Research & Policy Officer

Purpose of the Role This role helps translate SVP’s frontline experience into social policy, aligning with its values and mission. Responsibilities include data collection, policy analysis, internal liaison, and external advocacy. Key stakeholders include SVP teams, volunteers, government bodies, NGOs, media, and the wider public. Rooted in Christian values, SVP maintains a spiritual ethos that may include prayer at meetings. While staff are not required to participate, respect for this practice is expected. Guidance and Authority Reporting to the Head of Social Justice and Policy, the role operates with significant autonomy. Key duties include policy analysis, advocacy, and coordination of research efforts. The role also supports the National Social Justice Committee, liaises with internal teams, and leads engagement in Social Dialogue, particularly with the Department of Social Protection and the Community & Voluntary Pillar. The position requires strong relationship-building with Government, NGOs, and regulatory bodies. Matters escalated to senior leadership typically involve resistance to policy implementation or risks to stakeholders or the Society's reputation. Principle Accountabilities The role holder will be responsible for: Support the National Social Justice Committee and Project Teams • Participate in the Social Justice Committee and relevant project teams. • Contribute to internal team meetings. • Attend and contribute to work of the Northern Region Social Justice Group • Coordinate specific policy and research projects commissioned by SVP. • Lead and support Social Dialogue work alongside team members. • Liaise with the Member Support Team to address policy issues raised by members, regions, and services. Research Relevant Policy Areas • Conduct or commission qualitative and quantitative research related to SVP’s mission. • Analyse internal data (e.g. Client Case Management System, expenditure data, calls for assistance). • Develop case studies to highlight the experiences of people assisted by SVP. • Incorporate external data sources (e.g. CSO, Eurostat) to inform policy development. Analyse and Develop Policy • Use research findings to inform policy analysis and development. • Draft SVP policy positions and policy papers. • Prepare submissions on key social justice issues. Support Public Campaigns • Collaborate with the Communications Team and creative agencies to develop awareness and advocacy campaigns. • Contribute to campaign strategies that promote SVP’s social justice goals. Advocate SVP Policies in Relevant Fora • Launch and distribute research findings and policy documents. • Engage with government departments, agencies, and regulators to advance policy recommendations. • Write and publish content on policy issues across SVP’s communication channels. • Participate in relevant NGO coalitions and advocacy efforts. Engage in Social Dialogue • Represent SVP in the Community & Voluntary (C&V) Pillar and related governmental linkage groups. • Coordinate bilateral meetings between the C&V Pillar and the Department of Social Protection. • Attend relevant government and stakeholder consultations. Communicate with Members and Build Organisational Capacity • Share policy updates with members through various channels (e.g. Social Justice Committee, NMC, Members’ Webinars, Social Justice Newsletter). • Provide input at member events on relevant social justice topics. • Support the development of member guidelines and informational materials. Undertake Additional Tasks as Required • Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects (e.g. joint NGO initiatives, research, public events). • Support team capacity during high-demand periods or emerging issues. Challenges This role operates within the complexity of a large, national, voluntary organisation with high levels of local autonomy. Key challenges include but not limited to: • Working within a complex, decentralised, volunteer-led organisation. • Influencing stakeholders without direct authority. • Working with the Northern Ireland team on social justice and policy matters. • Balancing time for research and policy development amid competing demands. • Engaging members on long-term or less tangible policy issues. • Communicating complex data clearly to diverse audiences. • Navigating differing views on social policy within SVP. • Developing policy despite gaps in internal data. • Advocating effectively across varied external stakeholders. Other Information This post is Dublin based and is a full-time post. There is a requirement for flexibility (working evenings and weekends) for meetings and where deadlines require additional commitments at pressure points in the work calendar. In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer. The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training/meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such change. The post holder will be expected to use their initiative and be highly motivated. Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required EDUCATION • Master’s degree level in Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Human Rights, Equality Studies or a related discipline. • Understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of a complex national, membership based, social justice organisation and understanding of how this contributes to and constrains the work. • Understanding of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland and of current and emerging issues in these areas. • Knowledge of the community and voluntary sector and institutional mechanisms for policy development at EU, National and Local level. • A detailed knowledge of at least two of the following policy areas: o Child and Family Poverty; Income Adequacy; Energy Poverty; Education; Health; or others as they arise. EXPERIENCE • At least two years’ experience of contributing to the development of a Social Policy / Advocacy Agenda within an organisation. OR • At least two years’ experience of undertaking applied social policy research using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies. • Experience of collating and updating policy documents based on a variety of sources; experience of policy liaison to influence the annual Government Budget cycle would be a distinct advantage. • Experience of developing and implementing engaging public facing advocacy campaigns, using a variety of channels and platforms and effective calls to action would be a distinct advantage. • Providing administration support and experience of maintaining contact databases is desirable • Experience of working in a voluntary organisation or with a voluntary board of management on issues of social concern would be a distinct advantage. • Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions within an organisation, and with a variety of different organisations would be a distinct advantage. • Experience of representing policy positions to the media would be a distinct advantage. SKILLS • Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly, concisely and in a timely manner to a variety of audiences, both statutory and voluntary. • An ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and interact effectively with voluntary members. • Ability to work in a team and contribute new ideas and approaches. • Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and manage conflicting demands on time. • Excellent problem-solving skills in interpersonal situations both internally and external to the organisation. • Results orientated approaches. • High Level of familiarity with Word, Excel and CRM systems • Demonstrable resilience and persistence in the face of barriers to tasks. This role will involve policy and advocacy work relating to Northern Ireland. While experience in this area is not essential, some awareness would be beneficial. Candidates with knowledge or awareness of income adequacy and energy policy issues will be well-suited to this cover role. This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a mix of remote and office-based work CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.