TITLE: Head of Advocacy and Policy
REPORTING TO: CEO
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Full Time, Permanent, *.5
hours per week.
SALARY: € *, * -
€ *, *, commensurate
with experience.
LOCATION: Flexible working is facilitated and embraced. Debra's
office is based at Butterfly Cottage, 8 Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2.
Debra is a national charity established in * to
provide support and drive research into treatments for those living
with the rare skin condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is an
extremely painful skin-blistering condition, which leaves the skin as
fragile as the wings of a butterfly.
We are a person-led charity, with an ambitious and passionate team,
who care deeply about the people we work with. We actively live our
core values of Togetherness, Person-Centredness, Passion, Boldness and
Integrity, with people at the heart of everything we do.
Debra is in the middle of implementing an ambitious three-year
advocacy plan as part of its organisational strategy. This advocacy
plan focuses on developing our capacity as an advocacy organisation,
ensuring the voice of people living with or caring for someone with EB
is engaged and amplified across advocacy messages, implementing a
series of campaigns and projects to achieve our policy priorities, and
developing a network of political EB champions.
A member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Advocacy and
Policy will be responsible for leading Debra's advocacy and policy
work and for the development of all advocacy campaigns. This presents
an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated advocacy professional
to make a meaningful impact for those affected by EB in Ireland.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Drive and implement Debra's advocacy strategy.
* Monitor and continuously assess progress and adjust advocacy
strategy as required.
* Lead the development of all Debra advocacy campaigns and drive
campaigns from start to finish, including evaluation. Such campaigns
may include an annual pre-budget submission campaign, Election **Apply
on the website** campaign and a campaign on access to medicines.
* Communicate advocacy campaigns and successes to key stakeholders,
including people impacted by EB.
* Work closely with the family support team to ensure advocacy
campaigns reflect the needs of people living with or caring for
someone with EB.
* Work closely with the research team in commissioning and
overseeing evidence generation to support access to better services
and treatments for those living with EB.
* Work closely with the communications team to develop campaign
material and collateral and drive media and digital engagement.
* Manage the delivery of the 'Butterfly Review', a cross-functional
research project reviewing access to EB services and supports and
developing a blueprint for the future of services in Ireland.
* Lead the organisation's submissions and campaigns around access to
medicines.
* Develop and maintain a diverse network of political and policy
contacts and champions.
* Contribute to national advocacy forums and policy development.
* Engage with Debra International and other groups at an
international level.
* Ensure adherence to the Regulation of Lobbying Act **Apply on the
website** and make required returns.
* Develop internal Debra policies relating to advocacy.
* Act as a member of the Senior Management Team and present to the
Debra Board as required.
* Manage and support the work of Debra's Policy Officer.
* Manage the advocacy budget.
* Carry out other roles or duties as are within the scope, spirit
and purpose of the post, as requested.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a related advocacy /
campaigning field.
* Degree level qualification and postgraduate qualification in a
related field.
* Experience of developing advocacy campaigns through stakeholder
engagement.
* Strong knowledge of the Irish political environment, with a
distinct advantage if this is in the area of health or disability.
* A clear ability to communicate concisely and directly in an
accessible manner via a range of platforms and to varied audiences.
* Exceptional project management and computer skills, with excellent
attention to detail.
* Flexibility to occasionally travel and work outside standard
hours.
* Fluency in written and spoken English.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
* Personable, with excellent communication skills and an ability to
build relationships and work with professionals at all levels.
* Self-motivated, highly capable of working independently and with a
strong work ethic.
* Disciplined, organised and thorough.
* Strong empathetic nature, with a genuine passion and care for
people impacted by EB.
BENEFITS
* Annual leave of * days.
* Five discretionary leave days: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, working
days between Christmas and New Year.
* Employer matched Pension Scheme up to 6%, following 6-month
probationary period.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Bike to Work Scheme.
* Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working.
APPLICATIONS
Please email your CV and accompanying cover letter outlining your
suitability for the role to * by 5pm on Friday,
8th December *, with subject line as follows:
First Name Last Name - Head of Advocacy and Policy.
Position is subject to Garda Clearance and reference check. Candidates
must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of
application. Debra is an equal opportunities employer. Management
reserve the right to amend or change this job description as required.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Health
