Role Objective:
The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will support the activities of the Communications & Member Services Department, with a strong focus on raising the profile of the activities of the Law Library and its members. In addition, the successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening our voice in policy and law reform debates that impact on our members and the administration of justice.
Hybrid working arrangement following successful probation.
Responsibilities:
PR & Communications
The Bar of Ireland engages with the public and our key audiences on a wide range of matters, from issuing of press releases, to targeted digital and traditional communications:
- Identify and support PR opportunities across The Bar of Ireland and the legal sector, to increase awareness and visibility of The Bar of Ireland’s mission across public, media and political domains, and supporting our members’ work.
- Liaising with third party PR Account Directors, in the organisation of media events, press briefings, drafting press releases and identifying opportunities for media interviews and photo prospects.
- Keeping up to date with national and international political and legal sector developments to assess their impact on communications/media strategies.
- Work with colleagues across the organisation and the Communications & Member Services Department in generating creative content and ideas for The Bar of Ireland’s website and Specialist Bar Associations through a variety of channels including video, newsletters, and other promotional platforms.
- Contribute to the delivery and effectiveness of existing communication channels, in particular website, both public facing and member facing, in respect of policy and PR related matters.
Policy & Public Affairs
- Undertake research to feed into policy positions, submissions, and other projects (consult and interpret expert reports, the work of European, international and counterpart bodies, and practices in other jurisdictions, and understand the value of quantitative and qualitative data).
- Parliamentary monitoring to include debates, progression of bills, reform programmes, and public consultations, primarily Irish, but also European from time to time.
- Supporting the agenda of working groups, committees and Council, as coordinated by the Policy & Public Affairs Manager and the Director of Communications & Member Services.
- Drafting of correspondence, articles, briefings, newsletters and digital content directed towards our Policy & Public Affairs targets.
- Contribute to the development and execution of internal and outward facing policies, action plans and campaigns through research support, communication and liaison with internal and external parties.
- Ad hoc tasks that arise from time to time.
Ideal candidates will possess a strong understanding and have practical experience in the legal/justice/political and media sphere, as well as an appreciation for the policy making process within organisations.
Person Specification:
- The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding and have practical experience in the legal/justice/political and media sphere, as well as an appreciation for the policy making process within organisations.
- Degree in a discipline of relevance to the role (Politics, Public Policy, Economics, Business, Media/ Communications, or Law).
- Excellent research and drafting skills with the ability to analyse and evaluate information critically and exercise sound judgement.
- Effective communication, networking and reporting skills including understanding, summarising, reporting and communicating complex information through different media.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, use initiative and problem-solve.
- Team player - ability to work with internal and external colleagues collaboratively and in a team orientated way.
- Proven ability to manage a wide range of internal and external stakeholder relationships, including at senior levels, and to engage with people with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: €40,000.00-€42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bike to work scheme
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Sick pay
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
Yes we have a Covid Response Plan Group in place made up of staff and management who oversee the protection of a safe workplace for all colleagues.
Education:
- Bachelor's (required)
Experience:
- research and report drafting: 2 years (preferred)
- PR/Communications: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/05/2023
