Job Description: Research and Policy Officer
Reporting to: Research and Policy Manager
Job Purpose: The research and policy officer will support the development and delivery of EPIC’s research and policy at national level in pursuit of the organisation’s goals as laid out in its Strategic Plan, 2022-2027. This will include strategic policy and political analysis, research and policy development, lobbying, and alliance building in both the statutory and voluntary sectors in relation to the care system and children’s rights.
Key responsibilities
Support the research and policy manager to implement the policy and research objectives of EPIC’s Strategic Plan, 2022-2027
Proactively monitor political and policy developments in relation to the rights of children in care and young people in after care. Maintain an analysis of the external political, economic, and social environment which impacts on care-experienced children and young people.
Identify emerging trend or gaps in information to produce high-quality briefings, submissions and policy position papers and themes requiring further research.
Work with the research and policy team to develop and continually appraise EPIC’s data output, working to ensure that all of EPIC’s research and policy output is credibly informed by evidence from EPIC’s advocacy service caseload.
Provide analysis, research, and data about children in care and young people in aftercare using the evidence from EPIC’s advocacy service caseload, the input of the EPIC Youth Council, and national and international research findings on the care system.
Prepare policy briefings, submissions, lobby letters, presentations, and other written materials for internal and external use.
Support the research and policy manager in working with children and young people engaged with EPIC’s Youth Engagement and Participation team to ensure that they are empowered to participate in the research and policy objectives of EPIC. Create and facilitate collaborative fora for children and young people to be engaged on these efforts.
Assist the research and policy manager in identifying opportunities for research partnerships.
Additional Responsibilities
Work closely with EPIC’s communications team and Youth Council to support the implementation of EPIC’s public engagement strategy: identify and provide key messages for communicating research and policy and develop press releases including supporting annual publications such as EPIC’s advocacy service and impact reports.
Represent EPIC at events, meetings, on advisory or steering groups and networks as required, ensuring the organisation is visible and advocating on issues relating to young people in care and with care experience.
Support the research and policy manager to support external research projects commissioned by EPIC from tendering to completion.
Support the research and policy manager to co-ordinate, deliver and report on research project grants as required.
Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time-to-time.
Essential Skills and Experience
A relevant third-level qualification, preferably in the area of social policy, social justice, human rights or law.
At least 3 years previous experience in a similar role.
Knowledge of children’s rights and policy related to children and young people.
Solid understanding of Irish public policy, legislative and decision-making processes and structures, including government institutions and state agencies ways of working, agendas, and influencing pathways and proven ability to engage a policy audience.
Evidence of written or published work, including policy papers or submissions;
Strong conceptual and analytical skills, and ability to think strategically and creatively.
Excellent organisational skills with an ability to prioritise, plan, organise and deliver in a busy NGO setting.
Adaptable with the ability to work flexibly and to take initiative.
Excellent communications and written skills.
Child-centred and child-friendly interpersonal skills.
Commitment to the values and mission of EPIC.
Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Desirable skills and experience
Experience of working on campaigns or public affairs.
Experience in research and policy influencing towards governments and state agencies.
Aptitude and experience to deliver policy and research products and effective lobbying and media work that is underpinned by the lived experience of care-experienced children and young people.
Experience in participation or familiarity with participation methodologies not essential but advantageous.
Experience with Salesforce is not essential but advantageous.
PLEASE NOTE:
EPIC, Empowering People in Care believes in the value of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds: in particular, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and LGBTIQ+ people. We also welcome candidates with experience of the care system. We are trying to build a more diverse and representative workplace and environment.
This role will be flexible in line with EPIC’s current hybrid working model – requiring some office-based work and some remote work – within the working hours of the organisation.
It is envisaged that the post-holder will be flexible in using their own initiative to develop the role in line with the objectives and mission of EPIC. The job description attached does not define all responsibilities within the role but offers a detailed overview of the role.
The post holder will also undertake training on Children First (Tusla e-learning programme) and abide at all times by this and by EPIC’s policies on child protection and welfare.
Terms:
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), with a six-month probation period.
Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per annum, increasing to 27 days after 2 years of service
The office is closed for one day at Easter and three days at Christmas. These holidays are additional to the annual leave entitlement.
Participation in the company pension scheme is matched by a 3% Employer contribution during your probationary period, increasing to 5% employer contribution on successful completion of your probation period.
All roles within EPIC are subject to Garda Vetting.
Closing Date for applications: COB Monday, 21st August 2026
