The Organisation
Engineers Ireland is the professional body for engineers and engineering in Ireland. With over 23,000 members across the island of Ireland and overseas, we focus on the promotion and development of all disciplines of engineering, working collaboratively with industry, educational institutions, state bodies and the public service. As one of the country’s largest and longest-established professional bodies, we liaise closely with the engineering community to act as the voice of the profession and to promote excellence through a programme of ongoing accredited professional development and certification. As part of our STEPS programme, we run a variety of nationwide initiatives to encourage students to consider engineering as a career and to broaden their understanding of the profession and the potential employment opportunities available to them.

The Role
Engineers Ireland is seeking to recruit a Policy Officer, reporting to the Director General, who will be responsible for providing evidence-based policy proposals and engaging in advocacy and campaigning to support Engineers Ireland objectives to be a strong, independent, national voice that influences public policy in areas of relevance to the profession of engineering. This is a two-year fixed term contract based at the the organisation’s office in Dublin 4.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
Policy Development
Lead on the development of a Policy and Public Affairs Plan for the organisation;
Produce policy submissions and research papers in support of Engineers Ireland’s policy objectives;
Provide on-going support to the DG and the President in their public roles by sourcing data, providing research papers and briefings as requested;
Develop specific, clear, practical policy proposals based on research findings for presentation to Government and other policy makers;
In conjunction with the DG (and other groupings such as our Regional Branches, Divisions and Societies) co-ordinate Engineers Ireland’s research programme, including conducting and commissioning original research and management of same;
Monitor and analyse trends from Engineers Ireland’s activities and identifying case studies of particular policy interest;
Organise and host seminars, workshops and other policy related events;
Maximise Engineers Ireland’s access to European and or international research and support Engineers Ireland’s role in research and policy activities outside of the jurisdiction;
Form alliances with policy/research/communications functions in stakeholder organisations for mutual benefit. Work closely with Engineers Ireland’s own communications unit so that publication of our policy work is coordinated and disseminated in a timely way.

Achieving Policy Reform
Conduct advocacy and campaigning on issues related to Engineers Ireland’s strategic policy objectives in areas including but not limited to education, accreditation, STEM, climate change, sustainable cities, diversity, professional development, professional standards and professional practice;
Liaise and maintain regular contact with government officials, politicians and policy makers on key policy issues;
Grow and maintain Engineers Ireland’s credibility and reputation with key external influencers through such means as represent Engineers Ireland, where appropriate, at policy making fora, conferences and in the media;
Craft letters, position papers and or produce formal responses to consultation documents and monitor and influence the outcome;
Work closely with and support the DG and President of Engineers Ireland to champion the values, vision and mission of the organisation.

Acting as a Policy Resource
Manage project resources, and link with team members who from time to time may be assigned to assist the research and formulation process;
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and practices so as to be in a position to provide background analysis and summaries of public policy as it impacts areas of concern for Engineers Ireland;
Monitor the external environment and ensure that this in internally communicated to Management, staff and Council of Engineers Ireland;
Prepare documents and reports as required by the DG, President, Executive Board and Council;
Undertake surveys, conduct forums and report on investigations relating to matters affecting the policy position of Engineers Ireland;
Assist in any other duties requested by the organisation.

Education and qualifications
Degree or equivalent academic qualification;
Postgraduate qualification in policy/research methodology is desirable;
Track record in a relevant sector: industry, regulatory or policy

The post holder must also demonstrate knowledge of:
The operation of Government and politics
Research methodology
Statistics
Economics
The commercial and industrial environment as it relates to the profession and practice of engineering
Stakeholder mapping, engagement and management.

Skills and experience
Significant experience in a policy related role;
Excellent verbal and written communication including the ability to represent Engineers Ireland at meetings and speak on occasions on the organisation’s behalf;
Experience of producing high quality and accessible policy or research documents to publication standard;
Sound analytical and problem solving skills;
Proven ability to manage a complex project across a diverse organisation (geographic diversity, discipline diversity);
Able to identify and plan key areas of work;
Able to establish priorities and manage a complex workload in order to meet tight deadlines;
Able to build relationships with volunteers, staff and key external influencers;
Skilled in supporting the work of the team, by co-ordinating the work of others and sharing expertise;
Able to work independently and with considerable discretion but to seek advice as required;
Commitment to quality, accuracy, detail and consistency.
Please apply by providing a CV and letter of application outlining your suitability for this role by email to
Caríosa Kelly, HR Director, Engineers Ireland. Email address: ckelly@engineersireland.ie

Deadline for receipt of completed applications is: Wednesday 25 January 2017, 5:00pm.

Any offer made for this position will be subject to satisfactory reference checks.

Engineers Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.