Head of Advocacy & Research, Dublin

Job title:

Head of Advocacy & Research, Dublin

Company

Focus Ireland

Job description

Head of Advocacy & ResearchLocation: DublinContract: Full-time, 2 year Fixed TermThe purpose of this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland’s Senior Management Team in making the maximum contribution to the work of Focus Ireland’s Advocacy in the provision of a high-quality service for customers, supporters, donors, stakeholders, staff and the public. From it’s outset Focus Ireland is rooted in the research and development of policy proposals based on the experience of our customers. This position plays a key role in the research, development and evaluation of such proposals and the work to translate these proposals into policy and practice both within Focus Ireland and the wider national and local governmental environment.What you will do:

• In conjunction with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research develop and implement the organisation’s research and advocacy strategy with the approval of the Board, subcommittees and Executive into an operational plan with agreed objectives.
• Take lead responsibility for tactical planning, and the implementation, monitoring reporting and evaluation of the research and advocacy plan.
• Work collaboratively with others in the sector on joint initiatives, bringing together relevant stakeholders, influencing and creating alliances.
• Manage and develop all aspects of the Focus Ireland Knowledge Hub to ensure it continues to be the primary and cohesive authority on homeless information, statistics evaluation and practice in Ireland.
• In conjunction with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research manage, develop, enhance and maintain Focus Ireland prominence as the leading Irish NGO in the sector in terms of international relations and best practice.
• To plan and execute public campaigns proactively as well as evaluating campaigns and their effectiveness.
• Act as one of a number of primary spokespersons for the organisation in dealings with the media and public affairs particularly in areas of Advocacy, policy and research.
• To act as the Focus Ireland lead on Homeless Sector Communications and Advocacy working with like minded NGO’s and partners to further our objectives.
• Work closely with communications, services and fundraising divisions in identifying and incorporating advocacy needs into the work programme.
• To ensure good governance, compliance, best practice and overall quality of service, overseeing adherence to the Focus Ireland models of work.
• To ensure the maintenance of appropriate records of work and statistical information and complete monthly reports, KRI’s, KPM’s on a timely basis.
• To develop positive staff relations by effectively communicating and ensuring understanding of FI expectations.
• To liaise with, work co-operatively and effectively with other departments in Focus Ireland. In particular to develop close working relationships with Services, Development and Property departments to support the delivery of outcomes for Focus Ireland customers and tenants.
• To manage the performance of direct reports by upholding best practice in and performance management, and by complying with legal requirements in relation to employment/recruitment, supervision, health and safety and welfare, training and development.
• To liaise with statutory funders/donors on a regular basis in the provision of required information.
• To work with Fundraising to explore alternative ad hoc funding sources.
• To manage income and expenditure budgets, implement financial management systems and manage the annual budget process for the department.
• To ensure that buildings and contents in all project premises are adequately insured and compliant with Health & Safety requirements.
• To ensure all maintenance and health and safety work is completed in a timely fashion.
• 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 report child protection concerns in line with Focus Ireland’s Child Safeguarding Policy.
• To maintain strong stakeholder relations with relevant community, voluntary and statutory agencies.
• To conduct, encourage and support related research. Lead and contribute to developments and innovative evidence based practice.
• To engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research.
• To prepare regular monthly project reports and any other reports as requested by line management.
• To promote an ethos of best practice, professionalism, accountability and ongoing learning within the service.
• To represent Focus Ireland at meetings, seminars and conferences, or with funders.
• To keep informed of advances in professional knowledge and practice, and present these as relevant to Focus Ireland.
• To be informed of developments in national policies, strategies and legislation and the perceived impact on practice and advise Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research on same.
• To participate in continuous professional development initiatives and ensure compliance with statutory registration requirements.
• To work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
• To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research.

What you will need:

• Third level degree in a relevant qualification in the area of Advocacy or Social Justice
• At least 5 years’ management experience in the Advocacy or Social Justice field preferably working in the not for profit sector.
• Experience in working on policy orientated campaigns
• Knowledge of the policy framework and political environment in Ireland
• Understanding of the voluntary sector
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the media including social media.
• Have a proven ability to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards
• Demonstrate outstanding critical thinking and creative problem solving skills
• Experience of working with Government Departments, local authorities and other statutory bodies on the issues affecting marginalised people is desirable
• Be able to work on own initiative and in a team environment.
• Proven ability to manage teams in both a functional and cross functional environment
• Have a proven ability to communicate clearly in difficult and complex situations
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to display flexibility.
• Membership of professional communications or lobbying body (Desirable).
• Experience of running attitudinal/persuasive marketing campaigns (Desirable).

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunity employer

Expected salary

Location

Dublin

Job date

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:03:12 GMT

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