Job Summary Social Policy and Research Executive Job Description The Social Policy and Research Executive will be responsible for providing effective social policy research and analysis support to MABS in accordance with an agreed research/social policy plan for MABS. The role is based at MABS Support CLGs premises in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and the jobholder may be required to travel from time to time, with some flexibility required in line with business needs. Overall duties will include: Social Policy & Research 1.Contributing to the development and implementation of research and social policy strategies for MABS and related work plans in line with the remit of MABS & Citizens Information Board (CIB). 2.Conducting research and drafting professional reports/social policy submissions, policy papers, briefing notes, statements and speaking notes. 3.Contributing to the effective communication/dissemination of social policy/research outputs. 4.Preparing briefings for the Business Manager, regional companies and CIB on national/regional trends in casework based on analysis of data. 5.Undertaking contextual analysis on policy issues and monitoring policy developments across a number of key public policy areas relating to debt and financial inclusion. 6.Participating in/project managing internal projects related to social policy/research. 7.Collaborating with all internal and external stakeholders, including the MABS Support team, CIB Social Policy & MABS teams and MABS Regions to inform research and policy responses and for data integrity and governance. 8.Foster relations and close alignment with MABS regions in matters relating to social policy work through engagement and internal feedback mechanisms and acting as a key point of contact for policy and research. 9.Mining and analysing data from primary and secondary sources in the preparation of reports that can be used by CIB/MABS. 10.Liaising with policy professionals in the public service and NGOs, as appropriate, and attending information events related to social policy. Participating on external working groups as required. General Duties 1.Management and/or supervision of staff may be required. 2.Provision of regular reports on activities to the Business Manager and support to the sub-committee of the Board, as required. 3.Attendance at seminars and conferences and participation in training to maintain and improve performance. 4.From time to time, deputising for a senior staff member or providing cover for a member of staff in his or her short-term absence. 5.Fulfilling other responsibilities as specified by the Business Manager or other senior staff. 6.Given the nature of the organisation, this role may be subject to change over time and a high degree of flexibility is expected. Person Specification, Key skills, and experience Minimum Educational Qualifications and Work Experience: Hold a recognised third level qualification at a minimum of Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, preferably in the area of social policy research or a related discipline and 2+ years relevant work experience. Essential Knowledge and Skills 1.Knowledge of public policy and the ability to analyse public policy and its impact. 2.Excellent writing, research and editing skills. 3.Skills and experience in the use of a range of research tools and methodologies and their application in research projects. 4.Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyse and integrate large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data in order to identify problems and solutions, trends, patterns and predictions. 5.Strong IT Skills and experience of using a variety of computer software packages including MS Word, Excel and case management systems. 6.Strong and persuasive written and oral communication skills. 7.The ability to form, build and draw on strong collaborative relationships with all MABS stakeholders. 8.Experience of project management or contributing within such a project structure. 9.Ability to respond to feedback in productive and constructive ways. 10.Ability to work on own initiative, self-motivated and highly flexible. Desirable Knowledge and Skills 1.Knowledge and understanding of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and policy areas relevant to MABS in the area of consumer debt, financial inclusion, mortgage arears, housing, insolvency etc. 2.Experience and practice in using SPSS or Power BI as a software package to analyse and present data. 3.Experience of delivering presentations and training. Social Policy &Research 1.Gathers and analyses information from a wide range of relevant sources. 2.Shows understanding of the Irish public policy environment. 3.Experienced in a range of research methodologies and tools. 4.Identifies gaps or anomalies in service provision or policy and prepares reports and submissions. Displays strong ability of report writing and editing. Effective Communication 1.Listens to colleagues and stakeholders and identifies their needs. 2.Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups. 3.Establishes quick and easy rapport with staff, colleagues and external stakeholders. Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders. Organising Administration & IT 1.Has experience in using software systems to analyse large quantities of numerical data and graphically present data, themes and trends in an accessible format. 2.Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. 3.Manages self and workload to meet tight deadlines. 4.Has ability to prioritise when faced with multiple demands. Is flexible and is adaptable to changing circumstances. Analysis & Decision Making 1.Has experience in using software systems to analyse large quantities of numerical data and graphically present data, themes and trends in an accessible format. 2.Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. 3.Manages self and workload to meet tight deadlines. 4.Has ability to prioritise when faced with multiple demands. Is flexible and is adaptable to changing circumstances. Specialist Knowledge & Self Development 1.High levels of expertise in the area of social policy analysis and research and shares this with others. 2.Knowledge of the legislative, policy and regulatory framework in relation to consumer debt. 3.Develops and maintains skills and expertise to perform the role effectively e.g. relevant software and IT systems, relevant policy, legislation and regulatory framework. 4.Constantly learns from experience and takes the initiative to develop new skills through research, learning and training. Teamwork & Collaboration 1.Ability to work co-operatively within a group and to achieve goals in a respectful manner. 2.Understands and is tolerant of differing needs and viewpoints. 3.Works well with all stakeholders, both internal and external. 4.Actively helps and supports others to achieve organisation goals. Salary: Salary range of €46,166; €47,700, €49234; €50,769; €52,302; €52,882; €54,444; €57,377; €59,129 (Max); €61,308 (LS1); €63,501 (LS2) Incremental Credit: It is expected that all new entrants to MABS will be appointed at point one of the salary scale however the Money Advice & Budgeting Service Support CLG operates an incremental credit process for appointments higher than point one. This process is applicable to new entrants into MABS Support CLG. Incremental credit criteria, based on the competencies for the role, are assessed against employment history as laid out in the application form only. A request for incremental credit from a successful candidate must be made within the first 3 months of employment. Pension: A company pension scheme is in place, and membership is obligatory upon commencement. Employee contribution; 5% of salary, Employer contribution; 7% of salary. Annual Leave: Calculated on a pro rata basis for part year and part time as follows: Points 1 to 4 Salary scale = 29 days Point 5 to LSI 2 =31 days