The Organisation:
AsIAm is Ireland’s Autism Charity, based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. AsIAm is a fast paced, growing organisation with a vision to create a society where every autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued, and respected. The organisation’s purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for Autistic people that is accessible, accepted and affirming. AsIAm works to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.
Our Values:
A key expectation of everyone who works for AsIAm is that they demonstrate our values; Perseverance, Same Chance and Service. Our values come into play throughout everything we do at work – how we work together and how we deliver services to the people we support and to the people we work alongside.
The Role:
We are currently looking to recruit an experienced Policy Officer to join our Policy, Legal and Information Line team on a full-time fixed-term contract basis.
The role holder will support our Head of Policy, Legal and Information Line Head of Policy, Legal and Information Services and CEO and will work alongside our Senior Policy Officer and the wider AsIAm team in the development, communication and advocacy of the organisation’s public policy positions and activities, with the aim of working towards an inclusive society for Autistic people that is accessible, accepting and affirming.
The Policy Officer will also be responsible for building relationships in particular with educational stakeholders and engaging with key stakeholders through formal consultative processes and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone who is experienced in working in policy, legal, research, communications or public affairs and has a good understanding of policy development and community engagement, and has a strong interest in autism, public policy, communications, social policy, disability or human rights.
We particularly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
Working as part of the Policy team (with a particular focus on education) to support the implementation of AsIAm’s policy-related objectives, including campaigns and activities, as set out in AsIAm Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
Working with the Policy team, in the research and production of policy position papers, briefing notes and submissions.
Briefing our CEO and Head of Policy, Legal and Information Services on policy matters, and other members of the organisation where appropriate.
Representing AsIAm on key consultative groups, committees, working groups, stakeholder forums and events and engagements.
Organising consultations with relevant stakeholders on the development of new policy positions, initiatives and programmes and liaising with stakeholders on an ongoing basis through our Advocacy for Impact Working Group.
Engaging with key stakeholders, including policymakers and officials, as part of policy formation and in our ongoing policy campaigns and advocacy work.
Sitting on relevant Working Groups and Consultative Forums, when requested to do so by the Head of Policy, Legal and Information Services and CEO.
Communicating policy issues and developments to the autism community and the wider public through the AsIAm website, publications, and internally within the organisation when required.
Support the development of public policy positions and campaigns.
Support the development and implementation of the organisation’s public affairs activities – developing relationships and approaches to influence positive change for the Autistic community.
Coordinating with other members of staff and outside agencies to advance and support the communication of both policy-specific projects and the overall work of the organisation.
Co-ordinating internal policy meetings to keep team members informed on policy developments impacting the Autistic community.
Supporting the Policy team in monitoring media and parliamentary debates and Committee hearings when in session when issues relevant to the autism community arise and generating timely responses to issues raised.
Supporting the Policy team in ensuring that our Lobbying Returns are regularly updated in line with our duties under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.
Producing bi-monthly policy content for AsIAm’s external Policy newsletter.
Working with our Policy Team in communicating the team’s policy and advocacy activities internally within the organisation on a regular basis.
Undertaking other duties as required to support in the overall running of the organisation, when requested to do so by our CEO or Head of Policy, Legal and Information Services.
Maintaining the policy section on the AsIAm website with regular updates, reports or other media content as required.
Key Requirements:
Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Education
Relevant third level qualification in law, public policy, politics, human rights or related areas such as social sciences, social policy, public policy and communications.
Or
A minimum of two years' professional experience working in a similar role.
Strong understanding of autism and disability rights, human rights, public policy, social policy within an Irish and/or EU context.
Deep understanding of rights-based approaches to autism and disability and relevant International (UN), regional (EU) and domestic (Irish) legal and policy frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and related national and EU law and policy.
Strong interpersonal skills with experience of working with, developing and maintaining strong working relationships with a wide range of diverse stakeholders. This includes similar organisations working in civil society or disability as well as Government and State bodies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Evidence of ability to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise evidence in a range of formats from multiple sources to prepare evidence-based positions and outputs.
Evidence of experience in undertaking legislative research, analysis and advocacy projects.
Experience managing and delivering project and policy objectives.
Able to work effectively as part of a team whilst also leading on specific projects to deliver the objectives set out in the Policy, Legal and Information Line workplan.
Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods and policy analysis.
Contract Duration
This is a 1-year Fixed Term Contract, with the potential to be extended, subject to funding.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary will align with Grade IV of the HSE Consolidated Pay Scale. In addition, we offer:
Annual leave allowance of 23 days per year., rising in line with years of service
Additional paid time off (company days) as approved by Management
Hybrid working arrangements
Inclusive and neuro-affirmative team environment
Pension Plan (initially through “My Future Fund” and transitioning to Company Pension plan on successful completion of probation)
Employee Assistance Programme and Death in Service Benefit
Healthcare Plan (on successful completion of probation)
Working Hours:
The role is fulltime and working hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with some flexibility around start and finish times.
The role holder is required to have a degree of flexibility regarding working hours with the expectation of some evening and weekend work.
Location:
The role is based in AsIAm HQ in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Hybrid working arrangements can be facilitated in discussion with the line manager.
Recruitment Timeline
Indicative timeline for recruitment for this position (timings may be adjusted if needed and a further assessment stage may be added if required)
Application closing date: 12 June 2026
Expected Date for Interviews: 18/19 June 2026
Note: All candidates must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting should they be successful.
AsIAm actively support inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer who reserves the right to apply positive action as set out by the Employment Equality Acts, 1998-2015.