Chairperson – The Junction (A Community Relations and Peacebuilding Initiative) in Derry, Londonderry

The Junction seeks a committed leader with a passion for building relationships for a sustainable peace in Northern Ireland. As our new Chairperson, you will lead a dedicated Board of Directors and work closely with our Chief Executive Officer to guide The Junction through our next phase — shaped by our new 2025-2030 Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to champion peace.

The Junction delivers innovative peace-building programmes across Northern Ireland and the border counties and has an office base in the Holywell Community Partnership Building in Derry Londonderry. We currently benefit from core funding from the Community Relations Council N.I. and are in receipt of Strategic Partner funding through the Reconciliation Fund at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland.

The work of The Junction is grounded in good relations and peace building values which form an ethical framework for all of our work. Our Values include:

• Voice and Participation
• Critical Literacy
• The Common Good
• Fairness/Justice
• Collaboration and Co-operation

• To provide accessible and inclusive community relations education and training with high quality resources and training materials for wide dissemination.
• To share critical analysis pertaining to community relations and peace building with policy and decision makers.
• To promote and support civic engagement and dialogue around the themes of peace building through local, national and international outreach.
• To develop and deliver community relations and peace building ‘products’ that generate unrestricted income.
• To build a strong, relevant, and sustainable organisation.

The Junction Board is currently finalising its new 2025-2030 Strategy including its Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Aims. This can be shared on request from any prospective applicant after 1st November 2025.

Established March 2000, The Junction has created a number of significant peace building programmes and resources, and we engage with 2500+ clients, trainees, and participants per year through learning, practitioner forums, training, conferences, dialogue sessions and workshops, shared learning forums and networks.

• Addressing the Hidden Menace of Intimidation Project – offering a contemporary and comprehensive Toolkit and Training programme.
• Changing the Story I Tell Yourself programme – utilising storytelling, a community of support approach and creative methods to overcome adversity and exploring the connection between inner and societal peace.
• Re-Imagining Relationships Community Learning Programme and a Practitioner Forum (developed from The Liberation from Patriarchy for Gender Justice Training Programme) and offering tailored workshops and discussion addressing intersecting issues of gender, race/sect and class.
• Peace Every day – a standalone Workshop/Discussion Event programme about pertinent issues, e.g. Flags and Expression of Identity, Acknowledgment, Ethical and Shared Remembering.
• Delivering Good Relations and Peacebuilding Services through tender work: on commemoration, shared space and good relations, ending violence.

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic and consensus driven leadership to a high-performing and committed Board.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture across the Board and charity.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive Officer in their leadership and driving impact.
• Oversee governance responsibilities and guide the organisation through a period of consolidation and growth.

From time to time and where appropriate:

• Act as a representative of The Junction, promoting its mission and values to stakeholders and supporting relationships with external partners and funders.

You are an experienced and values-led leader with a strong track record in governance. You bring:

• Proven experience as a Chair, Vice Chair, or Trustee/Board Member.
• Experience of leading with integrity.
• Deep knowledge of charity governance, risk, and compliance.
• Strategic thinking, excellent communication, interpersonal and strong chairing skills.
• Emotional intelligence - you lead with curiosity, compassion, and clarity.
• Personal commitment to peacebuilding, community relations, and the principles of equity, diversity, interdependence and inclusion.

• Location: You can be based anywhere in Northern Ireland. There will be a number of in-person meetings at the office base in Derry Londonderry.
• Commitment: Approx. on average 2-3 days per month.
• Term: 3 years (renewable once).
• Remuneration: Voluntary (travel expenses covered).

The Junction hopes that a selection process will be undertaken in order to make a recommendation for appointment at our AGM on 12th December 2025. The Junction reserves the right to arrange interviews to support the selection process.

Submit a written outline addressing your experience, motivation/s and what you offer to The Junction, with consideration to that which is outlined in ‘the role’ and ‘about you’ sections (up to a max 2 A4 pages at Arial font 12). Please submit your letter of application to the CEO, via e-mail ruth@thejunction-ni.org no later than 20th November 2025 5pm. Subject ‘Appointment of Chair’.