Position Title: CIDSP Policy & Outreach Officer

The Employer:  

Crosscare is the social care agency of the Dublin Diocese and is a registered charity.

Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project* is a new dedicated service supporting Irish people around the world. Our mission is to provide information, advocacy and referral supports to Irish emigrants who are leaving Ireland or returning from abroad, particularly those experiencing difficulty. Through researching trends in Irish migration, and by collaborating with other stakeholders, including Irish consular services and groups funded by Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme, we aim to support the needs of the Irish diaspora.

Location: Dublin-based. Anticipated at least two-three days per week in the office, with additional days as required

Work Schedule: 35 hrs a week. Note: standard working hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility around start times. At least two days on-site each week in our Dublin 7 office.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract to end June 2023 with potential to extend, subject to funding

Salary: Salary €34,125 – €41,000 per annum commensurate with experience

Reporting to:

The Role:

The Policy and Outreach Officer will develop and promote evidence-based policy proposals to further our policy priorities, coordinate our outreach activities and networking events. The role will also be responsible for developing and driving policy and outreach strategies and annual plans, to support the project's mission and aims.

The position is funded by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

*Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project is the newly named project building on the work that Crosscare Migrant Project has carried out over the last 15 years with members of Ireland's Diaspora.  See www.migrantproject.ie for information.

General Responsibilities:

Policy

·       Lead officer on policy and research paper strategy and annual research plan, ensuring alignment with Crosscare's core organisation mission and values

·       Lead on policy development and research projects relating to the Irish diaspora, whether emigrating, living abroad or returning home

·       Conduct research, in collaboration with partner academic, on return migration trends and associated issues.

·       Lobbying and public policy dialogue in support of emigrant issues of concern and barriers to return.

·       Prepare policy briefing material as required. 

·       Support the Project Leader in their engagement with the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) on Diaspora Policy

·       Engage other relevant stakeholders, including Government Departments and statutory bodies to secure positive policy outcomes (e.g. Dept. Social Welfare, Local Authorities, homeless network Dublin)

·       Monitor and keep abreast of significant policy development within areas of key interest to the diaspora, including in relation to housing, homelessness, social protection, and diaspora supports. 

Outreach

·       Lead officer on outreach including first draft strategic planning and annual networking plan, ensuring alignment with Crosscare's core organisation mission and values

·       Planning and delivery of annual networking events, virtual and in-person, including topics to be addressed and calendar of networking events

·       Maintain and develop relationships with the Irish Abroad network of contacts in Irish emigrant organisations abroad

·       Deliver capacity building (information and training) to Irish diaspora organisations overseas on a regional basis

·       Manage coordination and information exchange via a quarterly stakeholder forum with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas, Safe Home Ireland, and the Returning to Ireland section of the Citizens Information Board

·       Initiate an annual returning to Ireland Forum online to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas across Irish Abroad network of contacts 

General

·       Work as part of a team, engaging in team meetings, supervision, review and planning sessions

·       Contribute regular updates and reports for key stakeholders

·       Support colleagues in the Irish Diaspora Support Project

·       Maintain Crosscare confidentiality at all times, following policies and procedures, and data protection legislation

Essential Requirements:

·       Applicant must have full eligibility to work in Ireland, and must be resident in Ireland while holding the position

·       Degree / post-graduate qualification in social sciences or equivalent

·       Ability to conduct research and develop practical policy proposals

·       Ability to understand how policies impact on the ground

·       Experience of drafting policy and briefing papers

·       Experience of developing stakeholder networks

·       Experience of planning and delivering in-person and online events

·       Strong writing, editing skills

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

·       Good time management and ability to meet deadlines

·       Self-starter with ability to work well under own initiative and as part of a team

·       Comfortable and experienced with online communication systems - Zoom, Slack etc. - and MS Office packages

·       Interested in learning and working collaboratively

Other:

·       Awareness of Irish diaspora-related issues

·       Knowledge of Ireland's Diaspora Strategy and relevant policies and research regarding the experiences of Irish emigrants and returning emigrants

·       Knowledge of the policy context surrounding housing, homeless and social welfare issues (including HRC) – legislation, policies, national and local strategies, etc

·       Experience of training delivery and facilitation

·       Volunteer/line management experience

·       Experience with public speaking and with media

·       Commitment to Social Justice and a rights-based approach

Personal attributes:

·       Ability to get on well with people

·       Flexibility and willingness to get involved in, and contribute to, colleagues' areas of work and projects

·       Organisational skills

Benefits:

·       Competitive salaries             

·       Generous annual leave

·       Additional leave for long service

·       Training and Development Programmes

·       Employee Assistance Programme

·       Digital Doctor Service 

·       Competitive pension plan  

·       Bike to Work Scheme

In Crosscare, we approach our work with an attitude of service, showing love, care and kindness in all interactions with others. We treat people with a level of respect they will remember long after our service and support have been received. We strive for excellence in everything we do. Our clients, young people and service users deserve it.

Application Process: To apply, please upload a comprehensive CV and letter of application (one document) detailing your suitability for the role to the link provided.

Closing date for applications is February 15^th 2023 @ 5.00pm

Crosscare is an equal opportunities employer

Garda Vetting will apply to this role