The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) is seeking to recruit an Environmental Policy Intern, ideally starting in January 2025. 

The JCFJ exists to promote justice for all through theological reflection, social analysis and research, action, education, and advocacy. The Centre has focused on a range of issues in recent years, including penal policy, the housing and homelessness crisis, environmental justice, and the need for a more just and sustainable model of economic development. The Centre is an agency of the Irish Jesuit Province and is actively engaged in contributing towards the Universal Apostolic Preferences, a framework for the objectives of the global Jesuit community.

The Role

The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental justice, informed by the Christian faith tradition. They will support the Jesuit Centre’s efforts in environmental advocacy, policy research, and faith-based ecological outreach. Working closely with our team, the intern will engage in a range of activities from policy analysis and research to community engagement and lobbying, helping to build a foundation for the Centre’s ecological mission within Ireland’s public discourse.

This internship provides hands-on experience at the intersection of faith, social justice, and environmental action.

The Environmental Policy Intern will:

• Assist with research on environmental policy developments in Ireland, focusing on themes related to climate justice, ecological preservation, and sustainable development;
• Collaborate with the team to integrate Christian teachings, particularly those from Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, into advocacy materials and outreach activities;
• Support community events and outreach initiatives to foster greater public awareness of faith-based ecological responsibility;
• Work alongside the Centre’s team in engaging with policymakers, preparing lobbying materials, and supporting campaigns aimed at fostering environmental justice in line with Catholic Social Teaching;
• Contribute to articles, reports, and other publications on ecological theology and policy issues, translating complex environmental concepts into accessible and engaging material;
• Assist with any additional project or event planning as needed.

This list is not exhaustive; it is expected that the post holder will take on other related assignments as requested by the Director of the JCFJ.

Essential Criteria

• A background in and commitment to environmental justice;
• Knowledge or strong interest in ecological theology, Catholic Social Teaching, or the role of faith-based communities in Irish environmental action; 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language; 
• A familiarity with the work of the Centre and a respect for the Jesuit ethos – as well as a willingness to work towards the Universal Apostolic Preferences;
• Evidence of project/task management and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. 

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working directly in the cause of those who are marginalised;
• Educational experience in the environmental sciences, policy or social science, or theology;
• Knowledge of international environmental policy development;
• A familiarity with Irish environmental policy;
• A faith tradition and an understanding of “creation” from a theological perspective;
• The ability to travel to international meetings and conferences.

Terms and Conditions

Contract duration: 6 months (January 2025-June 2025)

Place of work: Hybrid, with in-office work based at 54-72 Gardiner Street Upper, Dublin 1.

Hours per week: It is anticipated that this will be a part-time role comprising a working week of 21 hours. At least two days will typically be in our office with one day flexible. Events outside of the ordinary working week are anticipated but will be appropriately recognised.

Safeguarding: The candidate must be willing to comply fully with the Irish Jesuit Safeguarding protocols.

Starting date: Immediate.

Compensation: €15 per hour.

Application

Applications should be emailed to: info@jcfj.ie or posted to: Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, 54-72 Gardiner Street Upper, Dublin 1

Applications should include:

• Covering letter (making reference to the essential/desirable criteria outlined above).
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum of 2 pages).

The deadline for applications is: Friday, November 29th at 5pm.