Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI): Legal Policy & Support Manager – deadline 3 April 2023

As Legal Policy & Support Manager you will:

• Lead on Legal Policy development and advocacy
• Develop and deliver range of legal supports in the context of Sexual Violence responses and services
• Work within Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) team
• Build capacity of the wider professional and non-professional community

RCNI

The Legal Policy & Support manager will work to RCNI’s vision and mission towards an Ireland where we live free of sexual violence through being an innovative and supportive specialist within a movement to end sexual violence.

You will join a dynamic, impactful team, working reflectively and proactively with a sector, survivors, professionals and government at multiple levels towards evidencing and innovating into solutions and capacity building.

RCNI are a learning organisation, striving for excellence, investing in building expertise, enriching the feminist analysis of power and violence, encompassing diversity, and employing human rights tools.

RCNI work from the principle of empowerment in a trauma informed way, where we believe survivors are the experts in their own lives and where their agency is acknowledged, choices enabled and dignity respected. RCNI work flexibly and collaboratively, prioritising outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Leadership:

• Ensure RCNI is represented in all relevant formal consultations as and when necessary, i.e. submissions, Joint Oireachtas Committee appearances, membership of inter-agency bodies related to justice and inter-agency working on specific topics with other NGOs.
• Serve as a point of contact to relevant justice agencies, e.g., Department of Justice, AGS, Policing Authority, Courts Service, DPP, supporting policy development and related agency actions.
• Develop and deliver specialist training for all relevant statutory and non-statutory justice professionals about the nature, dynamics and impact of sexual violence.
• Reviewing existing and future legislative provisions to promote maximum engagement with and safety of all sexual violence survivors in Justice and prevention.
• Engage with the media in line with RCNI mission.

Supporting the specialist SV response

• Maintain and develop the capacity of sexual violence support workers to provide continuous, reliable, compassionate, and well-informed support for survivors who will engage with the criminal justice system, the family law courts and child protection processes.
• Provide guidance, where appropriate in relation to complex legal cases including directly to survivors.
• Develop training, education, and capacity building opportunities for RCNI member services and other specialist sexual violence services.
• Support Effective inter-agency working with all relevant agencies promoting service user engagement throughout.
• Act as the conduit for any legal issues or concerns which are raised by survivors and SV service providers, and which need to be addressed at national or regional level.
• Provide legal guidance where appropriate on policy and standard development.
• Maintain an overview of the changing needs of all stakeholders and bring forward service development proposals.
• Work according to Children First Guidelines and RCNI Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Support RCNI vetting liaison functions.

General:                                                                                                                                                                                     

• Adherence to requirements of relevant legislation and internal policy procedures. (e.g., GDPR, Complaints Policy)
• Attend regular team meetings and team development sessions.
• Participation in supervision and support sessions and attend training
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in Government policy and not-for-profit sector to support RCNI work.
• Collaborate with all stakeholders (statutory, non-statutory agencies, other groups, and organisations) to promote positive partnerships which address policy and practice barrier issues for RCNI.
• Represent RCNI with all external agencies/parties in accordance with RCNI ethos, in a professional and ethical manner, and in line with strategic vision, mission, and values.
• To carry out other duties consistent with the post as may be required.

Key Competencies:

Essential:

• Advanced understanding of SV, DSGBV, and not-for-profit sector.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrable familiarity with SV legislative framework, whole of government infrasture, practice issues and the role of culture in SV.
• A successful record in building strategic and nurturing key relationships with stakeholders to ensure best practice and develop new services: commissioners, government, community, and not-for-profit sectors
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages including Microsoft Teams
• Openness, commitment, and expertise.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

• Third level qualification in Law with at least 5 years management experience
• Experience in researching and writing submissions.
• Experience in advocacy for legislative change
• Experience in development and delivery of training.
• Demonstrable achievements at senior management level

Desirable:

Previous experience of working in the Specialist DSGBV sector or other relevant NGO

Other Requirements:

• Work flexibly as required, with occasional out-of-hours work and travel
• Subject to Garda Vetting.

More information here