Research and Policy Officer (Permanent Full – Time)

Reference No: VA342

Location: National Office, SVP House Dublin 1

Duration: Permanent Full-Time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Published: Tuesday 2nd July 2024

Closing Date: Midnight Tuesday 16th July 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Research and Policy Officer to join our National Office. This post holder will have the responsibility for conducting research and policy analysis to inform Social Policy positions for SVP and to communicate these positions to a variety of external audiences in order to influence policy which leads to improvements in supports and services for those we assist.

This is a great opportunity to join one of Ireland’s largest voluntary organisations and make a difference in your community.
Why work with SVP?

SVP Benefits

All SVP Benefits are subject to the prevailing policy and associated length of service requirements

• 23 days annual leave for all staff; Additional day’s leave at 5, 10, 15 & 20 years, with a cap of 27 annual leave days
• Pension: 5% employer and employee contribution with an option to increase to 7% on a matching basis
• 2 discretionary days (Good Friday & Christmas Eve)
• Group discount for Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF)
• Paid Sick Leave: Sick Pay following 13 weeks, with entitlement increasing with length of service (Subject to terms of policy)
• Education Support for job relevant courses (Subject to terms of policy)
• Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave (18 weeks full maternity leave pay for staff with more than 12 months service & 2 weeks full paternity leave pay for staff with more than 12 months service)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance – four times annual salary
• Life Appreciation Recognition: Additional one-off 5 days annual leave allocated in year that 25-, 30-, 35- & 40-years’ service achieved, plus €250 voucher
• Christmas Voucher: €250 voucher for all staff (Subject to terms of policy)
• Retirement: Staff with 10+ years’ service will receive a €250 voucher on retirement
• Hybrid/Flexible Working Available: SVP support and embrace Flexible Working, including working from home, in line with the SVP Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate and subject to role requirements and policy)
• SVP Experience Day: Up to one discretionary day per year to experience a different aspect of the work of SVP (Subject to conditions)

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Master’s degree level in Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Human Rights, Equality Studies or a related discipline.
• Understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of a complex national, membership based, social justice organisation and understanding of how this contributes to and constrains the work.
• Understanding of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland and of current and emerging issues in these areas.
• Knowledge of the community and voluntary sector and institutional mechanisms for policy development at EU, National and Local level.
• A detailed knowledge of at least two of the following policy areas:
• Child and Family Poverty; Migrants; Housing and Homelessness; Income Adequacy; Employment and the Labour Market; Energy; Education; Early Years Care and Education.
• At least two years’ experience of contributing to the development of a Social Policy / Advocacy Agenda within an organisation.

OR

• At least two years’ experience of undertaking applied social policy research using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies.
• Experience of collating and updating policy documents based on a variety of sources; experience of policy liaison to influence the annual Government Budget cycle would be a distinct advantage.
• Ability to work in a team and contribute new ideas and approaches.
• Excellent IT skills.

About SVP:

SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of over 12,000 volunteers and 700 staff, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society. SVP employs people to support volunteers in a variety of settings including housing, community care, shops, administration and other specialist areas

How to Apply:

If you meet these requirements and have the desire to join one of Ireland’s best known, trusted and respected not-for-profit organisations, please complete the online application www.svp.ie/jobs.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references. Canvassing will not be accepted and may lead to disqualification. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.

SVP is an Equal Opportunities Employer