The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice wishes to strengthen its capacity to engage in public discussion and policy analysis regarding environmental and ecology issues. It is therefore seeking to recruit an Ecology/Environmental Justice Officer (part-time equivalent to three days per week, two-year contract).
This year has particular significance with an anticipated new International Climate Change Agreement, the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda, COP21 and the forthcoming Encyclical by Pope Francis on the Environment. It is in this context and a concern for environmental degradation and the threat of climate change, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice wishes to contribute to ecological and environmental justice.
The Role
The ideal candidate will have expertise and experience in relation to environmental issues and a strong commitment to promoting environmental justice, be a self-starter and have excellent organisational skills.
The role entails:
Leading the Centre’s campaigning, policy and research work in relation to domestic and global issues of environmental justice
Developing a campaign to promote environmental justice in Ireland
Communicating and disseminating relevant material being produced by other Jesuit works nationally and internationally (for example see www.ecojesuit.com)
Writing opinion pieces, news items, press releases, briefing and position papers
Developing and sustaining relationships with other organisations working in the area, looking to develop project partnership opportunities
Working closely with the Social Policy and Communications Co-ordinator and the Social Policy Officer to ensure clear strategic objectives are being met
Supporting others in the Centre in their work and other duties as directed
Essential Criteria
A relevant third level postgraduate qualification (or a primary degree in a relevant field together with experience in the areas of science, environmental studies or ecology)
Respect for the Jesuit ethos and evidence of a commitment to social justice
Evidence of project/task management
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, evidence of professional relationship building
Excellent analytical and drafting skills including writing briefing documents
Ability to think strategically and work to deadlines
Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative
General computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Desirable Criteria: A faith tradition and an understanding of ecology from a theological perspective
Terms and Conditions
Contract duration: two years (place of work: 26 Upper Sherrard Street, Dublin 1)
Hours per week: This is a part-time position, equivalent to 21 hours per week (the distribution of hours will be agreed with the Director prior to appointment)
Duration of appointment: This is a two-year appointment, subject to review after a probationary period of six months
Salary: Negotiable
Starting date: Immediately
Applying (Deadline: 5:00pm, 22nd June 2015)
Applications, via email: info@jcfj.ie or in writing to: Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, 26 Upper Sherrard Street, Dublin 1.
Applications should include
1) Covering letter, one page (making reference to the essential/desirable criteria outlined above),
2) Full Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages).
About the Centre
The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) undertakes social analysis and theological reflection in relation to issues of social justice. The Centre works to promote justice for all by fostering critical understand of current issues through research, education and advocacy. At the heart of its work is the belief that every human being deserves dignity and respect. The current social justice issues of concern to the Centre include penal policy, housing and homelessness and environmental justice.
The JCFJ was established in 1978 by a group of Jesuits living and working in Ballymun to promote social justice and critically examine issues of structural injustice and poverty. Since its foundation the Centre has been a critical voice in the areas of unemployment, poverty, juvenile justice, prison policy, homelessness, environmental and health policy.