Date As Postmark s4

Date as postmark/email

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the position of Policy & Advocacy Officer with Oxfam Northern Ireland, operating as Oxfam Ireland.

Please find enclosed the following:

¨  Application form

¨  Guidelines to complete application

¨  Job description/ personal specification

¨  Terms & Conditions

¨  Monitoring Form

Please return your completed original application form together with two photocopies to:

Donna McDowell

Head of HR & Corporate Services

Oxfam Ireland

9 Burgh Quay

Dublin 2

Please mark your envelope strictly private and confidential. Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 12.00 noon on Friday 14th December 2012. Please ensure the correct postage is applied to returned applications. They require more postage than a first class stamp and will be returned to you by the Post Office if underfunded.

Return via e-mail to if you wish

Please note that the decision to interview is taken only on the basis of the information you provide on the completed application form. To assist you in this please ensure you refer to the key competencies in the job description and the criteria listed in the person specification. Oxfam Ireland reserves the right to enhance the criteria dependent on the pool of candidates. Please note, CV’s will not be accepted.

Thank you for your interest in Oxfam.

Yours sincerely

Donna McDowell

Job Description Oxfam Ireland

Job Title Policy and Advocacy Officer Pay Band 6

(Irish EU Presidency)

Oxfam’s Purpose To work with others to overcome poverty and suffering through the most effective and appropriate means.

Job Purpose To deliver coordinated policy, lobby, advocacy, research and analysis across Oxfam’s priority issues during the Irish EU Presidency in conjunction with the Policy & Advocacy Coordinator.

Reports to Policy & Advocacy Coordinator

Key Activities

1.  In collaboration with the Policy & Advocacy Coordinator implement Oxfam’s advocacy strategy towards the Irish EU Presidency. This will include:

-  Liaising closely with Oxfam’s Brussels office in the delivery of the EU Presidency advocacy strategy; participate in conference calls, provide regular updates to Oxfam EU policy staff, tailor Oxfam EU briefing materials to the Irish context.

-  Representing Oxfam Ireland at lobbying/consultation meetings/conferences within political and government circles in Ireland and Brussels.

-  Participating in relevant Oxfam International policy groups when required.

-  Supporting the design, planning and delivery of an Oxfam policy and advocacy event.

2.  Assist with interpreting shared Oxfam policy for the Irish market as appropriate.

3.  Maintain active membership of key Irish networks and policy groups where appropriate.

4.  Support the production of policy briefings and other materials for use in various communications channels and at external events as directed.

5.  Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of Oxfam Ireland’s policy and advocacy work and deliver regular analysis and updates for management and staff reports etc. as required.

6.  Act as a media spokesperson on campaign and advocacy issues if required.

7.  Participate in inter-departmental meetings and departmental strategic planning.

8.  Act at all times in the best interests of Oxfam Ireland while continually promoting the vision and mission within all sections of the community, as well as the media and/ or at appropriate events as agreed.

9.  Any other tasks within the scope of the role as directed and agreed.

Key Competencies

1.  A proven track record of inputting into and delivering on successful policy & advocacy strategies within the development sector

2.  Good knowledge of key issues in the development sector, ideally in at least 3 of the following: climate change, gender equality, biofuels, food security, financing for development, post 2015 development framework.

3.  Experience of lobbying within political and government sectors.

4.  Experience of producing policy materials for varied audiences.

5.  Knowledge of key national, regional and international institutions relevant to delivery of new policy.

6.  Excellent communications (oral & written English), presentation, interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills for engaging with a wide variety of contacts.

7.  Ability to communicate complex messages in an accessible manner for varied audiences.

8.  Good conceptual and analytical skills and ability to think and operate innovatively.

9.  Good administration and organisational skills and ability to optimise independent use of time against variable workload.

10.  Ability to manage resources.

11.  Ability to work well with others

12.  Good working knowledge of MS Office

13.  Commitment to Oxfam’s values and ethos

14.  Third level qualification in a relevant discipline

15.  Flexible approach to working hours and ability to travel both at home and abroad.

Additional Information

Contract Type: Fixed term, part-time contract (3 days per week)

January 2013 – July 2013

This postholder will play an important role in supporting Oxfam’s advocacy strategy towards the Irish EU Presidency which will concentrate on areas such as: biofuels, climate change, gender justice, food security, food speculation, the post 2015 development framework, financing for development and resilience.

