Working with the Rediscovery Centre offers you an opportunity to work in an environment dedicated to finding the solutions that address environmental and societal issues through adopting circular economy principles and practice.

The Policy Lead will work on the research team to lead the policy advocacy programme for the centre across circular and social policy portfolios, informing research projects and translating research outcomes into policy needs. This involves working with academic, industry & policy partners to develop the circular economy within Ireland and internationally. This is a key role within the organisation and also nationally as contributing to policy, research and knowledge is essential to achieving a successful circular economy in Ireland. 

A keen interest in policy, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, a can-do attitude and team working skills are essential. Flexibility with regard to time commitment is required with the expectation of occasional travel, evening and weekend work.

The Role 

Place of Work: Rediscovery Centre, Boiler House, Ballymun, Dublin 9, D09 HK58 

Hours of Work: 5 days per week (with evening and weekend work as required) 

Fixed term contract: 24 month fixed term contract, dependant on funding

The role will include but will not be limited to: 

• Developing and implementing the Centre’s policy advocacy programme building on the centre’s research and responding to European and national developments.
• Analysing, assimilating and utilising policy to inform:
  • the research strategy
  • research project design and development,
  • funding applications and submissions for awards at EU and national level
  • internal & external communications & reporting
  • oral and written communications including technical reports
  • current centre programmes such as the Circular Economy Academy, the national circular economy gateway platform (Circular.ie), the national paint reuse initiative and others.
• Translating research outcomes into policy recommendations and communications.
• Developing policy briefs and responses to public consultation processes
• Participating in technical committees, policy working groups, meetings, conferences & events on behalf of the centre
• Providing policy and legislative advice and expert opinion on social and circular economy policy
• Building strong relationships with policy makers, local authorities, government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to create opportunities to promote the circular economy
• Communicating research policy advocacy through conferences and training events within Ireland and the EU and centre communications channels (such as websites, social media, journals, articles, brochures and newsletters) 
• Undertaking other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job

Role Requirements

Essential:

• A relevant third level qualification to degree or masters level
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in policy and/or research
• Significant project management experience and ability to demonstrate skills development within a similar role
• Experience in writing policy summaries, submissions and briefs
• Experience of building relationships and networks and influencing internal and external stakeholders. 
• Previous experience of building and managing effective project teams

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working on EU or national policy briefs
• Previous experience of working on EU or national level research

Skills, Personal Attributes & Interests:

• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Keen interest and knowledge of environmental and / or social issues 
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail. 
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills including an ability to analyse and interpret research to inform policy recommendations. 
• Self-motivated, highly organised individual with ability to be flexible and meet multiple deadlines. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of an organisation. 
• Proficient in the use of IT and programmes including Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Project (desirable), Google (Docs, Sheets & Slides). Knowledge of Salesforce is desirable but not essential.

Terms and conditions of employment

Note: This summary is supplied for information only and does not constitute contractual terms.

This is a fixed-term full-time contract of service for 24 months, five days over seven, with a probationary period of 3 months. The contract is renewable, dependent on available funding.

The role is based at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, Dublin 9. Some work outside normal office hours and travel within the EU may be required from time to time.

Remuneration: circa €42,000 - 46,000 per annum