JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                                     Policy Officer (Irish Cancer Society)

Location:                             Based in Dublin

Hours:                                 Part time (28 hours/ per week) Some evening and weekend work required

Contract Type:                   Fixed Term Contract- maternity leave cover (November 2018 – October 2019)

Overall Responsibility:

To support the work of the Advocacy Department in the Irish Cancer Society.

• Assisting Head of Advocacy and Policy and Public Affairs Manager to meet the key advocacy targets of the Irish Cancer Society;
• Managing research projects on areas of policy relevant to Irish Cancer Society strategic targets including, but not limited to, sunbed regulation, access to medicines and health and cancer service reform
• Keeping abreast of relevant legislation and policy developments relevant to the strategic targets of the Irish Cancer Society, with specific reference to cancer prevention, access to care, and to the health and cancer reform agenda, specifically as it impacts the strategic targets of the Irish Cancer Society.
• Reviewing legislation and policy developments from a legal/policy perspective.
• Assessing opportunities for legislative initiatives, including amendments to new and existing legislation, where appropriate, relevant to the strategic targets of the Irish Cancer Society and drafting legislative proposals as appropriate.
• Assessing opportunities for legislative and policy initiatives at the level of the European Parliament and European Commission, relevant to the strategic targets of the Irish Cancer Society.
• Staying up to date on Oireachtas business and developments in Leinster House and Government buildings and keeping the Policy and Public Affairs Manager fully briefed and informed on key political developments relevant to targets;
• Attending Oireachtas Committee hearings and reporting to the Policy and Public Affairs Manager;
• Supporting the key ICS relationships with national, international and European partners and enhancing our participation in these groupings.

General

• The Irish Cancer Society operates a no-smoking policy and the post holder must not smoke in the office or when on Society business outside the office.
• All employees are required to be aware of their responsibilities towards health and safety and to adhere to fire regulations.
• This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the Society at any time after discussion with the post holder.

Qualifications/experience

• Third level degree or higher in politics/economics/law/communications;
• 3-4 years’ experience of public affairs in Ireland or internationally;
• Knowledge and/or experience of the Irish legal system and government structures, with specific reference to legislation
• Knowledge and/or experience of Irish media and communications industry;
• Experience in research, report and position paper writing;
• Experience in writing legal briefs.
• Experience of working in a membership, voluntary or political organisation an asset;
• Ability to find and assimilate information quickly and identify key issues/desktop research;
• Ability to work in a team in a fast-moving environment;
• Excellent organisational, administration and communication skills;
• Excellent PC skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook;
• Proactive and flexible approach;
• High level of attention to detail.

HOW TO APPLY: If you are interested in applying for this position, please send curriculum vitae and cover letter including current remuneration package to:  Nicola Cosgrove, HR Administrator, Irish Cancer Society, 43/45 Northumberland Rd., Dublin 4 Email: recruitment@irishcancer.ie.  

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 10^th October 2018.

The Irish Cancer Society is an equal opportunities employer.