Vacancies / Jobs

Policy Advocacy Manager 

Job Description 

Position: Policy Advocacy Manager  

Tenure: Permanent (Full Time)   

Organisation:  Disability Federation Ireland (DFI)  

Location:  The role is based in the main office of DFI in Dublin City Centre. It is a hybrid working role, with a blend of in-person and remote working.  

 

DFI can accommodate flexible working hours; the successful candidate must be available to work out of normal working hours to facilitate occasional evening meetings.  

The position may entail occasional travel. 

Reporting to:  Director of Advocacy   

Salary: €55,000 – €60,000  

Overview of DFI 

Our mission as a federation is to work 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 community with equality, inclusion and independence. 

Our five values guide how we work: Respect, Inclusion, Fairness, Empowerment, and Collaboration 

More information about DFI can be found on our website at www.disability-federation.ie 

DFI is an Equal Opportunities Employer 

Role Purpose  

We are seeking a suitably qualified person for the role of Policy Advocacy Manager. The role holder will work closely with the Director of Advocacy to deliver DFI’s policy programme, including related advocacy and research activity in line with DFI’s Strategic Plan and Advocacy Strategy.  

Open the links below to view these documents. 

DFI Strategic Plan 2026-2029.pdf 

DFI Advocacy Plan 2024 - 2026.pdf 

 

The post holder will build and maintain good working relationships across DFI’s stakeholders including DFI team members, DFI member organisations, other civil society organisations, disabled people and their representative organisations, the Community and Voluntary Pillar, Statutory agencies, government officials, and others. 

This is an exciting time for disability policy, and we are seeking a dynamic individual who will lead our dedicated policy team.  

The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing the annual policy programme plan, feeding into the organisation’s operational plan, prioritising work and delivering and overseeing key policy deliverables.   

They are required to work independently and as part of a team. 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities  

The core responsibilities of this role are: 

Policy Analysis 

  • Lead and coordinate DFI’s analysis of disability related public and social policy.  
  • Play a role in influencing the development of disability policy.  
  • Engage in relevant policy public consultations.  
  • Develop and coordinate policy resources and publications, including policy submissions and policy positions. 
  • Support the policy team to continuously strengthen DFI’s knowledge and analysis of relevant policy issues.  
  • Attend, input and present at relevant policy fora, including conferences, seminars etc.  
  • Organise DFI policy events for members or other stakeholders on relevant matters, and be a lynchpin in information and knowledge transfer.  
  • Monitor and track key disability policy areas in their implementation, including the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. 

 

Research  

  • Strengthen the evidence-base to support DFI’s policy work.  
  • Maintain DFI’s capacity to engage in research on disability issues through collaborative and partnership working.  
  • Ensure DFI’s policy work is informed by the latest evidence.  
  • Engage with and support external disability research activity; contributing to a vibrant research community.   

 

Advocacy and Representation  

  • Work closely with the Director of Advocacy in delivering DFI’s three-year Advocacy Plan and on relevant policy issues as they emerge. 
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with political stakeholders, key government department and statutory agency personnel.  
  • Work with disability advocates to progress disability advocacy issues.  
  • Represent DFI externally at a high level.  
  • Provide policy support to DFI campaigns.  

 

Membership Engagement

  • Lead DFIs engagement with members on policy and research, to ensure DFI’s work is informed by member concerns and expertise.  
  • Coordinate DFI’s member policy and advocacy forum which meets quarterly.  
  • Strengthen the member feedback loop mechanisms to ensure that DFI’s policy work is communicated to members effectively.  

 

Collaboration, Networks and Relationships 

  • Coordinate DFI’s engagement in strategic policy, civil society and other relevant networks and alliances, in particular the Community and Voluntary Pillar, to support the mainstreaming of disability concerns.  
  • Ensure the policy team builds and maintains strong relationships at a high level with key policy stakeholders. 

 

Management

  • Lead, support and manage the policy team through supportive and constructive management approaches, in line with DFI’s policies.   
  • Connect policy work to other teams in DFI, supporting collaborative and cross-programme working. 
  • Engage and contribute within the programme-lead space in DFI.   

 

Organisational

  • Work in line with DFI’s overall aims, policies and ways of working. 
  • Support the delivery of DFI’s Strategic Plan. 
  • Promote equality, diversity, individual rights and choice in all areas of work. 
  • Help create an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with DFI staff, member organisations and other stakeholders. 
  • Take part in relevant training and development, as agreed with your line manager. 
  • Be aware of health, safety and welfare risks in the workplace and raise any concerns with management. 
  • Carry out other reasonable duties, as agreed from time to time with your line manager. 

 

This job description is intended as a summary of the core responsibilities 

of the role. It is not inclusive of all duties as relevant to the role. 

Role requirements and criteria

Essential Criteria: 

  • At least five years’ experience in a senior policy role.  
  • A commitment to human rights, inclusion and equality. 
  • A good understanding of and insight into the disability policy and legislative landscape.  
  • A track record in producing high quality policy submissions, briefing documents, policy positions and other related policy outputs.  
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including an ability to write in plain English.  
  • Experience and skill in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including disabled people and their representative organisations.   
  • Experience of supporting team members to reach their potential and produce high quality work.  
  • The ability to think strategically and tactically; identifying and taking opportunities as they arise. 
  • Ability to prioritise work, and respond to multiple and competing demands. 
  • Effective organisation and administrative skills.  
  • Experience of working effectively as part of a team.  
  • Be motivated and a self-starter. 

 

Desirable Criteria:  

  • Experience in team leadership. 
  • Experience of delivering effective campaigns including engaging in political advocacy. 
  • Experience of organising and facilitating events such as workshops, briefing events, seminars/webinars and conferences.  
  • Experience and insight into the European policy landscape. 
  • Experience of working within a membership environment.  

Benefits within the role

  • A starting annual leave entitlement of 23 days per year. 
  • Defined Contributions Pension (5.5% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution)  
  • Income Protection cover. 
  • Death in Service benefit. 
  • Ability to work remotely, with a very flexible hybrid working policy.  
  • Employee training and development is highly encouraged and supported financially with study days. 
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.  
  • Cycle to work scheme.  

How to Apply  

A cover letter and CV should be sent by email to jobs@disability-federation.ie   

The closing date for applications is 17 September 2026. 

It is expected that interviews will be held on the week of the 28 September. 

Applications are treated with the strictest of confidence.  A shortlisting process may be undertaken. Applications received after the stated closing date will not be considered. 

Please note that appointment to the role will be subject to Garda vetting and evidence of eligibility to work in the Republic of Ireland.  

DFI is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations, so that we can support disabled people to participate in this recruitment and selection process. Please contact us at jobs@disability-federation.ie to let us know if you require reasonable accommodations in the recruitment and selection process, and we will provide these to meet your needs, insofar as possible.