The Advocacy Manager will work to achieve the organisation’s current strategic priority of advocating for the rights and resources for people with dementia, their carers and communities.
The Advocacy Manager is responsible for implementing the current advocacy work plan in line with the organisation’s strategic objectives. This work plan includes building advocacy capacity internally and externally and working towards the achievement of the organisation’s advocacy goals via engagement building and campaigning.
This is a collaborative role and the successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs on strategic planning, development, implementation and review. The role will also work collaboratively across all departments in the ASI.
The role will also involve working closely with the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia, policy makers and politicians in addition to nurturing relationships with people living with dementia and their families.
In addition, they will work closely with the policy, research and communications functions in devising and implementing advocacy works plans and with ASI colleagues and branch volunteers in the delivery of the work.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy Manager will be responsible for self-advocacy development via The ASI’s two self-advocacy groups (the Irish Dementia Working Group and the Dementia Carers Campaign Network).
1. Build advocacy capacity
1. Build internal and external advocates to help deliver the organisation’s strategic plan
2. Enable and support staff, Branch members and volunteers to become agents of change to enable ASI’s increased engagement in political and public advocacy
3. Maintain and develop e-campaigners group
2. Build the voice of self-advocacy
4. Manage the development of the Irish Dementia Working Group
5. Manage the development of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network
3. Engage with external stakeholders
6. Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and politicians
7. Working in collaboration with colleagues in Alzheimer Europe to include collation of Irish specific data for various AE reports.
8. Provide the secretariat function to the All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia
9. Collaborate with relevant organisations and coalitions
10. Represent the ASI at relevant events, meetings and conferences as required
4. Campaign work
11. Devise, plan and implement political advocacy campaigns involving both grassroots and national approaches
12. Organise and/or coordinate political events and launches as required.
5. Administration/Management
13. Administration and management of advocacy budget
14. Submitting lobbying returns as required
15. Manage two functions related to self-advocacy
6. Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time
*The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required. The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.
Person Specification:
Knowledge/Experience:
• Experience in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Adept at building strategic partnerships and collaborative approaches
• Knowledge of advocacy campaigning and methods of influencing change
• Understanding of the political system and policy-making in Ireland and at the European level
• Holds a relevant third-level qualification
• Knowledge of the dementia landscape would be an advantage
Skills/Competencies:
• Flexibility and ability to build partnerships and collaborated with others
• Communication skills, including in writing, presentations and in relationship building
• Analytical and information-gathering skills
• Organisational skills
• Administrative, IT and budgeting skills
• Ability to be proactive and to think strategically
• Inclusive and collaborative approach to managing people and projects
Other Requirements:
• Live the ASI values of respect, empathy, integrity, inclusiveness and excellence
• Self-starter
• Team worker
• Flexibility
Key Relationships:
Internal:
16. Reports to: Head of Advocacy, Research & Public Affairs
17. Reports from: Advocacy Engagement & Participation Officers x 2
18. Liaises closely with: Policy & Research team, Communications team,
19. Liaise with: Others such as Operations Managers, Service Managers, Dementia Advisers, Irish Dementia Working Group, Dementia Carers Campaign Network, Volunteers, and Branch members.
External:
20. Politicians and policy makers
21. Other relevant organisations such as Family Carers Ireland, St Vincent de Paul and Carers Alliance.
22. National Dementia Services
23. Dementia: Understand Together team
24. Alzheimer Europe
25. All-Party Oireachtas Group on Dementia