Job Description
Role: Policy & Research Executive Contract Type: 3 years fixed term contract Reporting To: Reporting to the Director of Public Affairs About Cork Chamber: Cork Chamber is Irelands largest and most active regional business representative body, and the largest member of Irelands strongest business network, Chambers Ireland. Cork Chamber is over 200 years old, and we work on behalf of our members to ensure Cork is globally recognised as a progressive, sustainable, inclusive and quality of life focussed place to be in business. We are the voice of our 1,200 members and wish to accurately convey a progressive perspective on their behalf at all times. At Cork Chamber we are influenced, guided and consistent with our formal pledge to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which we will continue to embed, evolve and push with urgency to the whole of our ability. About the Cork Development Forum: The Cork Development Forum (CDF) was originally established by Cork Chamber & Construction Industry Federation and has been meeting for many years to best guide the development of Cork. Its roots lie in discussion on the physical construction and development of Cork with a focus on sustainability and a Cork of the Future. The primary objectives are to support the members on the key priorities for the region. The Forum comprises representatives from Cork Chamber, Construction Industry Federation, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, University College Cork, Munster Technological University, Cork Education and Training Board, Cork Airport, Port of Cork, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Cork Chamber acts as secretariat to the CDF and now requires a full time executive to support the delivery of the Forum objectives. Role Purpose: Cork Chamber has an exceptional opportunity for an impactful policy & research specialist to advocate on behalf of the Cork Development Forum (CDF). The role of the Policy & Research Executive is to assist Cork Chamber/CDF to guide government policy through political and stakeholder engagement, advancing thinking, policy research and formulation, and supporting CDF members through the completion and follow-up of key actions. Key Activities: Work with the member organisations to support the achievement of key objectives. Conduct background policy research and analysis to support Chamber/CDF priorities and initiatives as well as proposals for new initiatives; synthesizes research findings to identify and recommend policy proposals. Manage agenda and documentation for meetings liaising with Chair and communicate about relevant data and policy issues pertinent to the forum. Contribute professional expertise and experience concerning relevant sustainable development policy. Support and prepare forum members for internal and external meetings with government officials and completion of deliverables; set policy priorities, draft talking points and presentations for external audiences. Prepare innovative policy proposals that guide government policy Directly engage with senior civil servants and government departments to achieve progress on CDF/Chamber priorities Follow-up with stakeholders and government after meetings to ensure actions are delivered Manage administrative tasks in the running of the CDF Other tasks as required Experience: A strong academic background to degree level or equivalent, in a compatible field such as Government/Politics, Public Affairs, Communications, Business or Sustainability Minimum 3 years previous experience in a similar policy/political/advocacy environment/function Essential Skills: Demonstrable experience in policy development and advocacy Previous experience in Project Management with an ability to deliver multiple tasks to budget, meeting objectives and targets Demonstrable experience in managing complex stakeholder networks Experience of integrating stakeholder relations activity with broader public affairs objectives Knowledge and experience of the industrial policy landscape and appropriate institutional structures Capability and experience to bring a national/international perspective to the role an advantage Politically astute with a good understanding of the external influences that have an impact on the ability to advocate Commitment to high quality standards and attention to detail Strong IT and writing skills Benefits Be part of a team actively shaping the future of Cork A competitive salary, commensurable with experience, and performance related bonus Company pension scheme Company Wellbeing programme containing additional employee benefits Flexible working options (mix of home and office) A central city location Free parking 25 days annual leave Join Us At Cork Chamber, we are committed to championing diversity in our team, in our governance, our operations and in advocacy, events and engagements. Diversity & Inclusion is our guiding principle helping us to determine how to build the best team. Our goal is to create a team where everyone feels like they belong. We do this through an inclusive hiring process, robust HR policies and procedures and a comprehensive employee wellbeing programme. Cork Chamber is an equal opportunities employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: Cork Chamber is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Cork Chamber are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the law. If you would like to join our team please click apply were you will be then redirected to our careers page. Closing date Friday 13th September 2024 Please note that applicants data will be held on file in Cork Chamber for a period of 12 months to comply with current employment and data protection legislation. If you do not want your details held on file please contact Naoimh Frawley.