Head of Advocacy

Head of Advocacy & Research

Location: Dublin

Contract: Full-time, 2 year Fixed Term

The purpose of this role is to work as part of Focus Ireland's Senior Management Team in making the maximum contribution to the work of Focus Ireland's Advocacy in the provision of a high-quality service for customers, supporters, donors, stakeholders, staff and the public. From its outset, Focus Ireland is rooted in the research and development of policy proposals based on the experience of our customers. This position plays a key role in the research, development, and evaluation of such proposals and the work to translate these proposals into policy and practice both within Focus Ireland and the wider national and local governmental environment.

What you will do:

• In conjunction with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research, develop and implement the organisation's research and advocacy strategy with the approval of the Board, subcommittees, and Executive into an operational plan with agreed objectives.
• Take lead responsibility for tactical planning, and the implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the research and advocacy plan.
• Work collaboratively with others in the sector on joint initiatives, bringing together relevant stakeholders, influencing and creating alliances.
• Manage and develop all aspects of the Focus Ireland Knowledge Hub to ensure it continues to be the primary and cohesive authority on homeless information, statistics evaluation, and practice in Ireland.
• In conjunction with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research, manage, develop, enhance, and maintain Focus Ireland's prominence as the leading Irish NGO in the sector in terms of international relations and best practice.
• Plan and execute public campaigns proactively as well as evaluate campaigns and their effectiveness.
• Act as one of a number of primary spokespersons for the organisation in dealings with the media and public affairs particularly in areas of Advocacy, policy, and research.
• Act as the Focus Ireland lead on Homeless Sector Communications and Advocacy working with like-minded NGOs and partners to further our objectives.
• Work closely with communications, services, and fundraising divisions in identifying and incorporating advocacy needs into the work programme.
• Ensure good governance, compliance, best practice, and overall quality of service, overseeing adherence to the Focus Ireland models of work.
• Maintain appropriate records of work and statistical information and complete monthly reports, KRIs, KPMs on a timely basis.
• Develop positive staff relations by effectively communicating and ensuring understanding of FI expectations.
• Liaise with, work co-operatively, and effectively with other departments in Focus Ireland, particularly to develop close working relationships with Services, Development, and Property departments to support the delivery of outcomes for Focus Ireland customers and tenants.
• Manage the performance of direct reports by upholding best practice in performance management, and by complying with legal requirements in relation to employment/recruitment, supervision, health and safety, and welfare, training and development.
• Liaise with statutory funders/donors on a regular basis in the provision of required information.
• Work with Fundraising to explore alternative ad hoc funding sources.
• Manage income and expenditure budgets, implement financial management systems, and manage the annual budget process for the department.
• Ensure that buildings and contents in all project premises are adequately insured and compliant with Health & Safety requirements.
• Ensure all maintenance and health and safety work is completed in a timely fashion.
• Be vigilant to any health, safety, and welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety Representative.
• Report child protection concerns in line with Focus Ireland's Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relations with relevant community, voluntary, and statutory agencies.
• Conduct, encourage, and support related research. Lead and contribute to developments and innovative evidence-based practice.
• Engage in supervision sessions on a regular basis with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research.
• Prepare regular monthly project reports and any other reports as requested by line management.
• Promote an ethos of best practice, professionalism, accountability, and ongoing learning within the service.
• Represent Focus Ireland at meetings, seminars, and conferences, or with funders.
• Keep informed of advances in professional knowledge and practice, and present these as relevant to Focus Ireland.
• Be informed of developments in national policies, strategies, and legislation and the perceived impact on practice and advise the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research on the same.
• Participate in continuous professional development initiatives and ensure compliance with statutory registration requirements.
• Work within the framework of the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
• Undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with the Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research.

What you will need:

• Third level degree in a relevant qualification in the area of Advocacy or Social Justice.
• At least 5 years' management experience in the Advocacy or Social Justice field, preferably working in the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience in working on policy-oriented campaigns.
• Knowledge of the policy framework and political environment in Ireland.
• Understanding of the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of the media including social media.
• Proven ability to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Demonstrate outstanding critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experience of working with Government Departments, local authorities, and other statutory bodies on the issues affecting marginalized people is desirable.
• Able to work on own initiative and in a team environment.
• Proven ability to manage teams in both a functional and cross-functional environment.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly in difficult and complex situations.
• Proven ability to display flexibility.
• Membership of a professional communications or lobbying body (Desirable).
• Experience of running attitudinal/persuasive marketing campaigns (Desirable).

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.

We are driven by the fundamental belief that homelessness is wrong. Wrong because it is a failure of society that creates victims out of ordinary people and robs them of their potential. Wrong because it can be prevented, it can be solved but is allowed to continue and in doing so, undermines society.

Focus Ireland currently employs 435 people in various capacities that include permanent, fixed term, full time, part time, and relief.

We aim to create continuous improvement and add value through partnership, integration, accessibility, and empowerment of all employees.

What we offer:

• Top up Maternity Benefit up to 22 weeks.
• Top up Paternity leave up to 8 days.
• Education Policy - provision of financial support for upskilling/qualifications.
• Paid expenses.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Annual Leave – 25 days.
• Defined Contribution – 5% employee contribution and 7% employer contribution.
• EAP – Employee assistance programme – staff counselling.
• Death in Service benefit – 3 times salary.