Head of Advocacy

Our client, a prominent national professional membership body representing the legal sector in Ireland, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Advocacy.

This is a high-impact leadership role focused on shaping public policy, engaging with the Houses of the Oireachtas, and advancing the strategic objectives of the legal profession. The successful candidate will be a master of stakeholder engagement, capable of building trusted relationships with government bodies, NGOs, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and lead comprehensive advocacy strategies. Strengthen the organisation's relationship with elected representatives, civil servants, and civil society groups.
• Policy Development: Work closely with internal councils and committees to develop robust policy positions. Conduct rigorous research into legislative changes affecting the profession and the broader public interest.
• Submissions & Drafting: Lead the drafting of high-level submissions for Government Departments, Oireachtas Committees, and public consultations.
• Legislative Compliance: Act as the lead for compliance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, managing internal records and statutory reporting.
• Campaign Management: Oversee high-impact engagement campaigns and build strategic alliances with international organisations and professional bodies.
• Organisational Leadership: Lead and mentor the Policy team, fostering a culture of excellence, transparency, and cross-functional collaboration.

Your Profile

• Experience: 7+ years of professional experience navigating Ireland's political and legislative landscape.
• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of how public policy is formulated in Ireland and at the EU level. A proven interest in justice, equality, and business affairs is essential.
• Communication: Exceptional drafting skills with the ability to translate complex policy into concise, persuasive plain English for diverse audiences.
• Leadership: A proven track record of managing high-performing teams and delivering projects from initiation to execution.
• Legal Acumen: A strong understanding of the Irish justice system. Practising experience as a solicitor or barrister, or a formal legal qualification, is a significant advantage.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive Salary (commensurate with experience).
• Excellent working conditions and a collaborative culture.
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities.
• Pension scheme (following a qualifying period).