Contract: Part-Time (3 days a week), contract of indefinite duration. Please note DFI is an equal opportunities employer, and we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements if required. 

Office Base: The role is based in the main office of DFI in Dublin City Centre. However, this role is hybrid and can accommodate remote working. The role can accommodate flexible working hours, and the successful candidate must be available to work out of normal working hours to facilitate evening meetings. The position may entail occasional travel; therefore, a willingness to travel as required is necessary. 

Report to: Emer Begley, Director of Advocacy  

Salary:  €29,216 for 3 days per week.

Organisation Background:

Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI is a federation that works with our members, disabled people, allies, and the state to drive full inclusion and equity.

Our vision is an Ireland where disabled people shape their own lives and take part in their communities with equality, inclusion, and independence.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a suitably qualified person to fill an exciting new role – Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator. This includes coordination of the Disabled Persons’ Coalition. This is a new programme, in line with DFI’s Strategic Plan.

The aim of the Coalition is to provide and coordinate a platform to identify, inform, and drive issues of relevance to disabled people. The coalition will include a diverse group of disabled people who identify and campaign on issues relating to disability equality and rights. 

The Coalition will be facilitated by DFI, providing secretariat support, facilitation, and other tasks to enable its successful running.  

To commence this critical work, we are seeking a motivated person to coordinate and support the work of the Coalition. 

The coordinator will work with the Coalition on developing an annual workplan, supporting delivery of the plan throughout the year. 

The group is autonomous from DFI’s current structures but operates with a strong working relationship and in partnership with DFI’s advocacy programmes. Working closely with DFI programmes across policy, communications and membership. In addition, they will build strong working relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders. 

Context for the New Role:

The role is being filled in conjunction with the publication of DFI’s four-year Strategic Plan. It also supports implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Specifically, in line with Article 29 which is to promote actively an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public affairs, without discrimination, and on an equal basis with others, and encourage their participation in public affairs.

The role also supports commitments set-out in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People under Pillar 3, Commitment 9 – Participation in Public and Political Life “to enable disabled people to have meaningful engagement in political life and public fora and to actively engage in elections on an equitable basis as citizens”.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The role will involve (but is not limited to): 

• As a new initiative the coordinator will work initially with a group of disabled people to co-design the structure and function of the Coalition, including development of its Terms of Reference.
• The successful candidate will then play a key role in establishing the group, and determining the format and processes connected to the group.
• The coordinator will work collaboratively with Coalition members to develop annual work plans, agree advocacy goals, and review their progress throughout the year.
• Provide inclusive secretariat support for the Coalition, including organising meetings, induction of new members, preparing documentation and other materials as required. 
• Facilitate the effective operation of the Coalition by fostering a positive, inclusive and collaborative working environment for members. 
• Build and manage relationships with external stakeholders to build trust in the Coalition as an effective and informative group to influence disability policy. 
• Support the preparation of accessible documentation and materials.
• Undertake advocacy activities to promote the Coalition’s priorities. 
• Work closely with DFI colleagues to ensure a partnership working relationship. 
• Collate and present relevant information on the policy and rights landscape (as relevant to the Coalition advocacy priorities) ensuring members are informed on emerging opportunities and ongoing issues. 
• Support the ongoing development of meaningful lived experience engagement and participation across DFI.
• Identify opportunities for the Coalition and provide support to Coalition members in related activities. 
• Support Coalition members to enhance their political participation in line with the UN CRPD. 

Requirements: 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who has:

• A minimum of three years’ experience working in a relevant field, promoting and progressing a rights agenda. 
• A relevant degree or equivalent lived experience or professional experience in a related field.
• A strong understanding of disability rights, the social model of disability and the barriers faced by disabled people.  
• Experience of working collaboratively, with diverse groups and individuals.  
• Experience in facilitating groups. 
• Experience in building relationships.
• Experience of coordinating events and projects.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience of working on multiple tasks/projects at the same time. 
• Experience of working as part of a virtual team. 
• Willingness to work flexible hours.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of this position. It is not inclusive of all duties as relevant to the role. 

Disability Federation of Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer