NPC Inclusion Voice and Influence Officer
Introduction to NPC
National Parents Council (NPC) is the representative organisation for parents of children in early, primary and post-primary education. NPC was established as a charitable organisation in 1985, under the programme for Government, as the representative organisation for parents of children attending primary school and NPC's remit was extended to cover parents with children in early years in 2017 and in post-primary in 2022. NPC received statutory recognition in the Education Act 1998.
NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children’s education. NPC works to increase the capacity and capability of the education sector, to achieve true partnership and deliver better outcomes for all children.
Terms & Conditions
Salary for this role is €34,000 per annum.
Hours: 35 hours a week (flexibility is required: some weekend and evening work will be a feature of this employment)
Reporting to the Advocacy Services Manager
Place of work: Dublin City Centre location, (however nationwide travel will be required) Car owner and full driving license essential.
The contract is for three years fixed term with an initial probationary period of nine months.
Role
To oversee and lead the NPC Inclusion, Voice and Influence service, ensuring the delivery of quality services which meet the needs of parents, supporting children in the education sector.
This role will broadly incorporate the following:
Deliver NPC’s Mission, Vision and Values which influence improvements in education in Ireland, through coordinating and delivering projects and activities.
Gather data and insight from parents and children to help NPC and other education stakeholders understand the lived experiences of children and their parents in education with a special focus on hearing the voice of seldom heard parents and children.
Plan, deliver and coordinate parent and child voice and participation activities as required. For example:
- Planning and delivering campaigns, projects and events with parents and children
- Recruiting parents and children to participate in consultation and advocacy events.
Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues inside and outside of NPC; to ensure participation and voice activities are delivered successfully.
Develop and maintain excellent relationships with local partners and stakeholders, to enable parents and children from all walks of life to be able to participate in our consultation and participation activities.
Attend relevant local, regional and national groups, forums and networks to support programme delivery, to share best practice and learn from others in our field.
Maintain clear and accurate monitoring, evaluation and performance data for all activities, to demonstrate the impact of our work.
Produce and contribute to performance reporting.
Maintain accurate records of parents’ and children’s participation, regularly evidencing individual progress and the decisions and services they influence.
Undertake additional general duties from time to time, as required by the CEO / Deputy CEO, which are in line with the nature and grade of this post.
Experience Essential
Adult and/or children’s participation – including the principles, approaches, and mechanisms for consulting with children and adults.
Understanding of approaches to community participation, social action and civic engagement.
Policy, legislation, and guidance relating to children and young people’s right and participation, e.g., UNCRC, Children Act 1989.
Working with parents and children from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, in a professional capacity.
Co-ordinating, delivering and managing projects and events with/for parents and children.
Experience of supporting children and/or adults to engage in social action activity, e.g., children/parent fora, consultation, research.
Planning and facilitating fun and engaging group work with children and parents.
Writing and collating engaging reports, for different audiences, including children, parents and professionals.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Excellent planning and organisational skills. Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office.