Early Childhood Ireland is the leading children’s advocacy and membership organisation. We work in partnership with our members to achieve quality experiences for every child in Early Years, School Age Care and Childminding settings. We advocate for an effective and inclusive Early Years and School Age Care system which values, supports and invests in childhood, children and services.
At Early Childhood Ireland, we are committed to investing in our people and culture to ensure that as an organisation we deliver on our strategic plan while also being a great place to work. We are currently operating on a blended working basis, offering great flexibility to our employees, and providing excellent opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.
Position: Policy Officer
Reports to: Policy Manager
Team: Policy, Advocacy, Campaigning
Contract: Full-time
Location: National Office (Tallaght)
Model of Work: Blended Working
Job Purpose
This is an integral position on Early Childhood Ireland’s Policy, Advocacy and Campaigning team. The post-holder plays a key role in achieving the ambitions of our strategic plan: to advocate for children, and to work with our members to demonstrate and champion high-quality services, practices and outcomes in centres and in childminders’ homes. The Policy Officer connects our members with policy and programme development and ensures that their experiences and expertise are made evident to a range of key decision makers. The Policy Officer reports to the Policy Manager. The postholder will develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, with our members and with contacts in relevant stakeholder bodies and agencies.
Roles and Responsibilities
Member Engagement
Establish, nurture and maintain relationships with engaged Early Childhood Ireland members, and support their strategic engagement with policy development.
In line with Early Childhood Ireland’s Strategic Plan, build on existing engagement structures which ensure that the diversity of our extensive Early Years and School Age Care membership is heard and is reflected in our advocacy for children.
Liaise closely with colleagues in the Membership, Excellence and Learning team, to champion effective communications as well as timely data and information sharing, to reach solutions which impact positively on children in a range of settings.
Recommend courses of action and implement agreed responses with other members of the Policy, Advocacy and Campaigning team.
Work with colleagues and stakeholders from other relevant organisations and agencies to enhance Early Childhood Ireland’s policy work.
Contribute to publications, events, and other initiatives.
Person Specification
Unless marked with a * when they are deemed desirable attributes, the following requirements are essential. Please note however that applicants who lack at least two years experience in a similar role will not be considered for shortlisting.
Education and Qualifications
A Level 8 Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as policy, research, or social change.
Masters level qualification in a relevant field*
Knowledge
The Irish policy making process.
Extensive understanding of the Early Years, School Age Care and/or Childminding sector in Ireland,
Knowledge of member/tenant/customer engagement activities, or any other strategies aimed at engaging and including member/tenant/client bases and fostering participation in organisational activities.
Skills and Experience
Must have a minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role, ideally in a membership organisation.
Experience of using a CRM, preferably Microsoft Dynamics*, but others are acceptable.
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent writing skills that can be evidenced
Good verbal communications and presentation skills
Ability to identify and plan key areas of work
Proven experience in establishing priorities and managing a complex workload to meet tight deadlines.
Ability to work credibly and collaboratively with staff across the organisation, with members, and with key decision makers, and external personnel.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team in pursuit of common goals, as well as to work independently.
Personal Attributes and Qualities
Positive disposition
Flexible and responsive to change
Able to think strategically and creatively
Constructive and diplomatic
Excellent judgement
A personal interest in and commitment to children’s rights
Application Process
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and letter of application via email for the attention of Gillian Moore to recruitment@earlychildhoodireland.ie by Tuesday, 19 March at 5 p.m. , with interviews to take place on week commencing Monday, 8 April 2024. The cover letter should address the essential requirements and convey the applicant’s understanding of this role. The CV should be no more than three pages long.
Shortlisting of candidates may apply and will be based on the Job Description and Person Specification. Candidates may be asked for further information or to undertake other tasks to assist in the assessment process.