Competition to appoint a Chair and up to 18 Members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public appointment process to appoint a chair and up to 18 members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC).

The CNCC is a statutory adviser to DAERA on matters affecting nature conservation and the countryside.  It also offers advice to other government departments on matters relevant to its remit.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “This is a particularly critical time for our natural environment and an effective CNCC will play an important role in advising DAERA on our work to protect and restore nature and reverse biodiversity loss across Northern Ireland and to protect wildlife.  We need now more than ever a strong and effective CNCC, able to provide effective, evidence-informed advice to guide our work and the work of the Executive on matters relating to nature conservation. 

“If you care about our natural and marine environment, have relevant expertise and an ability to present and communicate advice effectively to a range of audiences, I would encourage you to apply for these important public appointments.”

More information about this competition and how to apply is available via this link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies.

Completed applications must be returned to the Department by noon on Thursday 5 March 2026.

For more information about the CNCC, visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/council-nature-conservation-and-countryside-cncc

Notes to editors:

1. The appointments will be made in accordance with the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Amendment) (NI) 1989 and the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.
2. 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: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/public-appointment-vacancies-chair-and-18-members-council-nature-conservation-and-countryside-cncc
3. Appointments will be for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory performance. An additional 2-year term may be considered. It is anticipated successful candidates will be appointed from 1 June 2026.
4. The chair role requires a time commitment of approximately 48 days per annum. This position is remunerated at £11,033 per annum (under review).  The member positions require approximately 18 days per annum and are not remunerated.
5. Further information is available from Public Appointments Unit by contacting: PublicAppointments@daera-ni.gov.uk or 028 7744 2025