Job Description
EPIC is seeking a Research and Policy Manager to lead the development and delivery of EPIC's research and policy at a national level.
EPIC, Empowering People in Care, is the only independent, national organisation that works exclusively with, and for, children and young people in the care of the state. EPIC aims to advance the rights and best interests of children and young people in the care system by advocating on their behalf, providing information and advice, developing opportunities for their participation in public engagement and youth work, and delivering policy and research to inform and improve law and practice.
Job Description
The Research and Policy Manager will lead the development and delivery of EPIC's research and policy at a national level in pursuit of the organisation's goals. This will include strategic policy and political analysis, research and policy development, lobbying, and alliance building in both the statutory and voluntary sectors in relation to the care system and children's rights.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and implement the policy and research objectives of EPIC's Strategic Plan. Contribute to the organisation's leadership, including strategy development, business planning, operational management, budgeting and reporting, and management of research projects.
- Monitor political and policy developments in relation to the rights of children in care and young people aftercare. Maintain an analysis of the external political, economic, and social environment which impacts on care-experienced children and young people.
- Build awareness of key issues faced by children and young people amongst policy and decision makers. Provide analysis, policy positions, research, and data about children in care and young people in after care.
- Identify opportunities for EPIC to commission independent research, which is participative with children in care and young people. Focus EPIC's research in areas where providing their experience can impactfully inform better policies and practices.
- Develop and maintain key relationships with relevant policy and decision makers, and EPIC's partner organisations.
Additional Duties
- Prepare policy briefings, submissions, lobby letters, presentations, and other written materials for internal and external use.
- Work closely with EPIC's Communications Manager to identify and provide key messages for communicating research and policy.
- Develop and continually appraise EPIC's data output, working to ensure that all of EPIC's research and policy output is credibly informed by evidence.
- Organise and manage events to support EPIC's research and policy objectives.
- Represent EPIC in research and policy meetings, working groups, consultations, and international fora.
- Identify funding and partnership opportunities for research and policy work.
- Work with children and young people to ensure they are empowered to participate in the research and policy objectives of EPIC.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- At least 5 years' experience in a similar role at management level; demonstrable ability to manage and develop others and contribute to organisation-wide strategy and operational management.
- Excellent knowledge of human rights law, children and youth affairs, inequality and social justice, and a track record in research and policy influencing.
- Thorough understanding of Irish public policy, legislative and decision-making processes, and structures.
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, and ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Excellent communications and written skills to deliver policy and research products.
- Ability to prioritise, plan, organise and deliver in a busy NGO setting.
- Child-centred and child-friendly interpersonal skills.
- Experience with Salesforce or quantitative data analysis is advantageous.
- Experience in identifying and applying for funding opportunities is advantageous.
- Commitment to the values, vision, and mission of EPIC.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a full-time post with a six-month probation period.
- EPIC operates a hybrid model of office-based and remote work.
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, increasing to 27 days after 2 years' service.
- The office is closed for one day at Easter and three days at Christmas.
- Participation in the company pension scheme is matched by a 5% Employer contribution.
- All roles within EPIC are subject to Garda Vetting.
- The post holder will also undertake training on Children First and abide by EPIC's policies on child protection and welfare.
- This post will involve travel within Ireland and occasional evening and weekend work.
EPIC believes in the value of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. We welcome candidates with experience of the care system.