The Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) is a statutory office, independent in its function, currently under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration. The key role assigned to the Inspector of Prisons (Chief Inspector) is to carry out regular inspections of prisons in Ireland.

The OIP is now looking for a Senior Inspector (Principal Officer level) and applications are invited from individuals who can positively relate to and effectively engage with people deprived of their liberty and those responsible for their custody. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Inspector and working closely with their colleagues in the OIP’s senior leadership team, the successful candidate will lead on human rights-based inspections and/or investigations relating to the operation and management of a prison, including regular inspections of places of detention, deaths in custody and the production of associated reports.

Senior Inspectors are expected to drive core initiatives and develop policies and standards and form part of the senior leadership team in strategic planning and critical decision-making. They will be required to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, provide expert advice to the Chief Inspector and play a leading role in the oversight of the Irish prison system.

Full details of the role, including specific eligibility requirements, is available on Senior Inspector

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 8 of January 2026.

They are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.