Advocacy Manager

Fighting Blindness is a patient-led charity with a vision to cure blindness, support people living with sight loss and empower patients. We are the only Irish charity funding research into treatments for sight loss. To date, we have invested over €20 million in more than 115 research and clinical projects.

Over the past 35 years, we have grown from a small support group for families affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to a nationally recognised brand.

We are seeking an Advocacy Manager to join the team.

Period: 6 Months Fixed Term
Starting date: March 2021
Hours: 5 days per week
Salary: Competitive
Holidays: 24 days per annum
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Location: All employees are currently working remotely due to Government pandemic restriction advice. Position usually based at Fighting Blindness office, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, with occasional national and European travel as required.
Closing Date: 12 February 2021

Job purpose

The role is responsible for implementing the organisation’s advocacy strategy which is focused on medical research and the development and access of new therapeutics; this will involve developing and delivering advocacy campaigns as well as building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders such as elected representatives, Government departments, statutory bodies, medical professionals, industry and NGOs.

The ideal candidate will have in-depth experience of advocacy strategy and campaign management in the Irish healthcare and research context. There will also be opportunities to support advocacy initiatives where appropriate within the sight loss sector. They will have an interest in the charity sector and will want to use their skills to influence change.

Role and responsibilities

• Work with multi-stakeholder groups in the areas of rare diseases and vision at a national and international level, including on project teams for specific relevant projects
• Represent Fighting Blindness at national and international level on relevant boards and committees, conferences and events as appropriate
• Work with all relevant stakeholders in medicines regulations and reimbursement process to ensure access to therapies for people affected by vision loss
• Point of contact for patient and public queries relating to services, supports, policy, access and other relevant matters
• Manage and further develop VIP Network for Public and Patient Involvement (PPI)
• Support people to participate in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) activities
• Management and development of Fighting Blindness Membership Programme
• Act as a point of contact for internal and external enquiries on specific policy areas
• Respond to consultations on behalf of the organisation in line with strategic objectives
• Regular contributions to all communications channels – website, newsletters and social media

Qualifications and skills

• Relevant 3rd level qualification in a related field essential
• Minimum three years’ relevant experience
• Experience in advocacy and lobbying essential
• Experience in the voluntary sector an advantage but not essential
• Knowledge of public health policy and policy-making processes
• Knowledge of medicines regulation and reimbursement processes
• Ability to work on own initiative, consult where appropriate and work within a team
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think creatively, problem solve and work under pressure to a high standard
• Self-motivated with a high level of organisational ability, accuracy and attention to detail

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a copy of their curriculum vitae and cover letter to Anna Moran at anna.moran@fightingblindness.ie. Fighting Blindness is an equal opportunities employer.

Closing Date: 12 February 2021