Communications Officer

Job Description

The NDA wishes to appoint a Communications Officer within the Policy, Research & Public Affairs Department to lead on the public affairs/communication functions of the organisation. The appointment will be made on a full-time permanent basis. A panel will also be established to fill any future vacancies for Communications Officer roles within the organisation on a permanent, temporary, part-time or full-time basis. It is envisaged that this panel will be in operation for at least two years from the date of its establishment. The post holder may be redeployed at Higher Executive Officer Level to another area of work within the organisation. The post-holder will report to the Head of Policy, Research & Public Affairs or his/her nominee.

As Communications Officer with a focus on communications and public affairs, the post holder will, under the guidance of a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, be required to lead on the development and implementation of internal and external communications programmes and activities, in addition to supporting the delivery of policy advice in the organisation. The Communications Officer will work as part of a team with a focus on delivering of the NDA’s Strategic Plan and annual work plan and guided by relevant developments as appropriate to the remit of the NDA.

The successful implementation of this role requires a number of key relationships to be fostered and developed. These will include relationships with colleagues and personnel from a range of agencies, including the public and private sectors and representative organisations of people of any age, size, ability or disability. A high degree of flexibility and creativity will be required.

As a staff member, the holder of the post will be expected to work cross-functionally to actively contribute to and participate in the overall development of the NDA and to promote its policies at all times and to adhere to NDA values.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The core duties and responsibilities will include the following:

·       To take a leading role in the development and implementation of the NDA’s communication strategy, including delivery of annual action plans and evaluating the impact of communications activities;

·       To manage and oversee the organisation’s multiple websites, generating content, manging for consistency, monitoring analytics and addressing any issues with design or user experience;

·       To work with colleagues to ensure compliance of the websites with the Web Accessibility Directive;

·       To manage and oversee the organisation’s multiple social media channels including generating content, monitoring analytics, ensuing adherence to the Social Media Policy and advising on the feasibility of new social media channels;

·       To develop and manage relationships with relevant stakeholders, including across Government Departments, public agencies, the disability sector and communication partners;

·       To manage the NDA’s projects on disability awareness raising, including consideration of new initiatives as relevant and appropriate;

·       To work with Senior Advisor(s) on the public relations function of the NDA which includes handling press queries and requests for interview; preparing and issuing press releases; supporting the launches of key publications;

·       To take a leading role on influencing and providing support to ensure high-quality and consistent communications approaches across the organisation and ensuring the NDA’s style and brand guidelines are embedded;

·       To manage, motivate and empower the communication team to deliver on the annual action plan;

·       Support planning and delivery of NDA external events such as exhibitions, conferences, meetings and seminars, managing external contractors where necessary;

·       To develop, update and assist in the implementation of relevant policies and protocols relevant to communications including social media, privacy, data protection etc.;

·       To lead on the development of guidance on ensuring the accessibility of all information and platforms used in NDA communications;

·       To work under the guidance of a Senior Policy Advisor(s) in reviewing and analysing relevant policies, legislation and issues relevant to persons with disabilities in Ireland, in line with NDA’s remit of providing policy advice; and

·       To carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Unit or line manager.

Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this job description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required. There may be a requirement to undertake occasional evening or weekend work and travel including overnight travel. The successful candidate is expected to display flexibility in making themselves available for this work. Any such requirements will be managed in alignment with the NDA’s policies on overtime/time off in lieu.

Person Specification

In applying for the post, applicants are strongly advised to clearly demonstrate how they fulfil the following essential requirements and competencies. The selection process may include short-listing of candidates on the basis of the information provided in the application form. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of how your skills, personal qualities, qualifications and experience meet the requirements for the post.

Role Requirements

·       Honours primary degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent; and

·       A minimum of three year’s work experience at an appropriate level in a role relevant to communications and public affairs.

The following criteria are considered essential for the post:

·       Knowledge of effective internal and external communication approaches and strategies to effectively communicate NDA outputs such as website and social media content creation and management, organising events etc;

·       Understanding or knowledge of communications best practice, particularly in relation to policy advice, and the ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and/or campaigns;

·       Experience of managing staff to achieve organisational goals;

·       An ability to analyse and assimilate information and data and present it in a comprehensible form;

·       Experience in stakeholder management and communicating to different audiences;

·       Experience in planning or managing events to maximise impact on policy and practice;

·       Experience in project management, ability to work on multiple projects and adaptable to change;

·       Excellent ICT and English language skills with good attention to detail, proficient in the use of key applications;

·       An ability to work on own initiative complemented by a capacity for teamwork;

 

The following criteria are considered desirablefor the post:

·       Experience in a policy role including writing briefing documents, submissions to national consultations and speeches;

·       Have a good understanding of the public affairs and policy landscape relevant to disability;

·       Knowledge of accessibility in relation to content creation and use of software;

·       Experience in digital and social media analytics;

·       Experience working with content management systems;

·       Experience or knowledge of the development, execution and delivery of communications campaigns.

In addition to the above, the Key Competencies for effective performance at this level are detailed below.

Competencies for role at Higher Executive Officer Level:

Team Leadership

1.   Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing and performance issues if they arise

2.   Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team

3.   Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives

4.   Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required

5.   Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills & capacity of team

6.   Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change

Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making

1.   Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors

2.   Takes account of any broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions

3.   Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions

4.   Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these

5.   Puts forward solutions to address problems

Management & Delivery of Results

1.   Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives

2.   Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time

3.   Structures and organises their own and others work effectively

4.   Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available

5.   Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required

6.   Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation

7.   Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively

8.   Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs

9.   Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

1.   Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role

2.   Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management

3.   Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues

4.   Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits

5.   Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances

6.   Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing

7.   Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

1.   Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation and effectively communicates this to others

2.   Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work

3.   Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

1.   Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives

2.   Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands

3.   Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon

4.   Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provides

5.   Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

Salary

Entry will be at the minimum of the Higher Executive Officer Standard Salary Scale. The salary scale for the position is as follows:

Pay scale with effect from 1 October 2024 for established employees appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits (PPC):

Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale (PPC)

€57,122, €58,791, €60,459, €62,124, €63,796, €65,460, €67,129, €69,537¹, €71,939².

Non-Personal Pension Contribution Pay Scale with effect from 1 October 2024 (for those appointed before 6 April 1995):

Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale

€54,404, €55,974, €57,541, €59,122, €60,704, €62,299, €63,881, €66,160¹, €68,446².

Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with Government Policy. Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI-1) and 6 (LSI-2) years’ satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Entry will be at the first point of the scale. Different terms and conditions may apply if you are a currently serving civil or public servant.