Overview
A leading organisation within Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) ecosystem is seeking an experienced Accessibility Officer to support and deliver a newly approved accessibility and inclusion programme. This role will ensure the scheme is accessible for all consumers, including those living with disabilities, and will work closely with national stakeholders, advocacy bodies, and internal teams.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Delivery
- Lead the delivery of the organisation’s accessibility improvement programme, turning consultation outcomes into actionable initiatives.
- Liaise with stakeholders across the DRS network to drive programme completion.
- Establish and track KPIs to monitor accessibility progress.
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership and the Board on progress, risks, and opportunities.
- Develop and manage internal improvement programmes arising from the service
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs), DPROs, advocacy groups, producers, and retailers.
- Act as a key liaison with the disability community, promoting co‑design principles.
- Coordinate committee meetings, working groups and formal governance structures.
Operational Implementation
- Provide guidance on best‑practice standards to improve accessibility across products, services, and communications.
- Act as an in‑house subject matter expert on accessibility and inclusive design.
- Support internal teams in delivering accessibility requirements within their functions.
- Assist with reporting and implementation of accessibility measures across the organisation.
Education, Training & Awareness
- Design and deliver accessibility training programmes for staff and stakeholders.
- Raise awareness of inclusive design principles across the organisation.
- Support capability‑building through a train‑the‑trainer model.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Stay informed on emerging accessibility technologies and innovations.
- Benchmark international best practice in accessible DRS and circular‑economy models.
- Promote user‑centred design approaches for all scheme developments.
- Ensure feedback mechanisms and complaints processes enhance overall accessibility.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Knowledge
- 5–10+ years’ experience in accessibility, disability advocacy, inclusive design, or related areas.
- Proven experience delivering multi‑stakeholder programmes with strong influencing capabilities.
- Understanding of disability and human‑rights legislation and accessibility standards (Irish, EU, international).
- Knowledge of assistive technologies and how users interact with digital and physical environments.
- Awareness of reasonable accommodations and inclusive service design principles.
Skills
- Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including producing accessible materials.
- Experience developing and delivering training programmes.
- Strong analytical and reporting capability, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Skilled in influencing, negotiation and consensus-building.
Personal Attributes
- Empathetic and user‑centred mindset.
- Collaborative, diplomatic and culturally aware.
- Inclusive approach with strong professional presence.
Benefits
- 22 days’ annual leave + 2 company days + 10 bank holidays
- Hybrid working (2 days at home per week – including Fridays)
- 37‑hour week with flexible core hours
- 5% bonus
- On‑site parking
- Subsidised canteen
