Job title:

Policy Analyst

Location:

Simon Communities of Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7 (Hybrid)

Role purpose:

To support the National Campaigning and Policy Function

Reports to:

Head of Policy and Communications

Terms:

Full time, Permanent contract

Salary:

Circa. €40,000 pa

About Simon:

Simon has a vision of Society where no one is homeless. All people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, are given every opportunity to realize their potential to live fulfilled lives in appropriate homes of their own. Simon is recognised for providing innovative solutions to ending homelessness and for influencing government policy and public opinion.

The Simon Communities of Ireland is an affiliation of eight communities in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, the Midlands, the Mid West, the North West and the South East. Simon has been working with people who are homeless in Ireland since 1969.

Purpose of the Role:

To support the National Campaigning and Policy Function of the Simon Communities of Ireland.  Working closely with local Simon Communities to develop agreed policy positions in relation to all aspects of homelessness. Enabling the Simon Communities to lead and shape the public debate on homelessness and the policies which impact those experiencing homelessness. This work includes developing policy proposals and submissions, contributing to campaigns e.g. Simon Week - annual awareness week and research.

Key Results Areas:

Policy

• To contribute to the development of proposals for change in public policy that will impact positively on people who are experiencing homeless and contribute to preventing homelessness, ending long-term homelessness and rough sleeping.
• To prepare accessible and succinct policy statements, papers, submissions, summaries and reports with evidence-based recommendations for internal and external audiences.
• To contribute to the development of new policy and legislative positions and papers liaising with appropriate external agencies and experts.
• Take responsibility for the development of practical policy advice on a wide range of social policies.
• To work with colleagues in assessing the implications for the people using our services and the organisation of economic and social trends, legislation and policy changes.
• Contribute to the processes of setting strategic direction and the identification of new work areas and priorities for policy analysis.
• To identify strategic priorities for national budget and public policy development.
• To provide timely briefings to the communications team and national spokesperson.
• To work with legal advisors and other specialists in developing agreed policy positions into concrete legislative proposals

·      To liaise with and maintain effective working relationships with key external stakeholders including; Government Agencies, Voluntary Sector Organisations, Research and Policy contacts in the private and not-for-profit sectors.

• To support Communities in relation to information/data collection, submissions and stakeholder meetings.

Campaigns

• To contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of Simon Communities policy and campaigning agenda.
• To contribute to the dissemination and communication plans for policy publications as required;
• To contribute to a series of annual national events and activities.

Research

• To research, analyse and advise on relevant public policy.
• To research and advise on new relevant developments regionally, nationally and internationally.
• To contribute to the processes of setting strategic direction and the identification of new work areas and priorities for research.
• To utilize Simon's knowledge and experience of working with people across the country to strengthen influence and campaigning work.
• To assist in managing research projects and develop quality research reports and summaries for internal and external audiences.
• Monitor all relevant external research developments.
• To ensure the flow of accurate and timely information from the National Office to the Communities and other key stakeholders.
• To support Communities as appropriate on local research projects.
• To explore new sources of funding for research and policy development.

About You

• Analyse complex information from a wide variety of sources.
• Understand the practical implications of policy proposals as they impact on services and service users.
• Write clearly and quickly and communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Conduct other duties as required; including maintaining/updating databases, managing mail outs.
• Manage volunteers, interns, and staff and conduct other duties as required.

Essential criteria: 

• A post graduate degree (e.g. Social Policy, Social Care, Public Policy, Law, Economics or a relevant qualification).
• Capacity to plan, prioritise and to manage multiple demands.
• Writing and presentation skills in a range of formats for a range of audiences.
• Experience of working independently and delivering work of a high standard on time.
• Ability to respond quickly, when required, to external policy changes which impact on demanding and often rapidly evolving work programmes.
• Ability to attend some meetings, events outside of normal business hours if required (will involve some regional travel).

Desirable Criteria  

·      Knowledge of policy making process in Ireland; specifically, in the area of homelessness and housing.

·      Knowledge of health, mental health and drug and alcohol policy.

·      Knowledge of housing policy

·      Knowledge of the social welfare system

·      Experience in writing articles.

·      Understanding of the voluntary sector

·      IT literacy; including website and social media.

Other

Requirements of all Simon staff:

• Commitment to the purpose of the Simon Communities of Ireland 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 within your area of work and within National Office 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 Representative
• 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.
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Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work.

How to apply:

·      This recruitment process is being managed exclusively on behalf of Simon Communities of Ireland by Mantra Strategy. Informal enquiries are welcomed by Suzanne on +353 86 6001039.

·      The closing date for applications is Friday 29^th November 2024

·      Please submit your CV and cover letter to suzanne@mantrastrategy.ie