The Irish Red Cross is part of the world’s largest independent humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which is committed to, and bound by, its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.
The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need. The Irish Red Cross is also mandated to promote and disseminate International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to ensure respect for IHL and to protect the distinctive emblems recognized by the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols.
In order to strengthen the relevant IHL initiatives across Ireland and other relevant policy areas of the Irish Red Cross, the organisation now seeks a Policy and Advocacy Officer. For more general information, please visit www.redcross.ie.
JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the International Programme Manager, the purpose of the Policy and Advocacy Officer is to support policy and advocacy development and implementation across all Irish Red Cross policy areas in line with its international and organisational strategic plans. In particular, s/he will support the Irish Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) programme. The post holder will enhance relationships and raise awareness of key issues to key stakeholder groups in relation to the work and campaigns of the Red Cross at the national and global levels.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Developing IHL engagement and dissemination strategies for the IRC
- Promoting awareness and understanding of IHL and broad policy within the Irish Red Cross (Governance, staff, members, and national volunteers)
- Act as the IHL contact point for staff, members and national volunteers as required
- Developing strong, collaborative relationships and networks with academia, government and NGOs engaged in humanitarian actions to ensure the dissemination and understanding of IHL
- Organise and host trainings, workshops and other related IHL and policy-related events
- Supporting the International Programme Manager by providing a range of support services, including preparation of discussion papers, briefs and submissions, to contribute to the development and delivery of the Irish Red Cross in line with Red Cross Movement principles, IRC’s strategic priorities and its various policy and advocacy initiatives
- Monitoring relevant legal and policy developments within the International Red Cross and Red Cross Movement and humanitarian and development sector and identify and highlight campaigning and engagement opportunities
- Contributing to the IRC advocacy and representation with International Movement partners, including the European Legal Support Group
- Supporting coordinated IRC policy statements and positions in close cooperation with other Red Cross Red Crescent actors
- In liaison with Communications identifying and providing key messages and communication opportunities relevant to the policy area; supplying information for press releases, providing updates to our website and social media
- Representing the Irish Red Cross at IHL and policy-related meetings, committees and fora with donors and key policymakers
- To undertake other duties as may be requested by the International Programme Manager.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A University degree in international relations, political science, law or a relevant field is required; a master’s degree in a related field is desired
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in internationally or humanitarian-focused organisations
- Familiarity with international humanitarian issues and key actors is essential; knowledge of the global Red Cross network is beneficial
- Understanding of government policies, public policy, and advocacy
- Strong understanding of issues, which impact humanitarian organisations
- Experience in compiling and summarizing materials for a variety of audiences
- Demonstrated ability to analyse data and large amounts of information and experience in practically applying this analysis into programmes and positions
- Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent fundamental principles
SKILLS
- The ability to work diplomatically and professionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise issues and meet deadlines
- Strong initiative and maturity of judgement
- Good influencing and networking skills
- Excellent communication skills, including writing experience
- Experience in working with and supporting volunteers an advantage
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Part-time position of 28 hours per week
- Salary range 32-45k per annum (pro rata) depending on experience
- Based in Dublin with occasional travel
- From time to time the requirements of the role may lead to longer working hours or time built up, the IRC does not pay overtime but operates a time-in-lieu policy
Further Information
The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community,
irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability. This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please send your CV and a cover letter to AnnaMarie O’ Carroll at aocarroll@redcross.ie before 5pm on Friday 10th September 2022.
Please mention “Policy and Advocacy Officer” in the email subject and include your full name in the file names.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you do not hear back from us, unfortunately, your application has not been selected.
