Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is a leading voice in Ireland on matters relating to dying, death and bereavement. With over 35 years’ experience, we believe everyone facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, should be provided with the care and support that they need, wherever the place.
Job specification
The primary function of this role is to support IHF research activity across the organisation and translate research findings into empirically supported policy and advocacy messages. The role holder will work with the IHF Advocacy Manager to develop policy positions and recommendations on a range of issues relating to dying, death and bereavement. They will also work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure that all IHF programmes and messages are guided by the best available evidence.
The Research & Policy Lead will work in partnership with internal stakeholders, academic institutions, health and social care services and civic organisations where there are links to joint research and/or public engagement initiatives. They will support the analysis of existing data to build a better picture of dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. This work will be conducted both independently and in collaboration with researchers and collaborators from other institutions. The Research & Policy Lead will also promote and develop knowledge translation and dissemination of research outputs to inform policy and support the work of the advocacy and communication functions of IHF. The role also includes reporting on IHF policy and advocacy impact.
Reports to: Advocacy Manager as part of the Marketing and Communications team
Core Role and Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate the research activity of IHF.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a thematic research strategy for IHF to support the current approach including a frame of reference for research and evaluation processes.
- Oversee the analysis, translation and dissemination of data of existing IHF research projects / activity in collaboration with library and communications functions. (IHF houses the Therese Brady Library)
- Represent IHF in collaborations with internal stakeholders and external agencies and institutions on specifically agreed projects. Ensure the scope of IHF and all parties is understood, and the work streams are managed and delivered on time and within scope.
- Research translation of key messages from secondary analysis data projects. Develop summaries and provide support and knowledge translation for ongoing research projects.
- Review published literature as required in order to inform policy positions
- Support the establishment of new research projects, as defined annually.
- Develop key IHF positions and policy agendas, including drafting of policy papers in line with empirical evidence and IHF strategy.
- Support and collaborate on policy submissions to consultative processes.
- Respond to research related enquiries from the public and research community.
- Carrying out other roles or duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post, as requested.
Core Skills and Competencies
- Demonstratable ability to support, develop, deliver and monitor research projects
- Experience and track record in translating research into policy and/or practice position statements aimed at a variety of audiences
- Excellent written and oral communication skills that engage both specialist and general stakeholders
- Research and analytic skills
- Self-motivated with a high level of organisational ability, accuracy and attention to detail
- Experience of developing and supporting a network of contacts both internally and externally
- Strong IT skills and proficient with Microsoft Office
- Good comprehension of data protection practices
- Courage, passion and sensitivity to engage the public around matters relating to dying, death and bereavement
- Experience of working collaboratively across an organisation structure
Essential Requirements
- Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline at a minimum of Masters level
- Minimum three years post qualification experience
- Experience of both quantitative and qualitative research design, data analysis, data management or commissioning data-dependent projects
- Experience in knowledge translation and dissemination
Desirable
- Experience in the development of NGO research and policy positions
- Strategic outlook on the future of the organisation
- Experience in impact and evaluation research
Personal attributes
- Passion for research and understanding of the role of robust information
- Committed to the vision and mission of the organisation – to work for the best end-of-life and bereavement care for all
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Resilient and robust with a positive outlook
- Confident, effective decision-maker with strong analytical skills
- Capable of managing uncertainty with an ability to be agile
- Energetic with a high degree of personal drive and initiative
Conditions
The salary will be €40,000 – €45,000. Office base is Irish Hospice Foundation, Nassau St, Dublin. Staff are currently operating under a pilot hybrid working model. This is a permanent post with a six-month probation period.
Application
Please forward your CV (max 2 pages) with a brief covering letter to [email protected] by close of business on Tuesday 3rd May, 2022.
Other benefits include:
- A 10% employer’s contribution to a company contributory pension scheme (subject to a 5% employee contribution)
- Annual leave of 23 days
- Closure of the office on Good Friday, half day Christmas Eve and time between Christmas and New Year in addition to annual leave entitlement
- Life Assurance and Death in Service benefit
- Further Education & Training support
- Travel supports (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)
- A range of flexible leave benefits
A complete list of all the terms and conditions will be made available to the candidate offered the role through IHF’s Employee Handbook. IHF is an equal opportunities employer.
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