NPC Voice, Influence and Inclusion Officer (with responsibility for Partnership Schools Ireland)
To co-ordinate and lead the NPC Partnerships Schools Ireland programme, ensuring the delivery of quality services.
Introduction to NPC
National Parents Council (NPC) is the representative organisation for parents of children in early years, primary and post primary education. NPC was established as a charitable organisation in 1985, under the programme for Government, as the representative organisation for parents of children attendingprimaryschool. NPC'sremitwasextendedtocoverparentswithchildreninearlyyears in 2017 and in post-primary in 2022. NPC received statutory recognition in the Education Act1998.
NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children's education. NPC works to increase the capacity and capability of the education sector, to achieve true partnership and deliver better outcomes for all children.
Terms & Conditions
Salary: €36,275 per annum.
Hours: 35 hours a week (Flexibility is required weekend and evening work will be a feature of this employment).
Reporting to: The Advocacy Services Manager.
Place of work: Dublin city location, however nationwide travel will be required
Car owner and full driving license essential.
Contract is for three years fixed term with an initial probationary period of six (6) months.
Role
As a member of the Advocacy Services team the successful applicant will coordinate and lead the NPC Partnerships Schools Ireland programme, ensuring the delivery of quality services which meet the needs of parents, supporting children in the education sector.
Partnership Schools Ireland is a joint initiative between NPC and the IPPN (Irish Primary Principals' Network) and supported by the Department of Education. It provides an opportunity and framework for teachers, support staff, pupils, parents and community members to work together in partnership to support the work of the school for the benefit of the students.
Information about Partnership Schools Ireland can be found
The role has four main areas of responsibility:
1. Recruitment of new schools to the programme
2. Delivery of training sessions in schools (primary and post primary)
3. Support for trained schools in person and via zoom
4. Administration of the programme
In addition to this the successful candidate will work with the advocacy services team to:
5. Contribute to the overall objectives of NPC and the IPPN (Irish Primary Principals' Network) both in planning and implementation of the Partnership Schools Ireland Programme.
6. Upskill and support NPC Trainers in the Action Team Partnership programme
7. Share learning and knowledge with other members of staff
8. Gather data and insight from parents and children to help NPC and other education stakeholders understand the lived experiences of children and their parents in education with a special focus on hearing the voice of seldom heard parents and children.
9. Plan, deliver and coordinate parent and child voice and participation activities as required. For example:Planning and delivering campaigns, projects and events with parents and childrenRecruiting parents and children to participate in consultation and advocacy eventsMaintain clear and accurate monitoring, evaluation and performance data for all activities, to demonstrate the impact of our workProduce and contribute to programme reportingMaintain accurate records of parents' and children's participation, regularly evidencing individual progress and the decisions and services they influence.
At a personal level the successful applicant will:
10. Consistently and regularly review work practices and methodologies within own area of responsibility and apply improvements and efficiencies wherever possible which will feed into programme evaluation.
11. Prioritise and manage work within own area of responsibility including monthly reports
for Advocacy Services Manager and up to date information for the PSI Advisory committee
12. Undertake additional general duties from time to time, as required by the Chief Executive, that are in line with the nature and grade of this post.
Essential Experience
13. Training and facilitation experience
14. Team building and project co-ordination
15. Knowledge of the Irish education system
16. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
17. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
18. Excellent planning and organisational skills
19. Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office
20. Excellent social media skills.
Have a Sound knowledge and understanding of:
21. Adult and Children's participation – including the principles, approaches, and mechanisms for consulting with children and adults.
22. Approaches to community participation, social action and civic engagement.
23. Safeguarding practice and procedures, and confidentiality.
24. Challenges and issues affecting children and families.
25. Policy, legislation and guidance relating to children and young people's rights and participation, e.g., UNCRC, Children Act 1989.
Desirable
26. Experience of working with volunteer groups.
Additional requirements
27. Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of this role and those we work with.