Centre for Independent Living: Policy Officer – deadline 9 July 2018

Center for Independent Living (CIL) is seeking a dynamic, motivated and driven individual to join its staff team as Policy Officer. This role is to ensure that CIL develops policies to support its key strategic objectives in its new plan to influence and change Irish Society to bring about full equality for disabled people in Ireland.

Who is CIL?

The first Irish Center for Independent Living (CIL) was established in in 1992 by and for disabled people with the main aim of ensuring that disabled people achieved Independent Living, choice and control over our lives and full participation in society as equal citizens.

As a national representative organisation CIL promotes the philosophy of Independent Living in order to build a truly inclusive society. Development of evidence-based social policy is essential to achieving our key objectives in our Strategic Plan 2018-2021. Central to the way we work is ensuring that the policy decisions that impact on our lives have to be directly influenced by those with the lived experience – ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’.

Vision

Its vision is an Ireland where disabled people have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of their lives and can fully participate in an inclusive society as equals.

Mission

It is working collectively to create an Independent Living Movement in Ireland led by disabled people, promoting a rights-based social model of disability, challenging a charity/medical view of disability. It is working towards the removal of societal barriers that prevent active equal participation of disabled people, challenging the denial of people’s rights and the promotion of the philosophy of Independent Living.

Its core values are underpinned by the philosophy of Independent Living and all activities are aimed towards promoting: Independence, Options, Rights and Empowerment.

Policy Officer Role Purpose:

• Work with CIL members to ensure that all policy development is led by those with a lived experience of disability.
• Ensure that the CIL strategic objectives are supported by the development of evidence based policies.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments in all aspects of national and international policies relevant to the work of CIL.
• Support CIL representatives with up to date policy reports to ensure CIL can progress its key strategic objectives.
• Provide regular policy-related updates to staff, board and members via CIL eBulletin, CIL website and social media.
• Build relationships with members, academia, Statutory and Government bodies, NGOs and media to promote the philosophy of Independent Living.
• Lead on developing CIL submissions on relevant policy issues.
• Work with CEO, staff, board and members to meet Strategic objectives.

CIL offers a dynamic and flexible working environment and the chance to use your skills and knowledge to make a genuine difference. Applicants will be assessed against the following essential / desirable requirements and are encouraged to use their applications to provide examples of the manner in which they meet these criteria.

Essential requirements:

• A qualification in Community Development, Equality Studies, Disability Studies or a or minimum 3 years’ experience in a relevant organisation;
• A proven commitment to human rights and equality;
• Knowledge and understanding of the local, national policy and international fora that relate to disabled people;
• Commitment to the values of the CIL and the philosophy of Independent Living
• An understanding of the Social model of disability;
• Knowledge and understanding of the equality and human rights infrastructure in Ireland;
• Experience of working in a human rights or community development organisation experiencing similar issues at local or national level;
• Demonstrated ability to research and write policy documents to a high standard;
• Demonstrated experience to meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Experience of lobbying and campaigning work at a national or international level;
• Computer literacy, including familiarity with new media technologies.

The position is based in CIL offices in Brunswick Street but there will be some outreach to members across the country as part of this role.

To Apply: Please return your CV (with references) and cover letter outlining why you should be considered for this role to info@dublincil.org.
Closing date for applications is Friday 6th July before 5.00pm

Shortlisting will take place on the week of 9nd July and interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place on the week of the 16th July.