About the Organisation

In 2021, Community Law & Mediation (CLM) established Ireland’s first Centre for Environmental Justice.  The objective of the Centre is to empower communities experiencing disadvantage on environmental justice issues.  The Centre is the first of its kind in Ireland, advocating for law reform and offering free legal advice, representation, information and education in the area of environmental justice.

Environmental Justice ensures that marginalised groups are not disproportionately impacted by climate change or other environmental harms, and that environmental measures and climate action protect and build equality and social justice. The intersectional focus of the Centre for Environmental Justice fits within CLM’s strategy and mission.

Community Law & Mediation (CLM) is a community based, independent law centre and charity providing services nationwide and operating in two locations: Dublin and Limerick. It was founded in 1975 and assists almost 6,000 people/issues annually through its services, which include free legal advice and representation; information and education; and mediation and conflict coaching. CLM also campaigns for law reform, and for the safeguarding of rights already enshrined in law. 

About the Role 

The CEJ is recruiting a Policy Officer who will be responsible for providing evidence-based policy proposals and engaging in lobbying and campaigning to support our strategic objectives. This role will work closely with the legal and communications teams and will report to the Manager of the CEJ. There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours, such as attending relevant events and conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop draft policy briefs and submissions in relation to the CEJ’s priority areas.
• Support political advocacy and engagement work; develop and maintain relationships with Departmental and Oireachtas officials, party spokespeople and key TDs.
• Develop and deliver a suite of webinars in relation to the CEJ’s priority areas of policy and law.
• Develop a plan to deliver annual community and Know Your Rights talks. Some of these talks will be delivered by the Policy Officer. 
• Develop accessible, educational resources in relation to the CEJ’s priority areas of policy and law.
• Support CLM’s communications functions by preparing communications materials for the Centre for traditional and social media.
• Develop and implement feedback mechanisms to assess the CEJ’s contribution to the development of relevant policy.
• Contribute to the development of the annual work plan and strategic planning as required.
• Represent the CEJ in external forums as appropriate including participating and/or speaking at meetings, events, and conferences.

Person Specification

Essential

• Educational qualifications or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.
• A minimum of 2 years post-graduate work experience in a related role.
• A good understanding of environmental/climate law and policy in Ireland and/or Europe.
• Experience of drafting policy research.
• Experience of drafting communications resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and proven ability to engage stakeholders;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills;
• Self-starter, demonstrated experience taking initiative and working independently.

Desirable

• Masters in relevant area

Duration: Fixed term for 24 months, subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probation period. It is hoped to secure sufficient funding to enable the role to be long term.

Hours: 26 hours per week, as follows: 

• 9.30 am - 5 pm, 4 days per week 

CLM is open to flexibility on how these hours are worked.   

An increase in hours may be possible if further funding is obtained.

Location: CLM Offices, Northside Civic Centre, Bunratty rd, Coolock, Dublin 17.  Some travel may be required. Current remote working policy provides that CLM staff work minimum two days per-week in the office. 

Further Information:

https://communitylawandmediation.ie/job_opportunities/community-law-med…