Job Title: Policy Officer


Reporting to: Head of Policy, Partnerships & External Affairs


Position Type: Full time, permanent role - 37 hours per week. Candidates must be available and authorised to work full time in Ireland.


Location: This role will be based between Vision Ireland Head Office in Drumcondra, Dublin and The Wayfinding Centre in Glasnevin, Dublin.


Closing date: 5th September 2024
Vision Ireland reserves the right to close this campaign early should a high volume of applications be received.


About Vision Ireland
Vision Ireland is Ireland's national sight loss agency, we are a not-for-profit charitable organisation which provides support and services nationwide to people experiencing sight loss. We provide a variety of services to support and improve accessibility to people who are living with sight loss ranging from emotional support and counselling to employment support and rehabilitation training.
Our mission is to enable people who are blind and vision impaired to overcome barriers that impede their independence and participation in society.


About the role
The Policy Officer is a key part of the Vision Ireland Team, seizing opportunities to inform and influence policy makers to improve laws, policies and services for people who are blind or vision impaired.
All duties within this role will be carried out in compliance with Vision Ireland Vision, Mission and Values.


Duties and Responsibilities


To provide input into the development of the policy and external affairs operational plan and to deliver and report on commitments put in place using agreed measurements.
To research and develop policy papers across the priority areas set out in Vision Ireland's Strategic Plan, for presentation to Government and other policy makers.
To ensure all policy development is evidence based, reflecting the lived experiences of people who are blind and vision impaired in Ireland and highlighting good national and international practice.
To initiate or commission Vision Ireland projects in collaboration with other Vision Ireland departments to deliver on agreed priorities in the operational plan.
To produce policy submissions in response to public consultation processes in relevant areas and monitor and influence the outcome.
To assist the Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs with the roll-out of Vision Ireland's relevant Strategies to motivate advocates and others to be involved in Vision Ireland's policy formulation, campaigns and lobbying tactics.
The successful candidate will be heavily involved in policy / research / activities relating to public transport, the public realm and the wider work of Vision Ireland's Wayfinding Centre.
To monitor legislative developments and external policy environment and assess the impact of developments on people who are blind or vision impaired.
To support Vision Ireland's spokespersons and represent Vision Ireland on different committees.
To build strategic alliances with key Government officials, politicians, policy makers, sectoral organisations etc to heighten awareness of the issues affecting people who are blind or vision impaired.


This is not an exhaustive list as additional duties and functions may need to be carried out in line with the role.


Required Skills & Experience

• A proven track record (minimum 2 years) in policy formulation and undertaking research projects.
• Qualification in social policy / equality studies / politics or something similar.
• Knowledge of national and local government structures and policies as they relate to people with disabilities.
• Experience of creating evidence-based policy papers and submissions to influence external stakeholders.

Experience of undertaking qualitative and quantitative research projects.
Ability to work with all levels internally, and with external stakeholders, and to be a team player with the ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships.

• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage a diverse workload.

Previous experience of working in an area of disability, and a general understanding of the not-for-profit sector in Ireland is desirable but not essential.


Garda Vetting Required
Garda Vetting will be conducted for the recommended candidate as part of the selection process for this post in accordance with the Vision Ireland Garda Vetting policy.


Accessibility, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Vision Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisation's mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether devised from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.
We welcome, encourage, and embrace people of all backgrounds, to include those with disabilities, accessibility plays a huge part of ensuring that the needs of all our employees and service users, can access our systems and services, with ease and respect, in a supportive environment, enabling all to effectively engage our services and achieve our goals whether they are an applicant for employment or an employee requiring special facilitation.