JOB DESCRIPTION
ERA Campaign Coordinator
http://www.eracampaign.org
Introduction
The Equality & Rights Alliance (ERA) is an alliance of 79 civil society groups seeking to ensure the promotion and enhancement of human rights, equality and social justice in Ireland. ERA formed in August 2008, following media reports of a proposed merger of five equality and human rights bodies in Ireland. Budget 2009 did not see the amalgamation of the five bodies, or indeed the full amalgamation of the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission, which emerged as a more realistic merger possibility. However, savage budget cuts of 43% to the Equality Authority, coupled with fast-tracked decentralization, and 24% to the Irish Human Rights Commission rendered them unable to carry out their remit in any meaningful way. The ERA campaign has involved media communications, political lobbying and building of the Alliance itself as a strong voice of civil society organisations committed to a strong equality and human rights infrastructure in Ireland.
The ERA Campaign has now received funding to develop the Campaign into 2009; a planning day to set out an action plan for the alliance has taken place. The action plan envisages the continuation of lobbying and communications as well as capacity building for organisations locally and regionally to engage in lobbying actions. It also foresees the employment of a campaign coordinator.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: ERA Campaign Coordinator
Location: Dublin
Responsible to: ERA Steering Committee (delegated person)
Relationships: ERA Chairperson, Communications Adviser, ERA members
The main purpose of the Campaign Coordinator is to coordinate the effective implementation of the ERA Campaign.
ERA seeks a person with significant project management experience to co-ordinate the ERA Campaign, working with the Steering Committee to implement the lobbying, communication and alliance-building strategies of ERA.
Key Tasks
Given the nature of the Campaign, the post will require the Campaign Coordinator to be flexible and undertake duties, on occasion, in addition to or in lieu of those listed below. Under the direction of the ERA steering group, the Campaign Coordinator will:
- Provide administrative support to the Alliance, including preparing written correspondence, reports and funding applications.
- Coordinate general campaign activities including lobbying, protests, meetings with political parties, letter writing to TDs, etc.
- Organise logistics of ERA meetings, and public events as agreed e.g. advocacy training days, seminars, round-tables, conferences.
- Coordinate the delivery of the ERA communication strategy with the Communications Adviser
- Be the day-to-day spokesperson for ERA, linking with the Communications Adviser and the Chair
- Handle internal communications with ERA members, in liaison with the Steering Committee- Coordinate and oversee relevant research projects or polls commissioned by ERA, in liaison with the Communications Adviser and the Steering Committee
- Act as the key point of information for the ERA Campaign, handling enquiries from individuals, members of ERA, politicians and members of the public. Press queries will be referred by the Campaign Coordinator to the ERA's Communications Adviser and/or to other ERA spokespersons agreed in advance
- Be responsible for information management including the ERA website, telephone and email queries
- Maintain and update the content of the ERA website, including member lists and other relevant database lists and reports, and ensuring that up to date / relevant campaign actions are regularly featured on the web site pages
- Liaise with organisations and networks working for similar objectives, nationally and internationally
- Account to the Steering Committee for the day-to-day administration of the ERA's budget
- Attend monthly support and supervision sessions, providing written reports documenting work activities and outcomes
- Support fundraising activities, as required
- Make reports for Funders, as required.
Person Specification
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of running office, administration and financial systems
- Experience in supporting communications strategies (inclusive of handling and referring media enquiries, building strategic alliances and information management)
- Experience of leading projects and proven success in delivery
- Knowledge of the human rights, equality and/or social justice sector in Ireland, preferably coupled with some experience of human rights, equality and /or social justice campaigning (in Ireland or elsewhere)
Desirable
- Experience of representing an organisation to the public or media
- Experience in conference and event management
- Experience of successful campaigning to achieve social change
Competencies
Essential
- Ability to manage a virtual office; familiarity with IT applications sufficient to update and maintain web site content and management of web blogs
- "Can do" attitude
- results driven, commitment and energy 'to go the extra mile'
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to identify opportunities
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
- Ability to work in partnership with individuals and organisations across sectors
- Proven problem solving skills
- Ability to prioritise and plan activities in a wide ranging work load
- Ability to communicate clearly and transfer complex information in a concise and accessible form
- Ability to draft briefing notes and other papers, as well as minutes of meetings
- Ability to maintain a high level of social, organisational and professional standards in job-related activities
Salary: Equivalent to HEO Standard Scale (€46,558 - €59,097)
Duration: this is a 6 month contract initially, with a probationary period of up to one month, which may be extended.
Application by CV and covering letter by email to recruitment@eracampaign.org or by post to
Equality & Rights Alliance Co-ordinator, DMG Business Centre, 9-13 Blackhall Place, Dublin 7
Deadline for Applications: Friday 6th February 2009
Shortlisting: Monday 9th February 2009
Interviews: 17th and/or 18th February 2009
http://www.eracampaign.org
