Date as postmark/email
Dear Applicant
Thank you for your interest in the position of Policy & Advocacy Coordinator with Oxfam Ireland, operating as Oxfam Ireland.
Please find enclosed the following:
¨ Application form
¨ Guidelines to complete application
¨ Job description
¨ Personal specification
¨ Terms & Conditions
Please return your completed original application form together with two photocopies to:
Donna McDowell
HR Manager
Oxfam Ireland
9 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Return via e-mail to if you wish
Please mark your envelope strictly private and confidential. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 12.00 noon on Friday 5th April 2013. Please ensure the correct postage is applied to returned applications.
It is anticipated interviews will be held week commencing 22 April 2013.
Please note that the decision to interview is taken only on the basis of the information you provide on the completed application form. To assist you in this please ensure you refer to the key competencies in the job description and the criteria listed in the job advertisement. Oxfam Ireland reserves the right to enhance the criteria dependent on the pool of candidates Please note, CV’s will not be accepted.
Thank you for your interest in Oxfam.
Yours sincerely
Donna McDowell
HR Manager
Job Description Oxfam Ireland
Job Title Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Pay Band: 8
About Oxfam: Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organisations networked together in more than 90 countries, as part of a global movement for change, to build a future free from the injustice of poverty. We work directly with communities and we seek to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them.
Job Purpose To develop and strengthen Oxfam Ireland’s political analysis and advocacy strategies designed to influence the policies and practices of the Government of the Republic of Ireland/ political parties/Northern Ireland Assembly and other key stakeholders.
To deliver coordinated policy, lobby, advocacy, research and analysis across all campaigning objectives.
Reports to Director of Communications and Campaigns
Key Activities
1. Along with the Director of Communications and Campaigns, to lead organisational strategic planning and development in the areas of policy and advocacy.
2. In collaboration with the communications and campaigns team, plan and implement the advocacy elements of public campaigns.
3. To actively support the development of integrated all-island campaign strategies for Oxfam Ireland based on robust policy analysis and informed by our country/regional level programming experience.
4. To support the ongoing development of Oxfam Ireland’s One Programme and rights-based approaches through strong linkages with the Overseas Programme Department.
5. To develop the capacity of the Chief Executive and Director of Communications and Campaigns to have influence at political levels.
6. Produce high-quality written policy analysis and briefings for Oxfam Ireland for use in various communications channels and at external events; as well as contributing to the production of campaign literature.
7. Provide general policy support and advice, based on solid research and analysis, for the Chief Executive and Director of Communications and Campaigns.
8. Provide policy support and analysis for the Northern Ireland campaigns and communications staff that will help shape public messaging
9. Work closely with Oxfam’s regional/country programme teams and advocacy and campaigns teams where appropriate
10. Produce (or commission), analyse and use programme information from Oxfam Ireland’s regional and strategic/focus country programmes to provide in-depth analysis to underpin our policy and advocacy work
11. Plan and manage specific aspects of the department budget as determined by the Director of Communications & Campaign.
12. Act as a media spokesperson on campaign and advocacy issues if required
13. Work closely with Oxfam International in the development of policy and advocacy
14. Interpret shared Oxfam policy for local markets
15. Represent Oxfam Ireland on relevant Oxfam International groups, in key policy alliances, at lobbying/consultation meetings/conferences within political and government circles
16. Through membership of key Irish networks and policy groups, help to influence external agenda
17. Organise policy conferences and seminars
18. Participate in inter-departmental meetings and departmental strategic planning
19. Deliver regular analysis and updates for management and staff reports
Monitor and evaluate the impact of Oxfam Ireland’s policy work
Key Competencies
1. A proven track record in the delivery of successful advocacy strategies for campaigns within the development sector.
2. Good knowledge and understanding of key issues in the development sector, particularly climate change, gender equality and food security.
3. Demonstrable experience of
a. lobbying within political and government sectors.
b. Writing and production of high quality policy materials for varied audiences
c. media work and the use of new media in advocacy.
