ONE of Northern Ireland's three coroners is to step down before the autumn, with a recruitment drive underway for their replacement.
The Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission has invited applications for the office, with the new coroner to begin work on September 21.
It has indicated that it will also maintain a "reserve list" for a year to fill any other post should one become vacant.
Among the inducements for the difficult role of investigating the causes or circumstances of deaths across the north include consideration for flexible working, such as a four-day week, block week or term-time working arrangements.
Those eligible to apply must have been a registered barrister in Northern Ireland for at least five years or a solicitor working in the crown, high or appeal courts for the same period.
Applications close at noon on Monday May 4 and NIJAC indicated it is a replacement role for one of the current office holders.
The Coroners Service is headed by high court judge Mrs Justice Keegan, with three coroners - Suzanne Anderson, Joe McCrisken and Paddy McGurgan.
It is not yet known which of the coroners is leaving their post.
Following the retirement of senior coroner John Leckey there was a period when the jurisdiction was without anyone formally in the role, with Ms Anderson and then colleague Jim Kitson both on sick leave.
Brian Sherrard, former secretary to the Lord Chief Justice, was appointed to cover the inquests before the appointment of Mr McCrisken and Mr McGurgan.
Ms Anderson was appointed in April 2006, the first female full-time coroner to be appointed in Northern Ireland.
Before that she had practised as a solicitor since 1988 and 2006, specialising in civil litigation and coronial law.
