Investigator – Belfast

Published: 12th June 2026

The end-to-end journey of an investigation is all about the people who will eventually benefit from information recovery. At every stage, requesting individuals or families must be able to understand what is happening and what progress is being made. A key difference to the Commission’s approach is that a request must be made before the Commission can carry out its investigations. These requests can include specific questions that the requesting individual or family wish to see addressed during the investigative work. We will seek answers to requesting individuals’ questions by examining all existing material, including that which might not have been disclosed or made public during any previous fact-finding.

The post sits within the Investigations Directorate of the Commission. Headed by the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, you will form part of the Directorate’s Investigations team, reporting to one of the Commission’s Team Supervisors. You will be working across multiple cases and reporting to different Senior Investigative Officers. The Directorate will be multi-disciplinary with a mix of backgrounds and skills, and team members will be expected to work together to set a new and unique culture reflecting the Commission’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

  • Undertake investigations into deaths and other incidents of serious harm which occurred during the Troubles/Conflict, utilising a range of investigative methods to achieve the appropriate outcome. Identify and plan own investigative actions.
  • Working flexibly across Investigation teams.
  • Develop and implement plans and strategies to investigate serious and complex crimes.
  • Ensure all material generated by an investigation is examined in accordance with any applicable legislation and policy.
  • Respond to safeguarding concerns and manage risk in investigations.
  • Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that all relevant intelligence is communicated to the appropriate team.
  • Build and manage case files, including in criminal investigations where required.
  • Contribute to the development of an efficient working culture across the Commission including supporting and developing investigation support officers and by identifying opportunities for and support the exploration of new ways of working and innovation.
  • Recognising and finding different ways to achieve reconciliation and restorative justice.

Candidates should note the following:

  1. You may be required to become a “Designated Officer” which would confer upon you the powers and privileges of a constable whilst engaged on Commission business.
  2. There may be rare occasions when you are required to work mandatory overtime.
  3. You may occasionally be required to participate in an on-call rota.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

  • Established investigative experience gained through criminal justice or equivalent professional investigations, including experience and knowledge of the use of investigative techniques and methodology to meet operational outcomes.
  • Demonstrable experience of complex information gathering and problem solving.
  • Capable of building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with an ability to draft high quality investigation products clearly and concisely, using plain language.
  • Ability to work efficiently, under pressure and at pace, and prioritise competing tasks.
  • Ability to manage challenge, respond to quality assurance exercises and feedback constructively.
  • Strong IT skills and ability to adapt to use a range of case work management systems.
  • Knowledge, or willingness to acquire knowledge, and understanding of the context in which the Commission is operating, societies in transition and the impact of trauma on families and communities.
  • Experience of completing case files and liaising with prosecuting agencies or authorities as required.
  • Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct.
  • Willingness to undergo SC security vetting if not already in place.

Desirable Criteria

  • Hold or have previously held PIP2 or equivalent as we recognise and value diverse professional backgrounds.
  • Disclosure Experience
  • Knowledge of, or experience of investigations in, Northern Ireland.

About Us

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles/Conflict-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation.
We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver.
The Commission is based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit.
The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter, and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.
ICRIR’s Code of Conduct
  • Integrity
  • Impartiality
  • Openness
  • Accountability
  • Respect
If you would have any queries or would like to contact us to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please email us at recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk or call us on 02890 362006.

Apply for this job

Click here to apply