Title of Post Policy Development Officer Location National Office, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8. Employment Type Fulltime (37 hrs) & Specific Purpose contract to cover maternity leave until end of October 2017 Salary 34,770-48,565 Contact Person Magdalena Ogonowska on 01 4530355 To apply, email application to recruitment@barnardos.ie Closing Date 4pm Friday 4 th November 2016 Interview Date Monday 14 th November 2016 Experience Required Qualifications Required A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in: undertaking advocacy work leading to changes in policy and legislation. producing well argued, concise, accessible policy submissions and policy papers. lobbying politicians to obtain their commitment to the advocacy agenda. maintaining and nurturing internal and external relationships. using research methods (quantative and qualitative) to develop policy positions. working across sectors to achieve policy change. dealing with media. Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Policy, Social Care, Public Policy, Law or a relevant qualification). Knowledge of current children s policies, laws and services would be an advantage. IT literate Application Procedure Applicants should complete the Application Form and email it to the contact person listed above before the closing date. Shortlisting will apply Candidates who are moved to the 2nd stage of our Recruitment process are required to complete a medical questionnaire. References will be taken up at this stage.
Information Note for this Position Department: Advocacy and Supporter Engagement Address/Location: Barnardos National Office, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 What is Barnardos? Barnardos supports children whose well -being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland s leading Children s Charity. What does the Advocacy and Supporter Engagement Department do? We represent Barnardos voice and message, lobbying for improvements and change in national laws, policies and practices to improve the outcomes for children. We ensure our work with children and families is understood and complemented by a strong effective campaigning style. We are responsible for fostering the creative and strategic development of supporter and volunteer engagement for Barnardos and manage Barnardos volunteer service. What is our overall aim? We aim to improve legislation, policies and procedures across four key areas that affect children's lives - education, health, child protection, poverty and housing. We oversee, recruit and place volunteers across a range of programmes operated by Barnadros. What will the Policy Development Officer do? Reporting to the Assistant Director, the post holder will develop Barnardos policy agenda across the areas of child poverty, educational disadvantage, child welfare and child protection. The work will inform our lobbying and advocacy campaigns. Who are we? The team consists of an Assistant Director, a Policy Development Officer, an Advocacy Campaigns Officer and a Volunteer and Supporter Engagement Administrator. Where can I find out more? www.barnardos.ie
Policy Development Officer Job Description Post: Policy Development Officer Location: National Office, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 Responsible to: Works with: Assistant Director of Advocacy & Supporter Engagement Advocacy team, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management and Communications Department. Job Purpose To contribute to the development of Barnardos policy agenda within the context of Barnardos advocacy campaigns. In addition there is a requirement to provide the policy response to wider political and legislative developments specifically in the areas of child poverty, educational disadvantage, child welfare and child protection. Core Job Requirements To work closely with the Assistant Director to develop Barnardos policy position across the priority areas of child poverty, educational disadvantage, child welfare and child protection. In conjunction with the Assistant Director and Advocacy Campaigns Officer to plan and implement Barnardos advocacy campaigns based on identified themes. To research and develop policy position papers to accompany Barnardos advocacy campaigns and ensure the experience of families and children working with Barnardos are reflected in these campaign policy papers. Support the organisation and running of events including seminars, conferences and launches relating to advocacy programme of work. To prepare accessible and succinct policy statements, papers, submissions and reports with evidence based recommendations according to an agreed programme and in consultation with the Assistant Director. To ensure through the development of close working relationships with all Barnardos projects the development of policy is informed by issues, trends and needs identified at Barnardos services level.
To assist the Assistant Director to nurture and develop strategic alliances across the political sphere and key policy makers to support Barnardos advocacy agenda. To build and maintain relationships with other organisations engaged in the children s policy area ensuring Barnardos advocacy agenda is understood and supported within the sector. Work with the Assistant Director, Advocacy Campaigns Officer and Communications team to ensure Barnardos policy agenda is accurately represented, supported and given coverage across a range of media. To be able to respond to media queries and be spokesperson for the organisation across a range of media, when required. Take on additional responsibilities in line with the key objectives of the role as and when they arise. Requirements of all Barnardos staff Commitment to the purpose of Barnardos and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation and in the context of current legislation and regulations. To participate in regular supervision with your line manager. To actively participate in team and staff meetings and service reviews/ evaluations and to contribute to the development of policy and practice with your area of work and within Barnardos as a whole. To report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner. To show reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required. Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organisational change, development and review of best practice. Participate in and engage with a performance management programme. Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role. To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Officer. To participate in the efficient flow of information within the organisation by sharing and seeking information as appropriate. To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time. To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly, flexible and informal.
Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work.
Policy Development Officer Person Specification Personal Attributes Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Knowledge of policy making process in Ireland Strong analytical skills and research skills Responsive and flexible Ability to manage a range of relationships Ability to influence others An effective negotiator and a team player. Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and maintain a professional approach. Ability to work on own initiative and consult where appropriate. Commitment and passion for children s rights and needs. Experience A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in: undertaking advocacy work leading to changes in policy and legislation. producing well argued, concise, accessible policy submissions and policy papers. lobbying politicians to obtain their commitment to the advocacy agenda. maintaining and nurturing internal and external relationships. using research methods (quantative and qualitative) to develop policy positions. working across sectors to achieve policy change. dealing with media. Qualifications Post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Policy, Social Care, Public Policy, Law or a relevant qualification). Knowledge of current children s policies, laws and services would be an advantage. IT literate