2 weeks ago
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The National Assembly is inviting applications for the post of Ombudsman. It is a move that was expected several months ago after the former Ombudsman’s contract was not renewed. The vacancy notice issued by the National Assembly says suitable applicants can now submit applications for the position, with a deadline of Friday, July 24. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in law, business administration, public administration or another related discipline. While qualification as an Attorney-at-Law or an advanced law degree, would be an asset, it is not a mandatory requirement. Candidates must also have a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience. Last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca was asked about the vacancy and the planned move toward a Human Rights Office.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Obviously, our objective is to fill the office as quickly as possible. But there’s a process that we have to follow. It goes through the National Assembly. So that process is being followed. They have to advertise the position and as you pointed out, there’s a transition taking place. We’re transitioning from just an Ombudsman’s office to the National Institute, Human Rights Institute. So that takes a lot of work involved in that transition process but that work is ongoing and I expect that very shortly they will be advertising the post and we will be able to fill that post through the National Assembly. It’s an important post but people should remember that under the UDP we didn’t have an Ombudsman for two and a half years. Two and a half years we didn’t have an Ombudsman in this country. The Ombudsman’s post has been vacant now for a few months, four months I believe, and yes we have to fill it. It’s an important post that we have to fill but the reality is we’re dealing with a transition and we have to make sure that that transition process is done properly. And once that is concluded then obviously we can fill that post.”
The Ombudsman investigates complaints from the public involving alleged wrongdoing, misconduct or corruption by government departments, local authorities, statutory bodies and state-owned enterprises. The office also has responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act, including reviewing certain cases where access to public documents has been denied.
The vacancy comes as the Office of the Ombudsman is being transitioned into Belize’s National Human Rights Institution, with an expanded mandate expected under the country’s international human-rights commitments. The successful candidate will be expected to help shape and implement that transition while continuing to carry out the office’s current legal responsibilities.
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