Applications are invited for a Political Affairs Officer for Amnesty International Ireland's (AI) mental health campaign. The role is offered on a full time basis and the post holder will be responsible for political lobbying and key campaigning activities for the mental health campaign within the agreed timeframe. S/he will act as the administrative liaison for AI section-wide political engagement.
The Political Affairs Officer will have expertise in political advocacy, campaigning and building political relationships. S/he will have primary responsibility for all political engagement and public campaigning on mental health; s/he will also act as the administrative liaison for all AI Ireland political engagement.
Main responsibilities:
o Lobby the Irish Government on relevant policy and legislation considered by the Seanad, Dáil and parliamentary committees, and on Oireachtas proceedings relevant to mental health
o Identify political champions and political opportunities for maximising the mental health campaign reach and impact
o Develop and implement activism and public campaigning events on mental health
Ideally, the successful candidate will have:
o Experience in achieving impact in campaigning and political advocacy work, particularly in relation to policy and legislation
o Relevant third level qualification an advantage
o Strong experience in political lobbying including experience on influencing Irish Government and political processes
o Experience in organising successful high-profile events and campaigning activities
o Proven high quality communication skills, both verbal and written. Capacity to explain complex issues simply and clearly in a concise, direct and understandable way for diverse audiences.
o An understanding of human rights and their application to Ireland
o Knowledge of the NGO sector in Ireland and experience of building relationships with stakeholders
o Excellent interpersonal skills, with particular reference to working with a wide audience
o Ability to work well under pressure, maintaining both a highly organised level of accuracy and output; and to plans and prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met
o Experience in a team-working environment, with experience working with volunteers and interns an advantage
The starting salary for this full-time position of 35 hours per week is between €32,000 to €35,000 per annum, depending upon experience. This is a fixed-term position that will run until June 2013. The closing date for applications is 1 July 2011. Click here to view more information on this position.