POSITION: Policy and Research Assistant (9 month Internship)
OFFICE BASE: Head Office, Dublin
REPORT TO: SEO, Policy and Research

DESCRIPTION:

The intern will gain practical experience in research and policy work in support of DFIs Strategic Plan, in particular, Strategic Priority No. 1, which is to influence the development, implementation and monitoring of policies affecting people with disabilities. The intern will receive training in policy and research according to their needs. On completion the intern will have attained skills in data and information gathering and analysis, writing position papers and reports, and research and policy analysis.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The successful candidate will work as part of a team focusing primarily on the policy, research and information functions in the organisation in support of evidence based policy development in the field of disability.

Their work will include:

Data and information gathering and organisation
Analysis and presentation of data/information
Assisting with the preparation of accessible and succinct research to support the development of policy statements, position papers and reports.
Assisting with the development and delivery of secondary research that yields high quality analysis.
Performance of any other duties of an occasional nature associated with evidence based policy development, which may be assigned by the SEO, Policy and Research.

Experience:

This position would benefit a person who has completed a Masters level course in the health and/or social sciences, disability studies, applied social/health research disciplines by giving them experience of working in a dynamic policy/research environment in the current context of changes in disability policy.

Experience of research and policy development, preferably in social/health policy themes.
Experience of using multiple research methods, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Experience of producing, in a timely manner, accurate and coherent work.
Proven ability to gather and synthesise information from a variety of sources.
Experience in meeting deadlines.
Experience of working on multiple tasks/projects at the same time.

Personal Attributes:

The ability to work on one’s own initiative and as part of a team.
Be disciplined, applying rigor to one’s work.
Be organised and thorough.
Be comfortable dealing with a range of complex issues.
The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and orally.

Eligibility and More Information

You must be eligible for JobBridge or the Work Placement Programme (WPP). DFI is an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcomes candidates who have a disability to apply for the internship. For more information contact Joan O’Connor  at joanoconnor@disability-federation.ie or 01 4250121.

To apply

Please send a curriculum vitae and cover letter to Joan O’Connor  at joanoconnor@disability-federation.ie