Oxfam Ireland engages with the general public North and South, including through our volunteers, campaigners, our shops network and our supporters. Our policy analysis forms the basis of our engagement with the public and is key in helping us generate new support for our work

The successful candidate will require strong communication, written and analytical skills to support the Policy & Advocacy Coordinator in the delivery of Oxfam Ireland’s EU Presidency advocacy strategy

This requires the ability to understand the contribution of the post-holder’s work to Oxfam’s overall work and the willingness to contribute to team work. Team work and flexibility are especially important since Oxfam’s resources are spread thinly. In addition the post-holder may be required to travel both in Ireland and abroad.

Oxfam is an Equal Opportunities employer. All employees have a personal responsibility to promote and support measures designed to create a working environment which is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of religion, community background, gender, marital status, race or disability.

Personal Specification Oxfam Ireland

Policy & Advocacy Officer

Key Competencies

Essential

§  A proven track record of inputting into and delivering on successful policy & advocacy strategies within the development sector

§  Good knowledge of key issues in the development sector, ideally in at least 3 of the following: climate change, gender equality, biofuels, food security, financing for development, post 2015 development framework

§  Experience of lobbying within political and government sectors

§  Experience of producing policy materials for varied audiences

§  Knowledge of key national, regional and international institutions relevant to delivery of new policy

§  Excellent communications (oral & written English), presentation, interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills for engaging with a wide variety of contacts.

§  Ability to communicate complex messages in an accessible manner for varied audiences

§  Good conceptual and analytical skills and ability to think and operate innovatively.

§  Good administration and organisational skills and ability to optimise independent use of time against variable workload

§  Ability to manage resources

§  Ability to work well with others

Qualifications & requirements

§  Commitment to Oxfam’s values and ethos

§  Third level qualification in a relevant discipline

§  Good working knowledge of MS Office

§  Flexible approach to working hours and ability to travel both at home and abroad.

Desirable

§  Masters in a relevant discipline

Terms & Conditions Oxfam Ireland

Policy & Advocacy Officer

§  Fixed Term contract until July 2013

§  22 hours per week – 3 full days

§  Salary: €18,864 - €22,735 per annum

§  15 days annual leave plus 10* days bank/public (*pro rata) holidays per annum

§  Life Assurance cover – 4 time death in service benefit

Oxfam Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community.

Guidelines for Completing the Application Form

§  Please find enclosed the job description and the person specification which outlines the essential and desirable criteria against which candidates will be measured. Criteria not used for shortlisting purposes in the application form will be assessed at another stage in the recruitment process. Please ensure you address all the requirements listed and demonstrate clearly how you meet each criterion in the enclosed application form.

§  Please ensure all questions are answered and that the form is completed fully in black pen in Block capitals or typewritten.

§  Oxfam Ireland accepts no responsibility for checking or notifying candidates if forms are unreadable or incomplete for technical reasons.

§  CV’s must not be attached to the application or included in the application process as these are not accepted as a form of application.

§  If your application is emailed you may be asked to sign it at interview stage.

§  If you are successfully invited to interview, you may be asked to furnish Oxfam Ireland with official original proof of any qualifications supporting your application and proof of residence/eligibility to work in UK/Ireland e.g. A National Insurance or PRSI Number or valid work permit.

§  The application form must be signed and dated on the final page.

§  Canvassing will disqualify.

§  A candidate found to have given false information or wilfully to have suppressed any material fact, will be liable to either disqualification or if appointed, dismissal.

Oxfam Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community.

Oxfam Ireland
9 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Telephone: (01) 6727662
Fax: (01) 6727680
Email:
www.oxfamireland.org / / Oxfam Ireland
115 North Street
Belfast BT1 1ND
Tel: (028) 90 230 220
Fax: (028) 90 237 771
Email:
www.oxfamireland.org

Confidential

Application For Employment

Application for: Policy & Advocacy Officer – EU Presidency

Reference No: PAO/12

Closing date: 12:00 noon on Friday 14th December 2012

Personal Information

Complete all sections in black ink, sign the declaration at the end, and return to the person and address specified in the accompanying letter.