4. Experience of planning and managing a budget.
5. In-depth knowledge and understanding of key regional, national and international institutions relevant to delivery of new policy.
6. Experience of delivery of key external organisational policy events
7. Excellent communications (written & oral English), writing and presentation skills.
8. The ability to communicate complex messages in an accessible manner for varied audiences.
9. High level of interpersonal, influencing, networking, negotiating and diplomatic skills for engagement with a wide variety of contacts.
10. Strong conceptual and analytical skills and ability to think and operate innovatively and strategically.
11. Good administration and organisational skills.
12. Time management and prioritising skills.
13. Ability to work on own initiative and independently.
14. Ability to work across teams, programmes and locations to deliver on objectives.
15. Ability to work well with others and as part of a team.
16. Commitment to Oxfam’s values and ethos.
17. Ability and willingness to travel both at home and abroad.
18. Flexible in working hours – ability to work evening and weekends.
Additional information
Oxfam Ireland engages with the general public North and South, including through our volunteers, campaigners, our shops network and our supporters. Our policy analysis forms the basis of our engagement with the public and is key in helping us generate new support for our work.
The successful candidate will require excellent communication, technical and analytical skills to support the Director of Communications and Campaigns and the Chief Executive in planning and achieving plans for advocacy.
This requires the ability to understand the contribution of the post-holder’s work to Oxfam’s overall work and the willingness to contribute to team work. Team work and flexibility are especially important since Oxfam’s resources are spread very thinly.
In addition the post-holder will be required to travel both in Ireland and abroad.
Equal Opportunities
Oxfam is an Equal Opportunities employer. All employees have a personal responsibility to promote and support measures designed to create a working environment which is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community or HIV&AIDS status.
Personal Specification Oxfam Ireland
Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
Essential
§ A proven track record in the delivery of successful advocacy strategies for campaigns within the development sector.
§ Good knowledge and understanding of key issues in the development sector, particularly climate change, gender equality and food security.
§ Demonstrable experience of
a. lobbying within political and government sectors.
b. writing and production of high quality policy materials for varied audiences
c. media work and the use of new media in advocacy.
§ Experience of planning and managing a budget.
§ In-depth knowledge and understanding of key regional, national and international institutions relevant to delivery of new policy.
§ Experience of delivery of key external organisational policy events
§ Excellent communications (written & oral English), writing and presentation skills.
§ The ability to communicate complex messages in an accessible manner for varied audiences.
§ High level of interpersonal, influencing, networking, negotiating and diplomatic skills for engagement with a wide variety of contacts.
§ Strong conceptual and analytical skills and ability to think and operate innovatively and strategically.
§ Good administration and organisational skills.
§ Time management and prioritising skills.
§ Ability to work on own initiative and independently.
§ Ability to work across teams, programmes and locations to deliver on objectives.
§ Ability to work well with others and as part of a team.
Qualifications & requirements
§ Strong commitment to Oxfam’s mission and values
§ Good working knowledge of MS Office
§ Ability and willingness to travel both at home and abroad.
§ Flexible in working hours – ability to work evening and weekends.
Desirable
§ Third level qualification in a relevant field or significant professional experience in related field
Terms & Conditions Oxfam Ireland
Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
§ Fixed term contract until December 2013
§ 36 hours per week
§ Pay band: 8
§ Salary: €40,539 - €48,841 per annum
§ 25 days annual leave plus 10 days bank/public holidays per annum (pro rata to length of contract)
§ Flexi-time scheme
§ Contributory Pension Scheme – 9% contribution by Oxfam Ireland and 5% contribution by employee
§ Life Assurance cover – 4 time death in service benefit
Oxfam Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community.
Guidelines for Completing the Application Form
Guidelines for Completing the Application Form
§ Please find enclosed the job description and the person specification which outlines the essential and desirable criteria against which candidates will be measured. Criteria not used for shortlisting purposes in the application form will be assessed at another stage in the recruitment process. Please ensure you address all the requirements listed and demonstrate clearly how you meet each criterion in the enclosed application form.
