Policy & Public Affairs Officer (12-Month FTC – Maternity Leave Cover)
Organisation: The Bar of Ireland
Location: Dublin 7
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (Maternity Leave)
Work Arrangement: 3–4 days onsite per week (fully onsite during training)
Benefits:
* Pension
* Wellbeing initiatives
* Flexible working
* and more
Why Apply:
* Competitive salary and benefits.
* Hybrid working and flexibility.
* Ideal city centre location close to public transport options - Luas, Bus, etc. and amenities.
* Play a meaningful role in influencing legal and public policy discourse in Ireland.
* Join a respected professional body offering a supportive, flexible, and collaborative working environment.
The Opportunity:
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to policy and public affairs work at the heart of Ireland’s legal and political landscape. The successful candidate will bring direct experience in a political, Oireachtas, or public affairs environment and be confident engaging with senior stakeholders, policymakers, and the media.
You’ll support the Bar’s representation and advocacy activities through robust policy research, strategic communications, and committee coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
* Monitor and analyse national and international policy and legislative developments, preparing briefings and recommendations.
* Conduct policy research and horizon scanning to identify emerging trends and inform organisational positions.
* Advise senior colleagues on public affairs and media engagement, including when and how to participate in interviews or public commentary.
* Draft submissions, reports, briefings, and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
* Manage and support committee and working group activity – including meeting scheduling, agenda preparation, note‑taking, tracking actions, and briefing participants.
* Collaborate with external PR and communications partners, supporting media briefings, press releases, and digital content.
* Contribute to the Bar’s communications strategy, drafting engaging and accurate material for newsletters, website, and media channels.
About You:
* 5+ years’ experience in policy, public affairs, or communications, ideally within a political, Oireachtas, or membership organisation.
* Demonstrated understanding of Irish political processes and direct experience working with or within government or parliamentary settings.
* A degree in Politics, Public Policy, Communications, Law, or a related discipline.
* Excellent research and analytical ability, with experience in horizon scanning and policy advisory work.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior stakeholders succinctly.
* Strong organisational and committee management skills, with attention to detail and political awareness.
* Collaborative, confident, and capable of working on multiple priorities in a fast‑moving environment.
If you are interested in this position, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV to Áine in Lex Consultancy.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Public Relations, Writing/Editing, and Research
Industries: Legal Services and Education
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