Surname:

/

Initials:

Address for Correspondence:

Post Code:

Email Address:

Telephone:

/ (daytime)
(evening)
(mobile)
May we contact you at work? – We will do so discreetly. / YES / / NO /
Have you previously been involved with Oxfam? / YES / / NO /
If YES, in what capacity?
Have you a relative(s) working in the Oxfam at present? / YES / /
NO
If YES, please provide name, position, location and relationship to you:

Qualifications and Training

Please give details of your education, qualifications and training relevant to the application in the section below
DATES / Qualification/Course completed / Place of Education / Training / Grade/ Result
From To

[Please continue on extra sheet if necessary]

Professional Qualifications

Please give details of any current professional qualifications you hold, or are in the process of obtaining, including level of membership of professional bodies.
Name of Institute / Professional Body / Exams (indicate result)
Date and level / Current Class of Membership

Employment History

Please complete the sections below carefully after reading any supplementary information regarding the post, particularly the job description and list of job competencies. The decision to invite you for interview will be based on the information you provide on this form and how closely you meet the specified competencies.

Present Employer:

Dates of employment / Employer’s name, address and nature of business / Job Title and summary of main duties and responsibilities / Reasons for leaving
From:
To:
Current Notice required: / Current Salary:

Previous Employment:

Dates of employment / Employer’s name, address and nature of business / Job Title and summary of main duties and responsibilities / Reasons for leaving
From:
To:
From:
To:
From :
To:

[Please continue on extra sheet if necessary]

Achievements, Personal Qualities & Skills

Please use the questions outlined below to demonstrate how far you meet each of the competencies required for the post. List experience, achievements, knowledge, personal qualities and skills which you feel are relevant, against each competency using specific examples from your previous experience where possible. You may include paid and unpaid work, work within the home and leisure interests
Please demonstrate your proven track record of inputting into, and delivering on, successful policy & advocacy strategies within the development sector
Please provide an example(s) which illustrates your good knowledge of key issues in the development sector, ideally in at least 3 of the following: climate change, gender equality, biofuels, food security, financing for development, post 2015 development framework
Please demonstrate your relevant experience of lobbying within political and government sectors
Please demonstrate your relevant experience of producing policy materials for varied audiences

[Please continue on extra sheet if necessary]

Additional Information

Are you eligible to work within the UK/Ireland?
NB If you are successfully shortlisted you will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work within the UK/Ireland / YES / / NO /
Only for persons who are not nationals of an EU country:
Do you hold a valid permit to work in Ireland / the UK? / YES / / NO /
Please provide details of any unspent convictions. A conviction will not necessarily exclude you from employment with Oxfam, but will be taken into consideration when assessing your suitability for this particular position.
Please provide detail of any special arrangements in relation to either correspondence or access, which you may require if invited to interview:
Do you hold a current Driver’s Licence? / YES / / NO /
Please state if you have any points on your Licence? / YES / / NO /
If you answered yes to the above please state relevant number of points.
Is your licence valid for Ireland and the UK? / YES / / NO /
Do you have access to you own form of transport? / YES / / NO /
Do you hold a valid Fork Lift Licence? / YES / / NO /
Please state if you have the ability to lift and maneuvering heavy items/stock as this is also a requirement of this role / YES / / NO /
Please indicate where you heard of this vacancy:
1.  Oxfam Ireland’s Website / YES / / NO /
2.  Newspaper?
Please specify
3.  On the internet?
Please specify website
4.  Other?
Please specify

Referees

Give details of two people who have knowledge of you in a working environment, paid or unpaid. (One referee must be your current or most recent manager). If you currently work, or volunteer, for Oxfam or you have done so in the past, give your current/last Oxfam manager. Your current manager will only be contacted with your permission. If you are a recent student give appropriate school or college references.
Personal/Character references will not be accepted unless in exceptional circumstances.
1. Name / 2. Name
Address / Address
Post Code / Post Code
Telephone / Telephone
E-mail address: / E-mail address:
Relationship to you

Declaration

I confirm the information on this form and any attachments is correct and complete.
I understand that to withhold, falsify or omit relevant material fact will lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal in the case of a successful applicant. I authorise the verification of any of all of the information listed on this form and any attachments.
If you are submitting your application online please print your name in the signature box.
Signature: / Date :

Unless applicants receive notification within 3 weeks of the specified closing date, would they please assume they have been unsuccessful. In the interest of economy individual letters will not be sent.