Competition to appoint a Chair and 15 Members to the Just Transition Commission
Date published:
DAERA has today launched a public appointment process to appoint a commission tasked with supporting a broad range of sectors in playing their part in shaping future climate policy.
Northern Ireland’s newly established Just Transition Commission is looking for a Chair and 15 members to exercise its statutory role in overseeing the implementation of the “just transition” provisions within Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act and in providing independent advice to Northern Ireland departments on climate related policy.
As the public appointment process got underway, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The establishment of the Just Transition Commission marks another important milestone in our climate action journey. The Commission will play a crucial role in facilitating climate action that cuts emissions while also supporting people, communities and livelihoods. Through its provision of independent advice and oversight, the Commission will support workers, communities and sectors in shaping the policies that will decarbonise our economy and define our future.”
The Commission will include representatives from 12 mandated sectors: academia, agriculture, built environment, civic society, energy, environmental groups, fisheries, green finance, the rural sector, trade unions, transport and youth groups.
DAERA is also seeking applications from individuals with strong insight and experience across these sectors who can support informed, balanced and equitable advice and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and communities.
Further information on the role and responsibilities of the Commission.
Minister Muir added: “The strength of the Just Transition Commission will lie in its ability to draw together voices from across society. I would encourage those with the commitment, experience and representational capability to support a just transition for Northern Ireland to consider applying for these significant and important public roles.”
More information about this competition and how to apply is available on the nidirect website.
Completed applications must be returned to the Department by noon on Thursday 25 June 2026.
Notes to editors:
- The just transition principle is set out in section 30(3) of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and covers a range of objectives including the importance of taking action to reduce emissions in a manner which helps to support environmentally and socially sustainable jobs, support low carbon investment, address social and economic inequalities during the transition, and develop and maintain consensus through engagement.
- The appointments will be made in accordance with the Climate Change (Just Transition Commission) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026.
- More information, including the duties and responsibilities of the posts, and the criteria used by the Department during the recruitment and selection process are available at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies-chair-and-15-members-just-transition-commission-jtc.
- DAERA is seeking Commission members representative from 12 mandated sectors: academia, agriculture (x3 posts), built environment, civic society, energy, environmental groups (x2 posts), fisheries, green finance, the rural sector, trade unions, transport and youth groups.
- The period of appointment will be five years for the chair position and four years for the member positions, subject to satisfactory performance. It is anticipated successful candidates will be appointed from 1 February 2027.
- The chair and member roles require a time commitment of approximately 15 days per annum (with an additional five days in the first year only to facilitate training and induction in the inaugural appointments). Remuneration for the Chair and members will be in line with NI Department of Finance remuneration levels.
- The Just Transition Commission will be added to the Commissioner for Public Appointments (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (as amended) for regulation by CPANI at the earliest opportunity. In the interim, the appointment process will align with the principles and requirements of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.
- Further information is available from Public Appointments Unit by contacting: PublicAppointments@daera-ni.gov.uk or 028 7744 5130.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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