Policy Coordinator

Salary:€42,000 per annum

Who we are:

Every three minutes, someone in Ireland hears the words ‘You’ve got cancer’. At the Irish Cancer Society, we understand the physical, emotional and financial impact a cancer diagnosis brings. And we are determined to do everything we can to help.

As Ireland’s leading cancer charity, we work across every area of cancer – from prevention and early detection, through to end-of-life care. We make a positive impact for people affected by cancer every day: investing in life-saving and life-changing research; providing practical, financial and emotional supports; and driving improvements in public cancer services.

What you’ll do:

The Policy Coordinator will support the development of evidence-based policy positions and recommendations on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society.

The Policy Coordinator will report into the Policy and Campaigns Manager, and work with the Advocacy Team to assess and communicate opportunities for policy and legislative initiatives including amendments to new and existing legislation, and where appropriate, relevant to the strategic priorities of the Irish Cancer Society.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research and policy development

• Keep up to date on policy, research and healthcare system developments:

  • collect and collate data and prepare briefing notes, reports and talking points for Irish Cancer Society staff to use publicly and for external audiences.

  • monitor and analyse public policy and health-system performance and practices and develop recommendations for how the Irish Cancer Society and other stakeholders should respond.

• Prepare evidence-based outputs for external stakeholders (e.g. policy-makers, Government Departments, other, etc.) and in response to public consultations to influence policy, practice, budgeting and legislation.

• Oversee research projects which sit within the Advocacy Team and provide direction as to how their findings may be best utilised.

Communicating policy and advocacy positions

• Translate complex evidence and policy recommendations into advocacy/campaigning messages

• Present complex information to staff, supporters, Advocacy Volunteers and other external audiences in a clear and accessible way.

• Establish and maintain relationships, collaborations, alliances and partnerships, as appropriate, across a range of intersecting policy areas to better support the community we serve; 

• Represent the Irish Cancer Society and actively engage partners in a range of policy fora, including but not limited to cancer prevention, health reform, and patient-centred care.

Networking and stakeholder engagement

Qualifications/experience:

• Third level degree or higher in social policy, public policy, politics, economics, health economics, law public affairs or a related discipline;

• 3-4 years’ experience working in policy or advocacy in Ireland or internationally;

• Experience working within the Oireachtas or a national parliament in a policy-related role an asset;

• Experience working in membership, voluntary or political organisation an asset;

• Ability to develop concise, informative policy briefs at short notice;

• Ability to work in a team in a fast-moving environment;

• Experience in research, report, position paper writing and responding to consultations;

• Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage complex workload;

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills;

• Proactive and flexible approach;

• High level of attention to detail.

The closing date for applications is 5pm Thursday 15th January 2026

Please note all CVs are logged through a third-party system for processing

The Irish Cancer Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AGENCIES

Some of our benefits:

• 23 days Annual Leave a year or Pro Rata equivalent, plus public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve (if it falls on a working day)

• Service Days - Additional days awarded to reflect long service with the Society.

• Sick Pay Scheme (following Probationary period)

• Flexitime

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme - new starters will join the pension from the date of commencement of employment with the Society. The current contribution rate ranges from a contribution of 3%, 5% or a maximum of 8% of basic salary.

• Group membership for VHI and HSF (health plans)

• Bus/Rail Ticket Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme

• Death In Service Benefit (from commencement of employment)

• Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and compassionate Leave)

• Learning and Development Programmes

• Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave)

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Optional Flu vaccine provided