Policy Officer

About the role

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is recruiting a Policy Officer to work as part of our team of dedicated human rights researchers and advocates. The Policy Officer will contribute to the work of the policy team, conducting research and providing support in drafting IPRT publications and submissions.

About IPRT

The IPRT is Ireland’s leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for human rights and best practice in the penal system, and for progressive penal policy in which prison is a sanction of last resort. We have a track record of achieving big impact for a small organisation. We do this through a combination of research, advocacy, engagement, public affairs, events and working in alliance with others.

Our work is evidence-based, informed by over 30 years of experience, extensive research and proactive engagement with people affected by the penal system. Our aim is to shift the focus of our penal system away from its current emphasis on punishment towards approaches based on prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, and the integration of criminal justice policy with wider social policy. A more effective and humane penal system, which combats social injustice and has safer communities at its heart, also benefits communities and wider society through its emphasis on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and a reduction in reoffending.

Our model of change is that effecting reforms at the highest level will have the greatest impact for the largest number of people. To this end, we focus our efforts on generating evidence-informed policy research and recommendations, underpinned by human rights, while also working constructively with decision-makers to deliver effective penal policy in Ireland and changing attitudes around the criminal justice system.

About the Role

The post offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious candidate to work in a high profile, dynamic and effective non-governmental organisation. The Policy Officer will support the day-to-day work of the policy team through research, contributing to policy submissions and outputs and engaging with stakeholders.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 8 June 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, which will be scheduled shortly after the closing date.

Terms of Employment

Hours of employment: Full time (35 hours per week, exclusive of breaks) for a fixed-term contract of 12 months. Requirement to work flexibly and occasionally at weekends or evenings as appropriate to the role. IPRT’s time off in lieu policy applies.

Probation period: Six months.

Salary: €36,000 to €42,000 per annum, commensurate with skills and experience.

Annual leave entitlement:25 days per annum.

Pension contribution: An initial 1.5 per cent employer contribution during probation and five per cent match-funded employer contribution after successful completion of probation period.

Place of work: The usual place of work is the IPRT Office in Dublin 7, but IPRT operates a flexible hybrid working model. Currently this requires a person to work from the office two days a week during the probationary period. Due to the nature of this role, it would be anticipated that the role-holder would work at least two days a week from the office or as required for in-person meetings or events.

Post holder responsible to: Policy and Research Coordinator

IPRT proactively encourages the professional development of staff members and supports relevant training and upskilling within agreed budgets.

IPRT’s policy on equal opportunities

IPRT is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds as well as from people with criminal records. We don’t ask for information about convictions during the recruitment process. Candidates must have the right to work in Ireland.

Job Description

The key duties of the position will include:

Contributing to the research and policy work of IPRT in line with our strategic plan.

Conducting original research and analysis as part of IPRT’s research programme and strategic plan, including penal reform and topical criminal justice issues.
Drafting policy submissions and generating policy content for IPRT across the relevant areas of work.
Monitoring and reporting on relevant policy developments in areas related to prisons and the wider criminal justice system, both nationally and internationally.
Helping to identify emerging issues of concern and develop evidence-informed solutions.
Engaging with stakeholders from across the sector, including policy-makers, NGOs and affected communities.
Supporting advocacy and representation that effectively promotes IPRT’s objectives.
Adhering to organisational policies including the staff handbook.

Other

Building strong positive working relationships with colleagues in the organisation.
Undertaking other duties which are commensurate with the role, in pursuit of the Strategic Plan as agreed with the line manager and senior management.
Identifying own CPD needs in conjunction with the line manager.

Person specification

IPRT offers a dynamic and flexible working environment and the chance to use your skills and knowledge to make a genuine difference. Applicants will be assessed against the following essential / desirable requirements and are encouraged to use their applications to provide examples of how they meet these criteria.

Essential skills and experience

Relevant degree or equivalent qualifications/ experience in social policy, law, criminology, human rights, or a related discipline.
Experience working in a policy, advocacy or research role with clear examples of the contribution made to the organisation.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research.
Excellent communication skills, in particular clear and concise writing skills.
Good working knowledge of international (UN, Council of Europe, EU) and domestic (Irish) human rights and equality standards.

High level of attention to detail.
Ability to be proactive, work on own initiative with clear direction as part of a small team, and manage competing priorities.
Ability to work flexibly within the role and occasionally attend evening events as appropriate to the needs of the role.

Desirable attributes

The successful candidate may also have:

Understanding of Irish NGO sector.

Experience of managing stakeholder engagement, fostering relationships and/or community organising.

Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline.
Experience of advocacy work at a national or international level.

Attitude

Respect for the values and mission of IPRT.
Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Works well within a small dynamic team.
Commitment to and understanding of a working environment which promotes equal opportunities and has regard for the health and safety of others.

Please upload your curriculum vitae plus a statement (no longer than two pages) as to how you meet the Person Specification as set out above by 5pm on Monday 8 June 2026. If you do not meet every criterion listed but believe you have relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after the closing date to arrange a date for interview.

Policy Officer

Benefits

Job Description