, the views of others to build consensus on complex issues and achieve a beneficial outcome.
• We are also seeking demonstrable evidence of strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. You will be expected to be able to explain complex issues clearly and to adapt your message appropriately for different audiences. 

* For the Chair role you should have effective public communication skills, including the ability to act as a media spokesperson, representing the Just Transition Commission (JTC). 

5.    Critical thinking and Analysis (CHAIR AND MEMBER)

•  Please demonstrate by way of practical example(s) your ability to analyse complex and/or conflicting information relevant to the work of the Just Transition Commission (JTC) from a variety of sources and draw well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
• We are seeking demonstrable evidence of your ability to analyse and interpret complex information and data. You must be able to identify and weigh up risks or impacts, and examine a range of evidence and perspectives to draw impartial, balanced conclusions and support well-reasoned judgements, including where the details are not clear or the evidence is incomplete.
• You must be able to make well-evidenced, strategic recommendations that offer good value for money and maximise climate impact. This means turning high-level ambition into practical, deliverable actions. You must also be able to communicate expert advice clearly and confidently, including to people without technical or specialist knowledge. 

Candidate Pack & Application Form: Just Transition Commission - Chair and 15 Members Application Documents | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs