Policy and Advocacy Officer (Fixed Term - 2 year contract)

at  AONTAS

ABOUT AONTAS

Established in 1969, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is a non-governmental membership organisation that promotes that value of adult learning and advocates for the rights of all adults to quality learning across the tertiary education system. We have an unwavering commitment to educationally disadvantaged adults. We offer solutions-focused advocacy that is evidence-based, drawing on research and our extensive initiatives that engage with adults who have returned to education. AONTAS is a highly respected and connected non-governmental organisation at national and international levels.
AONTAS is committed to providing a voice for adult learners based on our vision of learning as being truly lifelong, and takes account of the myriad benefits of learning to health, personal development, social engagement and community development. AONTAS advocates for an inclusive, learner-centred lifelong learning system that enables adults to have a meaningful learning experience.

CORE REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social policy, education, human rights, equality or a relevant area, or ability to demonstrate relevant work experience in given areas.
• Has successfully shown their ability to work collaboratively within and across teams and manage multiple programmes of work.
• A good knowledge of the Irish policy landscape particularly the adult and community education sector
• Experience in developing strategic approaches to engaging with representatives and official, developing policy papers, and engaging in national consultations.
• Experience in policy analysis, and representing equality-focused issues at regional, national, or European level.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in developing strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience in the Oireachtas, NI Assembly or other parliamentary monitoring and engagement.
• Experience in engaging with department officials and elected representatives on policy
• A good understanding of policies and activities led by DFHERIS, SOLAS, QQI, ETBI, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience working in a non-government organisation.
• A strong knowledge of adult and community education in Northern Ireland.
• Access to a vehicle and a full clean driver’s license.

Personal Characteristics:

• A strong commitment to goals of educational equality, social justice, and empowerment
• High level of professional responsibility and integrity
• Ability to deliver work on time and to a high standard
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner
• Capacity to work in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders
• Curious and open-minded, with the ability to listen, and explore new ideas and alternatives.

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE:

• To support AONTAS’ policy work, in collaboration with the Head of Advocacy and Policy and the CEO
• To contribute to evidence-based policy and advocacy campaigns to address inequalities in adult and community education.
• To engage with members, learners, and key stakeholders in order to stay informed of sectoral issues, policy changes and legislative developments.
• To effectively advocate AONTAS’ positions to policy makers and political representatives
• To collaborate with the Advocacy Team and the AONTAS Team on adult and community education initiatives and events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitoring and staying informed of activity in the Oireachtas and NI Assembly related to adult education, community education and Further Education and Training
• Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders including key stakeholders, political representatives, parliamentary staff and civil servants
• Undertaking primary and secondary research to formulate findings and recommendations that shape AONTAS’ representation and advocacy work
• Analysing and communicating key adult learning policies in Ireland and the EU, to the AONTAS Team and AONTAS Members
• Informing and developing AONTAS policy submissions in collaboration with the Head of Advocacy and Policy, and the CEO Representing the organisation and members at consultation sessions and on suitable representative committees
• Supporting the delivery of projects that seek to achieve AONTAS’ Strategic Plan
• Playing a key role in the development and delivery of advocacy campaigns
• Supporting colleagues on the Advocacy Team with other tasks and EU project work when required.
• Actively engaging with a range of working groups and steering groups as a representative for adult and community education.
• Attending political party events with preparation and follow up work to engage with representatives on issues related to AONTAS’ work