Policy & Communication Manager (PT)

Ashton Recruitment require a Policy & Communication Manager our client based in Belfast.

Position: Policy & Communication Manager (PT)

Location: Belfast

Duration: Permanent

Rate of Pay: £17.97 per hour

Hours of Work: 28 hours per week (working pattern to be confirmed)

You will be responsible for developing and implementing a program to gather and utilize the views and experiences of victims and witnesses within the Criminal Justice system. This evidence will be used to enhance services and advocate for changes within the Criminal Justice System and beyond. Your role will ensure that the experiences of victims and witnesses remain central to the client’s mission. Additionally, you will oversee the organization’s communication strategy.

Duties will include (but not be limited to):

• Develop and implement effective processes and procedures to capture the views and experiences of victims and witnesses and assess the impact of client services to inform and promote policy.
• Engage with staff and volunteers across the organization to ensure understanding of the client’s policy agenda and provide mechanisms for feedback.
• Develop external influence networks to establish the credibility and impact of the client’s policy, seeking creative opportunities to effect change.
• Provide background analysis and summaries of public policy as it affects victims of crime for various internal and external audiences.
• Produce in-depth, evidence-based responses to key strategic consultation documents, public policy documents, and position papers, and monitor their influence on overall outcomes.
• Oversee the delivery of the organization’s communication strategy, including statements, speeches, and conference papers.
• Represent the organization at meetings and collaborate effectively with other organizations on victims’ issues.
• Produce an ongoing program of work ensuring evidence is accurate and up to date.
• Collaborate with external agencies such as QUB and UUJ to produce meaningful research that enhances the organization’s ability to represent the views of victims and witnesses.
• Commission research to identify the experiences and needs of victims and witnesses to inform the client’s policy objectives and service development.
• Facilitate focus groups with victims and witnesses to gather experiences and provide a voice for them.
• Monitor and analyse developments at regional, national, and EU levels relevant to the client’s work.

Essential Criteria

1. Educated to degree level in a relevant subject OR up to 5 years working effectively in a public policy or regulatory environment.
2. A minimum of 3 years demonstrable experience of working effectively in a public policy or regulatory environment.
3. Proven ability to build effective internal and external stakeholder relationships including demonstrated networking and negotiation skills and ability to manage working groups.
4. Excellent oral and written communications skills with proven ability to research, write accessible clear policy documents and reports for a range of audiences.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage empathetically with potentially vulnerable individuals.
6. Excellent presentation skills, with ability to communicate effectively at all levels of seniority, including ability to convey complex information in an accessible way.

1. Proven ability to develop in-depth understanding of legislation and to critically apply this knowledge to policy development.
2. Proven ability to manage projects, weigh up conflicting demands and make decisions independently.
3. Ability to work effectively as a member of team and build sound working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
4. Sound working knowledge of window-based software packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, and the internet.

Desirable

1. An evidenced understanding of the Criminal Justice system, victimology, victim research or the delivery of victims’ services
2. Strong knowledge of social media
3. Working knowledge of the NI Assembly

Ashton Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment agency