Research & Policy Officer - Dublin (Permanent Full Time)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Salary range: €54,801.81 per annum; paid monthly
Experience: 2 years’ experience of contributing to the development of a Social Policy / Advocacy Agenda within an organisation.
Closing date: Mon, 19 Jan 2026
Description:
SVP is a large, national, voluntary organisation with extensive experience of working with a diverse range of people who experience poverty and exclusion. Through its network of volunteers and staff, it is strongly committed to working for social justice and advocates the creation of a more just and caring society. SVP employs people to support volunteers in a variety of settings including housing, community care, shops, administration, and other specialist areas.
The Role:
We are currently looking to recruit a Research and Policy Officer to join our National Office team in Dublin. The post holder will have responsibility for conducting research and policy analysis to inform Social Policy positions for SVP and to communicate these positions to a variety of external audiences in order to influence policy which leads to improvements in supports and services for those we assist. This is a great opportunity to join one of Ireland’s largest voluntary organisations and make a difference in your community.
Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required
EDUCATION
• Master’s degree level in Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, Law, Human Rights, Equality Studies or a related discipline.
• Understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of a complex national, membership based, social justice organisation and understanding of how this contributes to and constrains the work.
• Understanding of poverty, social exclusion and inequality in Ireland and of current and emerging issues in these areas.
• Knowledge of the community and voluntary sector and institutional mechanisms for policy development at EU, National and Local level.
• A detailed knowledge of at least two of the following policy areas:
o Child and Family Poverty; Income Adequacy; Energy Poverty; Education; Health; or others as they arise.
EXPERIENCE
• At least two years’ experience of contributing to the development of a Social Policy / Advocacy Agenda within an organisation.
OR
• At least two years’ experience of undertaking applied social policy research using quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies.
• Experience of collating and updating policy documents based on a variety of sources; experience of policy liaison to influence the annual Government Budget cycle would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience of developing and implementing engaging public facing advocacy campaigns, using a variety of channels and platforms and effective calls to action would be a distinct advantage.
• Providing administration support and experience of maintaining contact databases is desirable
• Experience of working in a voluntary organisation or with a voluntary board of management on issues of social concern would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions within an organisation, and with a variety of different organisations would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience of representing policy positions to the media would be a distinct advantage.
SKILLS
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly, concisely and in a timely manner to a variety of audiences, both statutory and voluntary.
• An ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and interact effectively with voluntary members.
• Ability to work in a team and contribute new ideas and approaches.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects and manage conflicting demands on time.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in interpersonal situations both internally and external to the organisation.
• Results orientated approaches.
• High Level of familiarity with Word, Excel and CRM systems
• Demonstrable resilience and persistence in the face of barriers to tasks.
Full job description for this role and list of associated benefits can be found here: Research and Policy Officer - Job Description 01.2026 Dublin.pdf
If you meet these requirements and have the desire to join one of Ireland’s best known, trusted, and respected not-for-profit organisations please click 'Apply for this job'.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references. Canvassing will not be accepted and may lead to disqualification. Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply as soon as possible as the role may be closed in advance of the date shown above due to high volume of applications.
SVP is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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