Leah Rea AFHEA – Policy and Research Officer

Leah joined NICCY in 2023 as a Policy and Research Officer, where she leads on Health and Mental Health. She has experience in monitoring health policy and healthcare reform from previous roles in public affairs and political research. She gained direct engagement experience with statutory organisations and agencies when working in a constituency office.

She has experience in parliamentary and political research, legislative and parliamentary monitoring, and political engagement. She is a PhD Researcher, and her research covers monitoring and evaluating state compliance with international and regional human rights law.

Leah holds a Masters degree with Distinction in Violence, Terrorism and Security; a Masters degree with Distinction in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice; and a Law (Hons) degree, all awarded from Queen’s University Belfast. She holds a professional diploma in Sustainable Development and Human Rights from the University of Peace, and a professional qualification in HE teaching.

She is passionate about volunteering and service, and serves as a Trustee on two local charitable organisations in her local community.

Outside of her work and studies, Leah is interested in the connection between international law and diplomacy, and is an alumni of the Washington Ireland Program. She holds leadership roles within several early-career research thinktanks and young professional organisations, and enjoys mentoring and managing emerging scholars and researchers.

She can also be found following rugby, boxing, and snooker.

Leah can be contacted at leah@niccy.org