Oversight Group on Ireland's Fourth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) 2025-2030

Ireland's fourth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) was presented to cabinet by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD in July 2025.

Implementation of the Plan will be monitored by an Oversight Group appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and comprising of civil society, and statutory representatives. The Plan calls for an Oversight Group to ‘oversee the delivery and review of progress of the National Action Plan’ across the lifetime of the Plan (2025-2030).

The Group will have an appropriately qualified and independent Chair. Expressions of interest in serving on the Oversight Group are now sought from:

Experts from relevant civil society organisations including those engaged in Northern Ireland, involved in the areas of disability, youth engagement, the international women, peace and security agenda, and refugee and migration matters.

These individuals should bring experience and perspectives that support the objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions. This can include expertise in working with or representing: women, men, and boys affected by conflict in Ireland and internationally, migrant women affected by conflict, and women who have experienced conflict-related gender-based violence.

Members of the Oversight Group will be appointed by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Guiding Principles of the oversight group are:

• Commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
• Partnership and collective responsibility
• Mutual respect and co-operation across sectors and organisations
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Flexibility and integration of learning

The Oversight Group is an active, task-oriented group and meets formally four times a year.

Appointees to the Oversight Group will advise the Department in an external capacity, and will not be deemed to be employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The role is not salaried and does not have pension entitlements. Members may be compensated for expenses incurred in the execution of their duties in line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines.

Individuals with a potential conflict of interest should declare this in the application cover letter.

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified persons with relevant expertise:

• At least 5 years of previous professional experience in the sphere of women, peace and security which can include journalism, academia, politics, civil society or other relevant experience
• Evidenced understanding of major geo-political developments and the changing nature of Ireland’s role in the world
• A proven track record in a relevant field of expertise.

The Department endeavours to establish a panel that reflects a broad range of relevant skills and expertise and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Applications are welcome from candidates identifying with minority communities and those with a broad variety of backgrounds and experiences. Applications from disability organisations are particularly welcome.

An expression of interest should include:

1. Cover letter (2 pages maximum) outlining suitability and relevant experience for the role in line with the eligibility criteria listed above, as well as any potential conflict of interest

2. Detailed CV.

Applications should be sent to PeaceAndStabilityUnit@dfa.ie by close of business 31 July 2025

Find draft terms of reference of the Oversight Group below: