National Traveller Accommodation Policy Officer

The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) was founded in 1990 and is a national membership organisation representing Travellers and Traveller organisations across Ireland. One of its core principles is to challenge the racism that Travellers face in Ireland. ITM works collectively to represent the views of Travellers and Traveller organisations at a national and international level. We develop policies and innovative ways to bring about change for Travellers in Ireland. We work to challenge the inequalities faced by Travellers by promoting Traveller participation and leadership locally and nationally, by developing and sharing best practice, developing evidence-based research to inform our work and building strategic alliances with all who are committed to a fairer Irish society.

ITM is seeking a dynamic, motivated and skillful person to be part of the national Traveller accommodation team in advancing national Traveller accommodation policy.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, €37,087 - €45,918 pro rata per annum.

Commencing: June 1st 2024

Work hours: Four days (28 hours) per week.

Location: The role will be located within the ITM office (4/5 Eustace Street, Dublin 2) with some remote working provided for in accordance with the organisation’s hybrid working policy.

The key functions of this post are:

• Develop and respond to national Traveller accommodation policy and develop policy submissions on key issues with our membership and the wider Traveller community.
• Support the national coordination of the ITM Accommodation Working Group and other national spaces.
• Support local Traveller organisations to respond to accommodation crises and issues affecting the wider Traveller community.
• Support innovative ways of work that includes collaboration between Traveller organisations and other civil society and housing groups.
• Work with local and national Traveller representatives on national Traveller accommodation advisory bodies.
• Providing an evidence-based, inclusive research analysis to inform national Traveller accommodation policy.
• Prepare inputs into the Department’s Traveller accommodation guidelines and documents as necessary.

Essential requirements for the post include:

• A strong commitment to community development, human rights and equality.
• Thorough knowledge of the accommodation issues affecting the Traveller community.
• Community development or social policy or equivalent qualification or a minimum of three years’ experience.
• Ability to support the development of policy submissions and to articulate our policy positions at a national level.
• Clear knowledge and understanding of the local and national accommodation policy spaces that affect the Traveller community.
• Experience of working in a Traveller organisation or community development organisation.
• Understanding of a national network/membership organisation.
• Understanding of the needs of Traveller communities/organisations regarding policy issues.
• Willingness to travel throughout Ireland to our membership.

Person Specifications:

• Strong commitment to human rights and a commitment to continued growth in knowledge and understanding of Traveller accommodation policy.
• Good interpersonal skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment.
• Positive and flexible approach to team working.
• Excellent communications skills, including ability to draft summary information and draft correspondence.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft and Google suite.

To apply:

Please submit your CV with a cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and outlines your interest in the position to jobs@itmtrav.ie.

For any queries contact Eoin Anglim Office Manager on 01-6796577.

Closing date for applications: Friday, May 17th 2024.

Shortlisting will then take place and candidates will be informed as soon as possible.

Please note: ITM is an Equal Opportunities Employer and particularly welcomes applications from the Traveller community and those from other minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.