Information Pack. Information, Advocacy and Research Officer. Based at. MS Ireland National Office 80 Northumberland Road Dublin 4

Transcription

1 Information Pack Information, Advocacy and Research Officer Based at MS Ireland National Office 80 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 Page 1

2 MS Ireland Background MS Ireland is the only national organisation working solely on behalf of people living with Multiple Sclerosis and the many thousands of people who share their lives. The aim of the Society is to enable people living with MS to live their lives to their fullest potential, to participate in all aspects of society and to foster research on a national and international basis to identify a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The objectives of the Society are: Facilitate People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) to control their lives and environment, to live with dignity and participate in the community. Provide support for the families and carers of PwMS. To exchange and disseminate information relating to MS. To co-operate with the Medical, Scientific, Social and Caring professions. To promote scientific research into the causes of, cure for and management of MS. To provide and identifiable focal points by developing an efficient, effective and caring organisation to serve the needs of PwMS. A wide range of services and programmes have been developed and implemented by the MS Society. These services and programmes are designed specifically to meet the needs of the MS community and to ensure that the fundamental aims of the MS Society are achieved on behalf of the MS community. Such services include: National MS Helpline MS news magazine Information booklets Sessional counsellors Respite care facilities Funds for MS research in Ireland National and Regional conferences on MS Regional offices with professional staff in each HSE area 39 branches nation-wide Page 2

3 Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis is a serious condition, which damages the central nervous systemthe brain and the spinal cord. MS occurs as a result of scarring the myelin sheath that insulates cells in the nervous system. This distorts the passage of nerve impulses between the brain and other parts of the body. It interferes with the brain s ability to control such functions as seeing, walking, talking etc. It s called multiple because many scattered areas of the brain and spinal cord may be affected and symptoms can be mild or severe and come and go unpredictably. Multiple Sclerosis is the most common neurological disabling disease affecting young adults throughout Europe. 400,000 people in Europe are directly affected. 8,000 people in Ireland and in some parts of Ireland the rate is 1 in 400. The prevalence is higher in Northern Ireland and Scotland. There is yet no conclusive reason for this although intensive research has been carried out. The typical age of diagnosis is the late twenties to mid-forties, when family and career are usually the priorities. Twice as many women as men have MS. There is as yet no known cure. There is no typical MS, it is individual to each person, the progress is unpredictable so one general description or prognosis is not possible. This leads to other problems, not only do people with MS have to learn to cope with the disease, there will also be pressure on members of the family to take on the role of carer. For more information about Multiple Sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland please see Page 3

4 Are now seeking an experienced Information, Advocacy and Research Officer who will lead out on this function for the Society. They will ensure that the organisation has in-place an Information, Advocacy and Research process that meets the needs of the organisation. Main duties and responsibilities include; Progress the MS Ireland Information, Advocacy and Research agenda. Proactively monitor relevant developments in Irish and international policy and practice. Collaborate with similar organisations on advocacy and research issues. Respond to requests, submissions comments or media enquiries with the communications officer Co-ordinate the dissemination of information to stakeholders Used to an office environment the ideal candidate will have; Third level qualification in communications / media studies /health and/or public policy 2-3 years post qualification relevant work experience in a similar organisation. Experience and understanding of the challenges and key issues of living with a neurological condition in Ireland. Familiarisation of the functioning of the voluntary sector and the general healthcare environment. Research experience. An understanding of the legislative process and how policy is made in Ireland. A policy and information person with the dual capacity to gain in-depth knowledge of particular policy areas and at the same time quickly turn around relevant facts and figures for press releases, media inquiries and web content. For full Job Description and Person Specification please see our website Applications with CV and Covering Letter to jobs@ms-society.ie (Must include Ref: MSIRO in the subject bar) Closing Date: Page 4

5 Job Description: Job Title: Information, Advocacy and Research Officer Location: Based at MS Ireland National Office, Dublin 4 Role purpose: The Information, Advocacy and Research Officer will lead out on this function for MS Ireland. They will ensure that the organisation has an Information, Advocacy and research process in place that meets the needs of the organisation and its stakeholders. Reports to: Contract: Salary: The Chief Executive Permanent, Full Time Competitive Key Duties to Include: 1. Progress the MS Ireland advocacy and research agenda. 2. Proactively monitor relevant developments in Irish and international policy and practice. 3. Collaborate with similar organisations on advocacy and research issues. 4. Co-ordinate the dissemination of information to stakeholders 5. Create, Develop and maintain the advocacy, information and research content on the MSI web site 6. Research each issue and prioritise areas for action. 7. Monitor and evaluate current information sources; research and strive to continuously improve our information quality. 8. Develop policies on each issue, based on evidence, suggesting realistic solutions. 9. Ensure consistency of MSI message and strategy in all advocacy work both National and Regional. 10. Write reports and briefing documents, prepare materials, data and information to support campaigns and for in-house publications, develop key messages for lobbying and promote awareness of MS Ireland and its core issues. 11. Respond to requests for information from MSI support groups, stakeholders and members of the public on relevant issues. 12. Support the MS Ireland Research Agenda 13. In consultation with the CE, to develop networks of stakeholders and allied organisations to devise and implement policies on particular issues of common good. 14. Compile and produce MS IRELAND publications: i.e. MS News, annual reports, enews, e-zines and other organisational publications. Provide support to different departments on development of their materials, ensuring a consistency of design, approach and message across all material produced by MS IRELAND 15. Become and remain familiar with issues affecting persons with MS in Ireland and participate in relevant networks for the society. Page 5

6 16. To abide by the health and safety regulations of MS Ireland and statutory regulations and abide by standard operating procedures relating to the MS Ireland s activities (e.g. fire procedures, safety of staff etc) in order to ensure that the well-being of all staff, members and visitors is maintained. 17. To work within the policies of MS Ireland and the National Office in order to ensure that a consistent delivery of service and quality standards are adhered to. 18. From time to time perform such other tasks as may reasonably be required by MS Ireland to ensure the efficient running of the organisation in line with best practice standards. Person Specification Qualifications 1. Third level qualification in health and-or public policy / journalism / media studies years post qualification relevant work experience in a similar organisation. Essential Experience 1. An understanding and experience of working in the neurological disability arena in Skills Ireland and familiarisation with the functioning of the voluntary sector. 2. Experience and understanding of the challenges and key issues of living with a neurological condition in Ireland. 3. Familiarisation of the functioning of the voluntary sector and the general healthcare environment. 4. Research experience. 5. An understanding of the legislative process and how policy is made in Ireland. Or 1. A policy and information person with the dual capacity to gain in-depth knowledge of particular policy areas and at the same time quickly turn around relevant facts and figures for press releases, media inquiries and web content. 2. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and volunteers at all levels. 3. Ability to work as part of teams made up of diverse groups as well as within small and large internal teams. 4. A working knowledge of all IT systems used in the office environment 5. Self-starter, working off own initiative and with well-developed analytical skills 6. Excellent written and verbal skills, attention to detail essential 7. A proven ability to work effectively under pressure often to tight deadlines 8. Commercially aware with an ability to budget and account for the finances of their department. The above is a guide to the nature of the work required. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. This job description will be reviewed in line with business needs. Page 6