Role Purpose My client is seeking to recruit an experienced public affairs professional as Head of Advocacy.
The Head of Advocacy will play a key role in engaging with key stakeholders, including government bodies, members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, industry partners, NGOs and other civil society groups.
The Head of Advocacy will focus on building strong external relationships, developing policy positions, drafting submissions, engaging with practitioners, and advancing the wider strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities Stakeholder Engagement Develop and implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategies aligned to the organisation's policy priorities.
Lead engagement with key external stakeholders and foster and strengthen the organisation's relationship with elected representatives, civil servants, industry partners, NGOs and civil society groups and other key stakeholders.
Build strong, trusted relationships to support the organisation's influence and reputation.
Ensure active monitoring of political, media, and industry developments to inform engagement priorities.
Policy Development Engage with the wider community to develop the organisations positions in respect of anticipated legislative or policy changes to support and shape a just and accessible legal system.
Conduct rigorous research into legislative frameworks and proposed regulatory changes to identify impacts on the organisation and the broader public interest.
Initiate and deliver key policy and research projects that impact on the organisation and/or the broader public interest.
Engage with Committees and the wider community to identify critical reform priorities and to drive input for new policy initiatives.
Ensure compliance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, managing the organisation's internal records and statutory reporting requirements for all advocacy activities.
Advocacy & Submission Writing Be highly skilled in drafting well-written submissions in response to consultation processes initiated by Government Departments, Oireachtas Committees, public bodies or other fora, as well as drafting persuasive briefing materials and speeches.
Campaigns and Programme Delivery Oversee high-impact engagement campaigns and events to advance law reform.
Build strategic alliances with NGOs, civil society groups, professional bodies, and international organisations to progress shared law reform objectives.
Strategic Communications Oversee development of messaging, briefing materials, reports, and public-facing content that support engagement goals.
Collaborate with Communications colleagues to ensure consistent messaging to key stakeholders across all channels, and in particular to ensure that advocacy activities are appropriately communicated to key stakeholders.
Support senior leadership, through the drafting of speeches, presentations, and well-researched and persuasive briefings, and also sharing insights.
Organisational Leadership Foster the continued development of members of the policy team, striving for excellence in efficiency and engagement.
Work cross-functionally with colleagues Promote a culture of transparency, collaboration, efficiency and proactive engagement.
Establish KPIs to measure engagement effectiveness and evaluate engagement activities and refine strategy accordingly.
Knowledge & Skills 7+ years' professional experience working in Ireland's political system.
Deep knowledge of the policy development and legislative processes in Ireland and at EU level, and the political landscape in Ireland.
Understanding of the Irish justice system and legal practice in Ireland.
Expertise in delivering successful advocacy campaigns.
Significant experience of engaging with senior stakeholders.
Demonstrable expertise in submission writing and report-writing, in building a well-supported and persuasive case for reform.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and an ability to deliver concisely and in plain language what may be complex policy insights to diverse audiences, with strong attention to detail.
A proven ability to work on own initiative, together with an ability to see projects through from initiation to execution.
Adept at building high-performing teams, managing individual performance, and cultivating a collaborative environment.
Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Familiarity with compliance and reporting obligations under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
Experience of practising as a solicitor or a barrister, or alternatively holding a legal qualification, will be an advantage.
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