Head of Policy

Age Concern Northern Ireland

3 Lower Crescent- Belfast BT7 1NR

22 Mar 2006

Michelle Burnett

http://www.ageconcernni.org

Age Concern Northern Ireland is recruiting a Head of Policy

The postholder will exercise responsibility under the direction of the Director of Corporate Affairs and Advocacy for the development and implementation of Age Concern Northern Ireland's Policy and Public Affairs Strategy.

1. To shape and influence the development of effective public policy for older people through involvement and participation with key external partners including Government Departments and other specialist organisations and individuals engaged in the area of ageing, and to co-rdinate efforts through partnership working and other means.
2. To raise public and political awareness of issues on ageing amongst the general public, politicians and policy makers by communicating with public representatives such as MPs, MLAs, District Councillors, local government agencies, voluntary and private sector organisations and other key stakeholders.
3. To keep abreast of government policy as it affects older people and to provide social policy expertise.
4. To assist with the development of strategic and policy priorities in line with the strategic direction of Age Concern Northern Ireland.
5. To effectively position and represent Age Concern Northern Ireland externally with key stakeholders.
6. To be responsible for the development of a programme of campaigning and influencing activity to highlight appropriate issues on ageing.
7. To support and strengthen the capacity of Age Concern Local Groups in policy development.
8. To utilise appropriate research to assist evidence based policy making.
9. To ensure that Age Concern Northern Ireland is kept appraised of major social policy issues affecting older people.
10. To be responsible for influencing those who formulate or administer policies to ensure that they take full account of the implications of an ageing society.
11. To coordinate policy responses, research and write campaign and policy materials.
12. To draw-up research briefs, commission and manage research on policy issues.
13. To take responsibility for all operational aspects of the post including the development of funding opportunities, funding applications, project management and outcomes including liaison with funding bodies.
14. To undertake such training as deemed necessary to the performance of these duties.
15. To undertake any other duties which may be deemed appropriate to this post.

Staff Management Responsibilities

1. To delegate authority to staff within his/her control, consistent with effective decisionmaking while retaining responsibility and accountability.
2. To participate in the selection and recruitment of staff to the Department in accordance with Age Concern Northern Ireland procedures.
3. To take such action as may be necessary in employee relations matters in accordance with Age Concern Northern Ireland procedures.
4. To review individually, at least annually, the performance of the subordinate staff, providing guidance on personal development requirements and advise and initiate further training where appropriate.
5. To maintain staff relationships and morale among the staff reporting to him/her.

Organisation Information (110Kb)

Job Description and Person Specification (77Kb)

If you are interested in applying for this post please send a large SAE to Michelle Burnett, HR Officer, Age Concern Northern Ireland, 3 Lower Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NR or visit our website at www.ageconcernni.org