Background

Dóchas connects, strengthens and represents a network of international development and  humanitarian organisations who have a shared vision of a just, sustainable and equal world. Dóchas  unites 56 organisations, ranging from small specialist charities to large international NGOs with a  worldwide presence. Our members are committed to human rights, justice and the eradication of  poverty, and demonstrate this through their work in international development, protection,  humanitarian assistance, sustainability, education and inclusion.

Dóchas is the lead network for the EU Presidency Project (EUPP). The EUPP brings together national and pan-European NGO platforms for development and humanitarian relief, representing the current and upcoming EU Council Presidencies. During the Irish Presidency (July - December 2026), Dóchas aims to facilitate a greater understanding, and heightened support of, a values-based approach to the EU’s international cooperation agenda  and ODA.  The thematic priorities will be:

•  Civil Society in International Cooperation
•  Financing for the future of sustainable development cooperation
•  Climate & Food Security

Dóchas will work closely with its members, European partners, including CONCORD and VOICE, as well as other key stakeholders to deliver upon its key areas of work. The key areas of focus for Dóchas during the Presidency include:

• Financial Support (sub-granting) to civil society organisations to mobilise Irish citizens and raise awareness of  EU’s Global action, sustainable development and the role of civil society;
• Three high level events
• Thematic Roundables with key stakeholders
• Development of Policy papers
• Study trips to Brussels
• Online workshops & seminars

Key Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small dynamic team and play a key role in delivering Dóchas’ activities during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Council.

• Monitor EU and national policy and funding developments relevant to international partnerships, humanitarian work, climate and food security
• Undertake research and analysis on relevant EU policies and identify opportunities for policy engagement with key stakeholders
• Draft updates, briefing notes, policy positions, talking points and communication materials on relevant EU processes and thematic areas, ensuring regular updates
• Liaise with Dóchas’ members and other researchers to gather data and best practices
• Maintain and further develop a network of contacts within EU institutions and Civil Society Organisations in Brussels
• Work with key stakeholders (CONCORD; DFA; VOICE; EPLO) in the development of policy analysis
• Collaborate with members and consultants on the development of position and policy papers
• Contribute to the coordination of Dóchas’ members on EU advocacy issues, share relevant information with them, and provide regular updates
• Support the planning and organisation of events (i.e., advocacy meetings, policy debates/roundtables, high level policy conferences, research forums, working group meetings, etc.) and actively contribute to content development
• Contribute to the design, organisation and implementation of advocacy-related training and capacity building actions
• Collaborate with our EU Presidency Communication Officer to tailor and disseminate policy messages, event materials and social media communications.
• Contribute to knowledge management and CRM systems to support ongoing policy and advocacy activity

Requirements

• Educated to degree level, with two years’ demonstrable experience in  EU policy, advocacy, or public affairs
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with a proven ability to carry out different tasks simultaneously and to prioritise time and resources accordingly
• Good understanding of EU institutions and legislative processes
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, persuasive messages
• Strong analytical capacity with high attention to detail
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently as well as in a team
• Knowledge of the Irish political and economic landscape
• Knowledge of the development and humanitarian sector
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, representational, networking and influencing skills
• Good understanding of IT and systems, with experience in Salesforce/CRM and online collaboration tools

Terms & Conditions

Salary Bandwidth: €40k

Nature of contract: 16 months fixed term contract

Holidays:  25 days annual leave plus Good Friday, and half day Christmas Eve.

Hybrid Policy:  Minimum 2 core days in Dublin office (Tuesday & Wednesday) with flexibility  for in-person events and meetings on other days. 

The successful candidate will be expected to work in person (as needed) on non-core days.

Applications should be submitted by email to mark@dochas.ie including a CV and a cover letter  outlining your suitability for the role.