Head of Communication and Public Affairs

Head of Communication and Public Affairs Ireland Sightsavers is a leading international NGO working to prevent avoidable blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities. Operating programmes in more than 30 low – and middle-income countries, Sightsavers tackles the main causes of avoidable blindness including cataract and a group of neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness and trachoma. Sightsavers Ireland was established in 2003 and is an independent affiliate that works to actively support the work of the global Sightsavers organisation Title: Head of Communication and Public Affairs Location: Sightsavers Ireland, Dublin Contract: Permanent Role Salary: €70, 000 per annum – Salary negotiable depending on experience About the role We are delighted to partner with Sightsavers Ireland to assist them in appointing a Head of Communications & Public Affairs. Reporting to the CEO the successful candidate will develop and enhance the profile, brand and influence of Sightsavers Ireland in furtherance of all strategic objectives whilst building the profile and influence of Sightsavers Ireland across media markets and with key stakeholders such as policy and decision makers, government and the Oireachtas. You will work to ensure that the work of the communications team is maximising fundraising efforts and leveraging the unique global expertise of the organisation in Ireland. This role will see you working with the global policy and advocacy and global campaigns teams to influence Irish foreign and development policy in the areas of eye health and disability rights. The Person You will have extensive experience managing communications in an NGO or similar environment with a 3rd level qualification in a relevant discipline coupled with experience at management level. Ideally you will have an understanding of the policy and public affairs landscape in Ireland especially as it relates to foreign and development policy. Good understanding of various media channels in Ireland and evidence of strong working relationships with these channels alongside experience of implementing multi-channel marketing would be desirables. Next Steps Further information including a detailed job specification can be provided by our recruitment partners Lincoln Search & Selection. Contact: Concepta Cadogan @ ccadogan@lincoln.ie To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please complete an application form and submit your CV including a cover letter. We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying. Due to project deadlines, we are keen to fill this role as quickly as possible so applications will be considered as soon as they are received. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people living with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply. We’re committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Please be aware that fraudulent job adverts do exist. Sightsavers will never ask prospective candidates to send money as part of the interview process. If you do receive email requests of this nature, please contact jobs@sightsavers.org Sightsavers is committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and representatives to share this commitment. In line with its commitment to safe programming and recruitment, Sightsavers participates in the inter-agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) administered by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response . Through collaboration with other MDS members, Sightsavers aims to ensure that there are no sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment issues relating to potential new hires and that we can respond systematically to checks from fellow MDS members. This ensures our work is accountable, delivered to a high standard and supports safeguarding across the development and humanitarian fields. Protecting sight and fighting for disability rights