HEO Senior Policy Officer (OCOAug2)

Title of Position: Senior Policy Officer in the Ombudsman for Children’s Office
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Employing Authority: Ombudsman for Children
Location: Dublin 1
HEO Salary Scale1: €58,847

THE ROLE
The OCO invites applications from interested candidates who share our commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of children and young people under 18 years in Ireland. The role of Senior Policy Officer is a key role in the OCO’s Policy Unit, and the successful candidate will play an important role in the development of high quality, authoritative contributions on legislation and public policy affecting children and young people under 18 years living in Ireland.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate for the role of Senior Policy Officer will be expected to undertake the following principal duties as part of the Policy Unit:

• leading on OCO policy areas and analysing information about developments in law, public policy and practice relating to children’s rights in Ireland, with a particular focus on Ireland’s compliance with its international human rights obligations concerning children
• monitoring and reviewing developments in domestic legislation and public policy affecting children from a children’s rights perspective and leading on the development of OCO policy positions including the preparation of corresponding advice, submissions and reports
• conducting research on issues relating to children’s rights and welfare and developing corresponding policy papers and briefing documents
• supporting the OCO’s engagement with international monitoring mechanisms of the United Nations and the Council of Europe
• contributing to the OCO’s work with the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) and the British and Irish Network of Ombudsman and Commissioners for Children (BINOCC)
• day to day management of staff to support the policy function of the OCO
• assisting with the OCO’s public affairs work, including by conducting research to inform position papers, presentations and speeches
• contributing to the Policy Unit’s work on joint initiatives with other OCO Units
• leading on the management and sharing of knowledge and information gathered by the Policy Unit
• contributing to the implementation of the OCO’s Strategic Plan
• performing any other tasks assigned by the OCO’s Head of Policy.

EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED
Essential Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following essential requirements:

•  Have achieved a first or second class primary honours degree (at least Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Ireland) from a recognised university or other third level institution in a relevant discipline, such as law, sociology, social policy, or political science.
• A minimum of 2-3 years’ relevant experience in a similar policy analysis or research role.
• Evidence of knowledge and experience of children’s rights, international and European human rights standards (in particular the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child), and of national legislation and public policy in Ireland relating to children’s rights.
• Evidence of experience in undertaking policy and research projects
• Evidence of ability to source, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information and evidence from multiple sources and to prepare evidence-based positions
• Evidence of ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including proven experience of report writing and strong IT skills
• Evidence of ability to work on own initiative and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Evidence of experience of engaging effectively with diverse stakeholder groups
• Evidence of ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Desirable Requirements

• Evidence of experience of using research software
• Evidence of project management skills and matrix working across organisational functions
• Evidence of ability to adapt, collaborate and contribute constructively to the implementation of change
• Evidence on people management skills.

How to Apply:
To apply, candidates must provide an up to date application form and submit their application form via the online application portal.

Closing Date:
Your application must be submitted on the online application portal before 12 noon exactly, Tuesday, 02 September 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this time.

Only application forms fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.