Reporting to: CEOType of Contract:0.8 FTE, 2-year fixed-term (potential to extend)Location: Hybrid (remote flexibility)Renumeration:€46,500 based on 0.8 FTE.
About IPPOSIIPPOSI (the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry) is a patient-led organisation that brings together patients, patient groups, researchers, healthcare professionals, industry, and government to embed the patient voice at the centre of healthcare, policy, research & innovation.
We provide education and capacity-building programmes that give individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in shaping health innovation agendas.
We also create trusted space for open dialogue among diverse voices on shared priority areas and collectively co-create practical solutions - helping shape a healthcare ecosystem that is more inclusive, responsive, and accessible for all.
Role Overview The Research and Advocacy Manager is a key driver of IPPOSI's research and advocacy strategy.
This position is responsible for translating lived experiences and member insights into evidence-based policy recommendations that shape health innovation and policy in Ireland.
The position also focuses on building collaborative spaces that advance IPPOSI's priority areas including access to innovation, digital health and public and patient partnership.
The successful candidate will lead strategic initiatives, influence national policy and cultivate strategic partnerships that ensure patient and public voices remain central to healthcare innovation.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker who can combine research, policy, and stakeholder engagement to deliver real impact.
Main Duties and Responsibilities: Policy & Advocacy Leadership· Monitor and analyse Irish and European health policy developments, identifying opportunities for IPPOSI and its members to influence.· Prepare evidence-based policy submissions and consultation responses on behalf of IPPOSI members.· Build and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers across government, the HSE, national funding bodies, political representatives, and public affairs professionals.· Ensure compliance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 in partnership with the CEO, including timely submission of required returns.
Stakeholder Engagement & Evidence Generation· Coordinate IPPOSI working forums, including the Access to Innovation group, that brings together IPPOSI members to identify areas of measurable impact.· Support the design and delivery of the IPPOSI Health Innovation Symposium which convenes our membership on specific topics of interest, ensuring insights are translated into actionable advocacy.· Design and deliver inclusive participatory approaches (e.g., deliberative dialogues, mini-publics) to capture diverse perspectives on healthcare challenges.· Represent IPPOSI on external committees and advisory groups aligned with strategic priorities.
Patient Partnership & Involvement· Support the embedding and evaluation of patient involvement across IPPOSI-led initiatives, demonstrating impact to members and stakeholders.
Education & Capacity Building· Contribute to the growth and evaluation of IPPOSI's educational and training modules, ensuring relevance to the evolving healthcare and innovation landscape.
Communications & Outreach· Contribute to IPPOSI's website content, quarterly newsletters, and other communication channels to share advocacy updates and policy developments in accessible formats.
Strategic & Organisational Development· Support the delivery of IPPOSI's strategic goals and key performance indicators, including preparation of reports to funders.· Assist in the development of funding proposals and strategic partnerships to sustain and expand IPPOSI's research and advocacy work.· Provide line management and mentorship to project staff as required.
Person Specification Qualifications and Experience· At least 4 years' experience in health advocacy, policy development, research, or a related non-profit/public sector role in Ireland, including at least 2 years in project and stakeholder management.· Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.· Proven leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels internally and externally.· Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentation) - with a high level of initiative, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.· Strong understanding of the Irish healthcare system and health innovation landscape.· Experience engaging with patients, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives.· Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research and translate findings into actionable policy insights.· Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and facilitate cross-sector dialogue.· Familiarity with participatory research methodologies (e.g., deliberative dialogues, citizen engagement).· Event management experience, including planning and delivering stakeholder forums, symposia, and workshops.· Ability to identify opportunities for influence and align advocacy efforts with organisational priorities.· Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and collaborative tools.· Flexibility to travel and work outside standard hours.· Fluency in written and spoken English.· Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application.
Desirable· Experience of working in a regulated environment.· An understanding of and ability to promote equality and diversity.· Familiarity with European health policy developments.· Policy analysis and advocacy leadership experience, including preparing policy submissions and consultation responses.
Personnel Attributes· Ability to motivate, support, and develop colleagues to achieve shared goals.· Personable and skilled communicator, able to build trusted relationships at all levels.· Self-motivated with capacity to work independently and manage competing priorities.· Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.· Proactive problem-solver with innovative, evidence-based approaches.· Commitment to IPPOSI's mission of patient-centred healthcare innovation and co-creation.
Benefits· Annual leave of 21 days.· Five discretionary leave days: Good Friday, Christmas Eve, working days between Christmas and New Year.· Employer-matched Pension Scheme up to 5%, following 6-month probationary period.· Opportunity for flexible/hybrid working.
Applications Please email your CV and accompanying cover letter combined into a single PDF document outlining your suitability for the role toby 5pm on Monday 12 January 2026, with the subject line as follows: Research and Advocacy Manager.