Business in the Community Ireland is the network for corporate social responsibility We work with the largest companies in Ireland to help them develop, manage and measure their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability strategies. Our vision is for businesses in Ireland to be the most responsible and sustainable in the world. Learn more about us at www.bitc.ie.

Job Summary

Experienced relationship-based senior Advisor in the area of sustainable and responsible business, with the capacity to manage a busy portfolio of member clients. Demonstrated capacity to design corporate responsibility strategies and advise on the delivery of programmes within large businesses. Knowledge of the management and operations of ISO and/or other relevant standards. Capacity to design & deliver leading network based initiatives (such as the BITCI Business Impact Map) & events.  Experience of implementing & supporting change management processes, including such areas as customer retention strategies. Capacity to function well within a team environment, directly manage and/or support team members and contribute to the implementation of new internal processes as part of an organisational change.

Fixed Term Contract

This is a specified purpose contact of minimum duration of 12 months. The position reports in to the Membership Services Manager. There is potential responsibility for management of direct reports together with interns and volunteers. The role is located at our offices on O’Connell Street, Dublin. Some travel may be required.

Job Description

Contribute to, develop and implement Business in the Community Ireland’s Development Strategy, particularly in relation to working with major companies on embedding responsible and sustainable business practices across the organisation. This includes:

Managing a portfolio of client accounts as the main contact person interacting with senior people and practitioners.
Delivering membership advisory services on a one to one basis across a range of areas including corporate responsibility strategy and reporting & communications, community programmes and employee engagement.
Managing the successful delivery of membership events including expert seminars/workshops and on-going working group meetings with different stakeholders.
Representing the organisation externally through speaking, writing articles, government meetings/submissions and media engagement.
Contribute to the delivery and internal operations of the Business Working Responsibly Mark, a certified standard on CR based on ISO 26000.
Support the development & implementation of internal service processes and procedures to ensure the delivery of high quality, cost effective services, responsive to the needs of companies.
Lead on the delivery and monitoring of relevant network projects ensuring annual objectives, including financial targets, are met.
Maintain the reputation, brand image and impact of Business in the Community Ireland’s member companies.
Contribute to Business in the Community Ireland strategy in respect of our advisory and network services by working with a portfolio of companies, and as needed making recommendations to the membership services management and colleagues.

Provision of leadership

Contribute to the creative and cost effective opportunities for future growth and development in the organization.
Demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability for areas of responsibility.
Support the Membership Services Manager and colleagues in developing an effective cohesive team to provide support and leading edge advise to companies.
Balance strategic and operational demands.
Personally contribute to inspiring, motivating and creating the appropriate environment for the team to ensure the individual and collective potential is fully harnessed.
Plan, in conjunction with the organisation’s goals and the Membership Services Manager, your personal continuous professional development.

Effective communication and external relationships

Support the work of the Membership Services Team to meet high quality standards and performance targets.
Proactively represent the organisation in all areas of its activity to external audiences and facilitate a positive corporate image.
Support the Membership Services Team Management in managing the political interface with politicians, interest groups, the public and the media.
Develop and maintain effective communications with all stakeholders.

Management of financial and human resources within the Membership Services Team (MST)

Achieve agreed targets and ensure adherence to team targets & budgets.
Maintain close liaison with colleagues and the Membership Services Manager for the effective management of all activities, and potentially be responsible for direct management of team members.
Be an effective team member with a commitment to developing and motivating staff and volunteers.

General and Other Duties

Such other duties, which the Membership Services Manager may from time to time require.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge:

Educated to degree level, preferably in a business/management or corporate responsibly and/or sustainability related discipline.
Knowledge of business operations within the context of corporate responsibility and sustainability issues.
An applied working knowledge of strategy and operational management.
A thorough knowledge and understanding of the various business sectoral networks and civil society organisations in Ireland.

Experience

Minimum of seven years experience working in a similar or relevant business role.
Account management and relationship building experience in an advisory role.
Strong management and leadership capability and experience, including people management & change processes.
Experience of working to and supporting a management committee and its development.
Extensive project management experience.

Competencies Required

Relationship Building, Networking & Service Excellence
Communication and Influencing
Planning & Results Orientation
Leadership
Research and Analysis

Desirable:

Experience in operations of relevant standards and certifications.
Experience in stakeholder engagement strategies and processes.
Experience in report writing on sustainability and responsible business issues, with ideally expertise in application of the GRI guidelines or other relevant standards.
Knowledge of sustainable procurement principles and best practice.

Personal Attributes

Computer literate and fully conversant with the Microsoft Office suite.
Prepared to travel as necessary in accordance with the fulfilment of the job description.
Prepared to attend evening events and functions from time to time outside office hours in accordance with the fulfilment of the job description.
A full driving license and access to a car for the purposes of fulfilling the responsibilities relating to the job of BITCI CR Advisor.
Honest, professional and committed to the values of Business in the Community Ireland.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter to careers@bitc.ie stating your motivations for applying and your salary requirements no later than Monday April 20 2015. We are aiming to conduct round 1 interviews starting April 24 and round 2 the week after.

Business in the Community Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes a policy of continuous personal and professional development among its staff.

Business in the Community Ireland has a policy of interviewing candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria.