Appointment of Chair and Members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC) The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking to appoint a Chair and up to 18 Members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). The CNCC provides independent advice to the Department (DAERA) on matters affecting the countryside and nature conservation and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). For more information about the Council, visit our website. Time Commitment and Remuneration: The Chair role requires approximately 48 days per annum and is remunerated at £11,033 per annum (under review). The Member role requires approximately 18 days per annum and is not remunerated. Terms of Appointment: It is anticipated that successful candidates will be appointed to a three-year term from 1 June 2026. Application process: The following criteria will be tested at application and interview: Knowledge, expertise and practical experience in a field relevant to CNCC (nature conservation / marine / countryside management) Analytical ability Collaborating and partnering; and Leadership (chair position only) For more information about this competition and how to apply, please visit the NI Direct website. Further information is available by contacting: Public Appointments Unit, Jubilee House, 111 Ballykelly Road, Ballykelly, BT49 9HP. This material can also be made available in other formats on request. Reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants with a disability. The Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability will operate for this process. Closing date: Completed applications must be returned to the Department by noon on Thursday 5 March 2026. 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 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 the CNCC, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome. These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI).