PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND POLICY OFFICER
ABOUT AGE ACTION
Age Action is Ireland?s leading advocacy organisation for older
people. Age Action works for a society that enables all older to
people to participate and to live full, independent lives. To achieve
this, Age Action supports and advocates for equality and human rights
for all older people.
Everything we do is based on a recognition of the diversity of
identity and situation among older people and a concern for equality
for all older people. In addressing ageing, our work includes a
concern to influence perspectives on and responses to ageing. This
pursuit of equality and human rights is underpinned by our work to
promote ageing in place, life?long learning, and health and
wellbeing for older people, empowering them to live as active
citizens.
VALUES-LED
Our work is driven by an organisation that is professional in its
operations and lives out its values of dignity, participation,
diversity, social justice, and professionalism.
The successful candidate will be committed to a values-led approach.
ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATIONS
The Public Affairs & Policy Officer works as part of the Advocacy &
Communications team. Age Action engages with the Government,
policy-makers, statutory agencies, other advocacy groups and the media
to ensure that issues related to ageing and that affect older people
are addressed. The advocacy work involves producing evidence-based
policy recommendations to inform the development of public policy. Our
communications function in the organisation involves working with the
media and creating impactful digital and print communications content
suitable for a broad stakeholder audience. The team is also
responsible for advising and supporting other teams on issues related
to policy, research and evaluation in their own work.
THE ROLE
The Public Affairs & Policy Officer reports to the Head of Advocacy
and Communications. You will contribute to Age Action?s
evidence-based policy positions, ensuring that they are accurate,
timely and that they incorporate the voices and lived experience of
older people. You will contribute to research on ageing and ageing
related issues in line with the priorities set out in our Statement of
Strategy. You will provide support to the Head of Advocacy and
Communications, helping to ensure that Age Action?s public
communications and advocacy work accurately reflect the
organisation?s policies and principles. You will maintain and build
relationships with other organisations, research institutions and key
stakeholders, particularly in the ageing sector, to ensure our policy
and research is up to date, robust and fully informed.
MAIN DUTIES
GENERAL
* To contribute to evidence-based arguments that will inform and
influence public policy, in line with the organisation?s objectives
and ensuring that they are shaped by the lived experiences of older
people in Ireland
* To ensure our policy positions are accurate, informed and up to
date in relation to the ageing process and the needs of older people,
including drawing on international best practice
* To build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
including elected representatives, Government departments, statutory
bodies, academia, funders and non-governmental organisations
* To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policies and
research developments affecting older people and relevant to ageing
* To compile and maintain statistical information in relation to
older people and issues that affect them, to inform Age Action?s
policies
* To represent Age Action at events, conferences and in various
partnerships and coalitions
* To support our spokespersons by enabling them to articulate our
policy positions in the media and, where appropriate, to serve as a
spokesperson.
KEY COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Excellent understanding of public policy development and how it can
be influenced with a proven track record in seizing opportunities to
inform and influence policy makers to improve laws, policies and
services for people
* Demonstrated aptitude for applying an equality and human
rights-based framework to social policy
* Demonstrated aptitude for accurate and evidence-based writing as
well as the ability to present to key decision makers through a range
of communications methods
* Working knowledge of the policy context and political landscape in
Ireland with particular reference to how this relates ageing in
Ireland
* Excellent communicator with proven written, verbal and
presentation skills
* Strategic thinker with capacity to see the big picture
* Ability to work on own initiative
* Strong team player with good negotiation, collaborative and
leadership skills
* An ability to work on multiple projects, reprioritise, meet
deadlines and secure results.
* High level of IT competency.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Masters level qualification in gerontology, social policy, social
science, human rights, law, economics or a related discipline
* At least 3 years? experience in a policy development or research
role
* Proven experience of policy analysis and/or of undertaking
research to inform policy
* Ability to use data and statistical information to inform
analysis.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
* Knowledge and experience of working within the community and
voluntary sector
* Knowledge and understanding of current international research on
ageing and older people
* Competency in Irish language.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
The post of Policy Officer is a fixed term post for **Apply on the
website** months from date of appointment. A salary commensurate with
experience in the region of ?**Apply on the website**,**Apply on the
website** - ?**Apply on the website**,**Apply on the website** per
annum is offered for the post. Age Action practices a hybrid working
model, combining office based working in our offices in Camden Street,
Dublin 2 and working remotely. Some travel will be necessary. There
will be work outside normal office hours in the evenings and weekends,
for which time off in lieu will be provided.
APPLICATIONS
Please apply by
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
