Senior Communications and Engagement Officer (HEO)

The Senior Communications and Engagement Officer will support the delivery of the OCO’s communications and strategic objectives to internal and external stakeholders. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, the successful candidate will play a key role in increasing awareness of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office and children’s rights.  

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Key responsibilities include:

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• Work with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs to create proactive and reactive media strategies that reflect the OCO’s key priorities and strategic goals

• Draft press material including press releases, statements, media briefing documents and other written pieces to support the OCO’s communications strategy on a proactive and reactive basis

• Identify strategic press and media opportunities for the OCO

• Support the Head of Communications and Public Affairs to develop briefing documents for the Ombudsman and other senior management in preparation for media and Oireachtas Committee appearances

• Monitor the external media, political and children’s rights environment to ensure the OCO is across all relevant developments

• Collaborate across OCO units to develop comms materials that support the OCO’s objectives and strategic priorities

• Support the development of key organisational messaging and communications materials for internal and external stakeholders 

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with journalists and other relevant stakeholders

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of OCO events, launches and stakeholder engagement

• Represent the OCO at events and meetings as required 

• Support the development of OCO publications, reports, presentations, newsletter and other communications materials

• Contribute to the development of creative and engaging media and advertising campaigns that align with the OCO’s strategic goals

• Develop internal communication strategies that support the OCO’s goals and priorities

• Work with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs to develop engaging and accessible internal communication materials 

• Drive initiatives that enhance and support staff engagement and organisational culture

• Lead on specific OCO projects expanding the reach of the Office and growing awareness in all parts of the country

• Support the Communications Unit with procurement, PQs and other administrative tasks as required

• The successful candidate will line manage and provide guidance to the Communications Project Officer ​
  
   

Essential Requirements:

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Candidates must have:

• At least a Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in Journalism, Multi Media, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related discipline.

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• A minimum of 3-4 years’ relevant experience.

Or

A minimum of 5-6 years’ relevant experience (in lieu of qualification)

AND the candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Experience working on communications/ media relations campaigns for an organisation or in, or for, the media

• Excellent writing skills and/or creative skills with the ability to present material in a clear,

• concise and comprehensive manner

• A commitment to achieving quality results and ensuring all tasks are completed to a very high standard

• The ability to work calmly under pressure and deal with multiple demands and competing priorities to tight deadlines

• Experience taking the lead on key projects

• Experience working on events

• Stakeholder management

• Strong judgement, problem solving and decision making skills;

• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating an understanding and sensitivity in dealing with others and ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner,

• A proven ability to develop and maintain networks effectively,

• Be motivated, flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change and be capable of using own initiative as and when appropriate

• A strong interest in current and public affairs and be committed to the concept of public service and children’s rights

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