Job Title: Head of Advocacy and Policy
(Permanent Role)

About AONTAS

Established in 1969, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is a non-governmental membership organisation that promotes that value of adult learning and advocates for the rights of all adults to quality learning across the tertiary education system. We have an unwavering commitment to educationally disadvantaged adults. We offer solutions-focused advocacy that is evidence-based, drawing on research and our extensive initiatives that engage with adults who have returned to education. AONTAS is a highly respected and connected non-governmental organisation at national and international levels.

AONTAS is committed to providing a voice for adult learners based on our vision of learning as being truly lifelong, and takes account of the myriad benefits of learning to health, personal development, social engagement and community development. AONTAS advocates for an inclusive, learner-centred lifelong learning system that enables adults to have a meaningful learning experience.

Purpose of this role:

• To lead AONTAS’ advocacy and policy work, in collaboration with the CEO, and develop evidence-based policy papers, and advocacy campaigns to address inequalities in adult education.
• To engage with members, learners, and key stakeholders and stay informed of sectoral issues and policy changes.
• To lead AONTAS’ Advocacy Team, oversee their work, and provide a supportive environment.

Position Profile:

Key Responsibilities:

• The Head of Advocacy and Policy will work closely with the CEO to ensure AONTAS has a deep understanding of relevant advocacy, representation, and policy issues.
• Develop strategic approaches to identify the advocacy needs of members, providers, and learners, advocating for adult education policy changes.
• Represent the organisation on a range of steering and working groups, and at relevant conferences and events, in a professional capacity. This includes representation across the island of Ireland.
• Organise lobbying opportunities with a range of key stakeholders and decision-makers, including political parties.
• Develop evidence-based policy papers and advocacy campaigns, including conducting desktop research and engaging with the Research Team, as needed.
• Ensure AONTAS actively engages with national and European consultations representing the needs of members and learners in the areas of adult and community education, and education equality issues.
• Support the effective implementation of the Strategic Plan and broader organisational responsibilities and goals as an active member of the Leadership Team.
• Ensure our team is informed of our standpoint and actions on all high-priority advocacy and policy matters.
• Ensure consistent and open communication with members, providers, and learners across the island of Ireland.
• Organise advocacy and lobbying events, including the AONTAS Policy Day, as part of the Adult Learners’ Festival annually.

Management of the Advocacy Team:

• Provide the Advocacy Team with a supportive environment that builds their capacity and advances their professional goals. (Currently 5 staff members)
• Oversee the work of the team including the Community Education Network, European Projects, and broader adult learning initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all AONTAS’ policies including Human Resources, Lobbying Returns, and Governance concerning the management of the team.
• Manage all budgets connected to the work of the Advocacy Team, including European Projects, in collaboration with relevant staff.

Candidate Profile

Core Requirements:

• A Master’s Degree in Social Policy, Education Studies, Human Rights or a relevant area.
• A strong knowledge of the Irish adult and community education sector.
• Experience in developing policy papers, and reports, and engaging in national consultations.
• Experience in policy analysis, and representing equality-focused issues at regional, national, or European level.
• Experience leading a team and growing the capacity of team members.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in developing strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.
• A strong knowledge of adult and community education in Northern Ireland.
• A good understanding of policies and activities led by DFHERIS, SOLAS, QQI, ETBI, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience managing European-funded projects and attending transnational partner meetings in different European locations.
• Experience working in a non-government organisation.
• Has successfully shown their ability to work collaboratively within and across teams and manage multiple programmes of work.
• Access to a vehicle and a full clean driver's license.

Personal Characteristics:

• A strong commitment to goals of educational equality, social justice, and empowerment
• High level of professional responsibility and integrity
• Diplomatic and calm in managing conflict or opposing views as an advocate
• Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple priorities with a track record of delivering work on time and to a high standard
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner
• Capacity to work in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders
• Committed to a socially inclusive and positive working environment, championing shared values and being empathetic towards others.
• Curious and open-minded, with the ability to listen, and explore new ideas and alternatives.

Points of Information:

• The ‘day-to-day’ activities of this role involve the management of a team that covers a range of work. Please read more about AONTAS’ activities here: www.aontas.com
• It is expected that the successful candidate will represent the organisation from time to time at meetings and events across the island of Ireland, and Europe.
• The AONTAS CEO plays a key role in the advocacy and representational work of AONTAS due to the nature of our organisation’s priorities. The Head of Advocacy and Policy and the CEO will work closely together.
• This is not a new role. The successful candidate will join an established team.
• AONTAS has been in operation for over 50 years. We have more than 400 members across the island of Ireland including community education providers, Education and Training Boards, Higher Education institutions, NGOs, academics, learners, and others.

Contributing to AONTAS:

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time, to provide for change. You will be required to perform such other duties as may reasonably be required of you by AONTAS.

At all times, employees must operate to the highest professional, ethical, and performance standards.

Measures of Success:

• Contributing to the success of policy changes that result in improved conditions for learners, staff, and adult education providers.
• Ensuring all projects and activities are delivered to a high standard and on time.
• Developing and implementing a strategic advocacy approach with clear communication that is supported by staff and members.
• A highly effective and collaborative team that works to the best of their ability.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Policy
• Attractive pension and income protection scheme for staff, after a successful probation period
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Equipment provided by AONTAS (laptop and phone for work use)
• Flexibility and support (for example, persons with additional/different needs, caring obligations or other)
• Funded professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to engage with and travel for EU programmes
• Funded conference fees
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• A highly motivated and collaborative team
• Public transport is easily accessible and free on-site parking
• On-site kitchen and facilities in the AONTAS office

Manager: Reporting directly to the CEO.

AONTAS is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
Please let us know if we can provide you with further information or make reasonable adaptions to this process, to suit your needs. 

Closing Date: May 3rd 2024 at 5:00pm

Interview schedule: May 22nd, 23rd or 24th. Second interviews may be organised, if needed.

Interview activity: Candidates invited for interview will be asked to prepare a presentation. This must be sent in by the indicated deadline.

Please submit a detailed cover letter that outlines your relevant experience and potential contribution to this role, a curriculum vitae, and answer the questions posed below in full. If these three parts are not finalised, it will be considered an incomplete application.

Please click here to apply