§ Please ensure all questions are answered and that the form is completed fully in black pen in Block capitals or typewritten.
§ Oxfam Ireland accepts no responsibility for checking or notifying candidates if forms are unreadable or incomplete for technical reasons.
§ CV’s must not be attached to the application or included in the application process as these are not accepted as a form of application.
§ If you are successfully invited to interview, you may be asked to furnish Oxfam Ireland with official original proof of any qualifications supporting your application and proof of residence/eligibility to work in UK/Ireland e.g. A National Insurance or PRSI Number or valid work permit.
§ The application form must be signed and dated on the final page. If your application is emailed you may be asked to sign it at interview stage.
§ Canvassing will disqualify.
§ A candidate found to have given false information or wilfully to have suppressed any material fact, will be liable to either disqualification or if appointed, dismissal.
Oxfam Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community.
Oxfam Ireland9 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Telephone: (01) 6727662
Fax: (01) 6727680
Email:
www.oxfamireland.org / / Oxfam Ireland
115 North Street
Belfast BT1 1ND
Tel: (028) 90 230 220
Fax: (028) 90 237 771
Email:
www.oxfamireland.org
Confidential
Application For Employment
Application for: Policy & Advocacy Coordinator (Fixed Term Contract until Dec 13)
Reference No: PACM/13
Closing date: 12.00 noon on Friday 5th April 2013
Personal Information
Complete all sections in black ink, sign the declaration at the end, and return to the person and address specified in the accompanying letter.
Surname:
/Initials:
Address for Correspondence:
Post Code:
Email Address:
Telephone:
/ (daytime)(evening)
(mobile)
May we contact you at work? – We will do so discreetly. / YES / / NO /
Have you previously been involved with Oxfam? / YES / / NO /
If YES, in what capacity?
Have you a relative(s) working in the Oxfam at present? / YES / /
NO
If YES, please provide name, position, location and relationship to you:
Qualifications and Training
Please give details of your education, qualifications and training relevant to the application in the section belowDATES / Qualification/Course completed / Place of Education / Training / Grade/ Result
From To
(Please continue on extra sheet if necessary)
Professional Qualifications
Please give details of any current professional qualifications you hold, or are in the process of obtaining, including level of membership of professional bodies.Name of Institute / Professional Body / Exams (indicate result)
Date and level / Current Class of Membership
Employment History
Please complete the sections below carefully after reading any supplementary information regarding the post, particularly the job description and list of job competencies. The decision to invite you for interview will be based on the information you provide on this form and how closely you meet the specified competencies.Present Employer:
Dates of employment / Employer’s name, address and nature of business / Job Title and summary of main duties and responsibilities / Reasons for leavingFrom:
To:
Current Notice required: / Current Salary:
Previous Employment:
Dates of employment / Employer’s name, address and nature of business / Job Title and summary of main duties and responsibilities / Reasons for leavingFrom:
To:
From:
To:
From :
To:
(Continue on extra sheet if necessary)
Achievements, Personal Qualities & Skills
Please use the questions outlined below to demonstrate how far you meet each of the competencies required for the post. List experience, achievements, knowledge, personal qualities and skills which you feel are relevant, against each competency using specific examples from your previous experience where possible. You may include paid and unpaid work, work within the home and leisure interestsIf you do not hold a third level qualification please demonstrate your professional experience in a related field.
Please demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of key regional, national and international institutions relevant to delivery of new policy.
Please provide an example (s) which illustrates your track record in the delivery of successful advocacy strategies for campaigns in the development sector.
Please provide an example (s) which illustrates your Interpersonal, influencing, networking, negotiating and diplomatic skills for engagement with wide variety of contacts.
Please provide an example (s) which illustrates your writing and production of high-quality policy materials for varied audiences; experience of media and new media.
Please demonstrate your organisational skills; i.e. experience of delivery of key external organisational policy events.
Please demonstrate your ability to work on own initiative and independently; time management.
Please provide an example (s) which illustrates your ability to work across teams, programmes and locations to deliver on objectives.
(Continue on extra sheet if necessary)