Senior Advocacy and Research Officer

We would like to invite applications for the following new full-time, permanent role within the Advocacy Department,

Senior Advocacy and Research Officer

Clontarf, Dublin 3

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining, and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Advocacy, Policy, and Research Officer to lead the development of evidence-based policy and research that strengthens IWA's advocacy and influencing work.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping national disability policy and advancing the rights of people with disabilities. The successful candidate will lead policy analysis, research and evidence gathering while supporting strategic engagement with Government, public bodies, and key stakeholders.

Working across IWA's Advocacy objectives such as Transport, Housing, Access, Member Engagement and Awareness programmes, the role will ensure that the lived experiences of people with disabilities are translated into policy recommendations and meaningful change.

Liaison

The role will report to the Head of Advocacy operating within the Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy & Fundraising of IWA and working with colleagues within the operations dept, communications and other departments as required, responsibilities will include:

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the development of IWA policy positions and advocacy priorities.

Monitor and analyse legislation, public policy, and disability-related developments.

Produce high-quality policy papers, research reports, submissions, and briefing documents.

Design and manage research and evidence-gathering initiatives.

Support engagement with Government Departments, Oireachtas Members, and public bodies.

Collaborate with programme teams to develop coordinated advocacy strategies.

Build relationships with disability organisations, researchers, and strategic partners.

Measure and demonstrate the impact of IWA's advocacy and influencing work.

Policy writing on key strategic advocacy objectives

In collaboration with the Advocacy team, develop policy documents that can articulate key strategic direction for government and public bodies to adopt to facilitate the full implementation of UNCRPD

Developing and strengthening partnerships

Develop and maintain a network of contacts to inform and increase the impact of our work

Consult regularly with members, people with lived experience of disability, other disability organisations including organisation for and of people with disabilities.

Assisting Irish Wheelchair Association to deliver on its overall strategic goals

Work within the framework of the overall objectives and the policies and practices of IWA

Ensure all work undertaken complies with data protection and GDPR rules

Contribute to the promotion of equality of opportunity, anti-discriminatory practice, diversity, individual rights and choice in all aspects of work

Carry out other administrative duties as required

Participate in relevant training and development courses as agreed with the Line Manager

Undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time by the Line Manager

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

A relevant third-level qualification in public policy, social policy, disability studies, human rights, research, or a related field.

At least five years' experience in policy, advocacy, research, public affairs, or a similar role.

Strong understanding of disability rights and disability policy in Ireland.

Excellent research, analytical and report-writing skills.

Experience developing policy submissions, position papers, and evidence-based recommendations.

Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.

A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities as recognised under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Desirable:

Knowledge of Disability

Experience writing grant applications for research funding

Full Drivers Licence and access to your own car

Competencies

Communicating and Influencing

Strategic Thinking

Planning and Organising

Quality and Customer Focus

Adaptability, Drive and Resilience

Remuneration & Benefits

Annual salary scale €55,431 to €68,230 DOE

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

25 days holidays per anum

Training and Development

Bike to Work scheme

Tax saver travel tickets

Employee Assistance Service

Informal enquiries to joan.carthy@iwa.ie

The closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday 23rd November 2026

INDHP