National Women’s Council of Ireland Internship Political Equality Development Worker

Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

"Feminism has achieved a lot for women in Ireland, but we haven't achieved political power, and that is what we need." (Sylvia Meehan speaking at the National Women's Council of Ireland's International Women's Day event, 2010.)

In light of the disgracefully low, and falling, level of participation of women in Dail Eireann, and the inaction of the political parties to correct this democratic deficit, the National Women's council of Ireland is campaigning for a range of measures to be introduced to get more women into political power.

We are seeking to recruit an intern for a 6 month period from November - April 2011 for the position of Political Equality Development Worker.

Reporting to: The CEO
Duration: November - April 2011
Closing Date: 8th October 2010

Role

The role of the Political Equality Development Worker will be to assist the NWCI in developing and implementing a strategy for the promotion of women in politics in Ireland.

Key Duties and Responsibilities;

• Research the current situation of women in Irish politics, nationally and locally. Scrutinise policy and practise within the political parties, seek areas where advances are possible, and highlight inconsistencies between declared aspirations and actual treatment of women and women's issues.
• Follow all developments and take part with NWCI colleagues in discussing appropriate responses.
• Help to organise meetings, including public meetings, including researching good local and international speakers.
• Identify allies and forge links with them.
• Produce policy briefings for the NWCI on positive action measures to promote women's participation in politics.
• Explore funding opportunities for the implementation of Women into Politics Programme.
• Liaise with and support of NWCI member groups and other allies working on this issue.
• Develop a plan of action for the implementation of relevant motions passed at the NWCI AGM 2010.
• Update our database of women TDs, MEPs, senators and local councillors.
• Explore potential for setting up a database of women seeking political advancement.
• Attend fortnightly NWCI staff meetings

Skills
The Political Equality Development worker must be skilled in;

• Political and social analysis
• Research
• Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Ability to work as part of a team but also have ability to use own initiative
• Strong technical ability

Knowledge
The Political Equality Development Worker must have knowledge of;

• Women's equality issues from a feminist perspective
• The Irish political system and national and international perspectives on women's political participation.

Please send Application for position to Anne Gibney at anneg@nwci.ie before 5pm on 8th October 2010.