Deputy Director, Rights and Public Law

About the role

This senior policy position leads a team of around 32 staff and shapes the United Kingdom’s approach to human rights, public law and related international obligations. The postholder will act as a key representative of the UK in high‑visibility forums and must balance political sensitivities with civil‑service impartiality.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee policy on human rights in UK law, including the Human Rights Act 1998 and its interaction with devolution settlements.
• Jointly lead Government policy on the European Convention on Human Rights with the FCDO and represent Ministry of Justice interests in the Council of Europe.
• Manage the UK’s obligations under UN and Council of Europe human‑rights treaties, including representation to UN treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review.
• Direct the closed material procedure system, overseeing a seven‑figure budget funded by multiple government users.
• Lead policy on judicial review, especially for nationally significant infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with better regulation, equalities and Welsh‑language legal duties.
• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders – judiciary, legal profession, academia and international organisations.
• Coordinate priorities with partner teams across government and develop the resilience of the 32‑person team.

Required profile

• Confident, experienced policy professional with a strong track record in senior government or legal environments.
• Proven ability to gain and maintain the confidence of ministers, senior officials and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating in highly political contexts and representing the Government internationally.
• Ability to quickly pivot between diverse policy subjects and acquire new legal knowledge as required.

Required skills