Policy Development, Research and Engagement Manager

Policy Development, Research and Engagement Manager

CPL have partnered with Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to recruit for a Policy Development, Research and Engagement Manager (DP Grade) to join their team on a temporary contract of 6 months, with possibility of extension.

·      Pay Rate - £22.65 per/hr

·      Location – Commission for Victims and Survivors

·      Benefits – 37 days holiday per annum

·      Hours – 37 hours per week

Reporting to the Director of Policy Development, Research and Engagement and working closely with the Commissioner and Chief Executive the primary purpose of the post holder is to provide the Victims and Survivors Commissioner with high quality, dynamic, innovative and timely policy advice on key issues concerning victims and survivors. Policy advice must be thoroughly researched with robust evidence base and incorporates consultation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. Developing and successfully implementing strategies for and engagement with a range of stakeholders to gain support for and action on policy advice and research outputs is key to achieving outcomes.

It is critical that the post-holder takes account of both new and emerging issues arising from engagement with the full range of stakeholders including for example individual victims and survivors, victims and survivor groups, government departments and political parties.

One of the statutory duties of the Commission is the establishment of a Victims and Survivor’s Forum (VSF). The VSF is a stakeholder group whose purpose is to inform the Commission’s policy advice from their ‘lived’ experience as victims and survivors. It is the post holder’s responsibility to contribute to the establishment and maintenance the VSF and ensure that they work across all stages of the policy development process to get their views before making policy recommendations.

Responsibilities will include: 

·      To lead on the planning, management and delivery of allocated areas of the Policy Development, Research and Engagement team in order to ensure the provision of high-quality, dynamic, innovative and timely policy advice, research and engagement.

·      To contribute to the implementation, delivery and review of the Policy Development, Research and Engagement strategies.

·      To ensure continuous improvement in planning and delivery to maximise efficiency and value for money.

·      To advise the Director of Policy Development, Research and Engagement on continuous development of the team and organisation in order to support the strategic objectives.

·      To represent the Director of Policy Development, Research and Engagement, the Chief Executive and Commissioner at internal and external meetings as required.

Other

·      To be fully committed to the Commission’s vision, mission and values.

·      To treat all victims and survivors in a courteous and respectful manner.

·      To ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in the Commission, staff must ensure they maintain the highest standards of personal accountability.

·      To comply with the Commission’s code of conduct.

·      To observe all health and safety requirements.

·      To work within and promote policies in relation to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.

The above is given as a broad range of duties and is not intended to be exhaustive. It is important to note that the responsibilities may change to meet the evolving needs of the Commission.

Essential Experience/Qualifications

Applicants must have ALL the following.

·      A minimum of 3 years’ demonstrable work experience, providing detailed public policy advice/research and/or proposals on strategic issues concerning the sector in which they are operating.

·      A minimum of 3 years’ experience, of building effective internal and external partnerships and using influencing skills to deliver agreed outcomes.

·      A minimum of 3 years’ experience, of provided effective and timely advice and information to senior management*, in order to provide a rationale for policy development/research and engagement and account for organisational achievement.

·      Demonstrable experience of delivery of outcomes through adoption and implementation of a project management approach.

Personal Attributes

·      Personable and confident in engaging with various stakeholders and ability to manage difficult conversations and demonstrate empathy and understanding.

·      Emotionally resilient with the ability to be aware of and manage their own behaviours and emotions and able to recognise need for self-care or wellbeing support to effectively fulfil the engagement aspect of the post.  

For further details please apply directly below or contact Anne-Marie Erhalim directly.

If successful you will be required to complete a criminal record check through Access NI, having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from this process. Cpl have a policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, for a copy of this policy please email melissa.leeper@cpl-ni.com.  

As a registered body, Cpl adhere to the Access NI code of practice which is available to view here https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice

Cpl is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities, and one another. Be You, Be Kind, Be Proud.