We are currently looking to recruit a Research & Policy Officer to join our National Office team in Dublin. The person will conduct research and policy analysis to inform Social Policy positions for SVP and to communicate these positions to a variety of external audiences in order to influence policy which leads to improvements in supports and services for those we assist.

Candidate Requirements:

EDUCATION

• Master's degree level in Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Human Rights, Equality Studies or a related discipline.

• Understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of a complex national, membership based, social justice organisation and understanding of how this contributes to and constrains the work.

• Understanding of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland and of current and emerging issues in these areas.

• Knowledge of the community and voluntary sector and institutional mechanisms for policy development at EU, National and Local level.

• A detailed knowledge of at least two of the following policy areas:

o Child and Family Poverty; Migrants; Housing and Homelessness; Income Adequacy; Employment and the Labour Market; Energy; Education; Early Years Care and Education.

EXPERIENCE

• At least two years' experience of contributing to the development of a Social Policy / Advocacy Agenda within an organisation.

OR

• At least two years' experience of undertaking applied social policy research using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies.

• Experience of collating and updating policy documents based on a variety of sources; experience of policy liaison to influence the annual Government Budget cycle would be a distinct advantage.

• Experience of developing and implementing engaging public facing advocacy campaigns, using a variety of channels and platforms and effective calls to action would be a distinct advantage.

• Providing administration support and experience of maintaining contact databases is desirable

• Experience of working in a voluntary organisation or with a voluntary board of management on issues of social concern would be a distinct advantage.

• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions within an organisation, and with a variety of different organisations would be a distinct advantage.

• Experience of representing policy positions to the media would be a distinct advantage.

SKILLS

• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly, concisely and in a timely manner to a variety of audiences, both statutory and voluntary.

• An ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and interact effectively with voluntary members.

• Ability to work in a team and contribute new ideas and approaches.

• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and manage conflicting demands on time.

• Excellent problem-solving skills in interpersonal situations both internally and external to the organisation.

• Results orientated approaches.

• Demonstrable resilience and persistence in the face of barriers to tasks.

• High level of familiarity with Word, Excel, SPSS or other statistical software packages. Expertise in other applications would be beneficial.