Description:
Debra is in the middle of implementing an ambitious three-year advocacy plan as part of its organisational strategy. This advocacy plan focuses on developing our capacity as an advocacy organisation, ensuring the voice of people living with or caring for someone with EB is engaged and amplified across advocacy messages, implementing a series of campaigns and projects to achieve our policy priorities, and developing a network of political EB champions.
A member of the Advocacy, Research and Policy team, the Campaigns and Advocacy Officer will be involved in running all of Debra’s advocacy campaigns. This presents an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated advocacy professional to make a meaningful impact for those affected by EB in Ireland.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Facilitate development of all Debra advocacy campaigns and work with the Advocacy, Research and Policy team on campaigns from start to finish, including evaluation. Such campaigns may include an annual pre-budget submission campaign, Election 2025 campaign and a campaign on access to medicines.
- Communicate advocacy campaigns and successes to key stakeholders, including people impacted by EB.
- Work closely with the family support team to ensure advocacy campaigns reflect the needs of people living with or caring for someone with EB.
- Work with the Advocacy, Research and Policy team in commissioning and overseeing evidence generation to support access to better services and treatments for those living with EB.
- Work closely with the communications team to develop campaign material and collateral and drive media and digital engagement.
- Develop and maintain a diverse network of political and policy contacts and champions.
- Contribute to national advocacy forums.
- Engage with Debra International and other groups at an international level.
- Ensure adherence to the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 and make required returns.
- Carry out other roles or duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post, as requested.
Person Specification
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a related advocacy / campaigning field.
- Degree level qualification in a related field.
- Experience in developing advocacy campaigns through stakeholder engagement.
- Strong knowledge of the Irish political environment, with a distinct advantage if this is in the area of health or disability.
- A clear ability to communicate concisely and directly in an accessible manner via a range of platforms and to varied audiences.
- Exceptional project management and computer skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Flexibility to occasionally travel and work outside standard hours.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.