Ombudsman for Children’s Office
The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) is an independent statutory body, which was established in 2004 under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, as amended (2002 Act). The Ombudsman for Children is independent and directly accountable to the Oireachtas in relation to the exercise of his statutory functions under the 2002 Act. These functions are:
- to promote the rights and welfare of children
- to examine and investigate complaints made by or on behalf of children in relation to the administrative actions of public organisations that have, or may have, adversely affected a child.
Further information about this work is available on the OCO’s website at www.oco.ie.
OCO’s Participation and Rights Education Team
The OCO is seeking to recruit a Participation and Rights Education Officer who will work with the Participation and Rights Education team. The successful candidate will report to the Participation Lead and will work closely with the full Unit.
This role will be based at our Offices in Dublin 1.
Core areas of the Unit’s work include:
- the design and delivery of a children’s rights awareness programme for both children and adults. This is delivered in the Office and on an outreach basis
- designing and delivering dedicated initiatives to consult with children and to highlight their views and concerns
- supporting the OCO’s youth participation structures which work to advise and inform the office on issues of interest to and that effect children.
THE ROLE
The OCO invites applications from interested candidates for the position of Participation and Rights Education Officer.
Key Responsibilities:
Rights Education:
- To deliver on all elements of the OCO’s rights awareness and education programme for children and young people, in particular: - organising and facilitating rights education workshops for children and young people, both in the OCO’s offices and various locations around the country
- To assist with the delivery of the OCO’s rights awareness and education programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students at third level
Child Participation:
- To support and work closely with the OCO’s Participation Lead in implementing child participation projects within the OCO. This includes the YAP (Youth Advisory Panel) and any other additional participation projects overseen by the Participation Lead such as digital participation etc
- Support Transition Year students on work experience placements in the OCO
Consultations:
- To support and work closely with the OCO’s Consultation Lead in rolling out and implementing consultations with both targeted and general groups of children and young people from all around the country. Outside of our own internal participation structures consultations are the primary forum where we hear, take account of and highlight the experiences, views and ideas of children and young people
Stakeholder Engagement:
- To assist, as appropriate, with the implementation of initiatives by the Participation and Rights Education team to build capacity among public bodies in implementing child-friendly policies
- To contribute, as appropriate, to activities by the OCO to raise awareness of its role and statutory functions
- To assist in the process of building and maintaining strong working relationships with NGOs, schools, youth services, and other stakeholders to support participant recruitment and consultation delivery.
Participation Quality and Child Safeguarding:
- Contribute towards the implementation of best practice in the ethical, safe, and meaningful participation of children and young people, in line with child rights standards.
- Assist in the process of ensuring safeguarding protocols and consultation environments are both child friendly and safe.
Collaboration:
- Work effectively with the Head of Participation and Rights Education, both the Participation and Consultation Leads, and fellow Participation and Rights Education Officer in delivering on all elements of the Participation and Rights Education Unit, along with contributing to a healthy team culture
EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED
Essential Requirements: Candidates must satisfy, on the closing date for this competition, the following requirements:
- A qualification of at least level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications
- At least two years practice experience of working directly with children and young people in a professional capacity
- Possess the core competencies described as described in booklet.
People Skills
- Ability to work closely and constructively with colleagues on joint projects
- Actively share information, knowledge and expertise to help the team to meet its objectives
- Demonstrate good working practices and contribute to open, constructive discussions on work issues
Analysis and Decision Making
- Ability to source, analyse and evaluate information to promote the rights and welfare of children
Report Writing Skills
- Ability to write reports presenting complex information in an easily understood and accessible format for publication and for a variety of audiences, including children
- Possess strong computer skills with advanced skills in Word and Outlook, and a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite
Drive and Commitment
- Demonstrated commitment to the promotion of the rights and welfare of children
- Be self-motivating and committed to a high standard of work performance
Desirable:
- Knowledge and experience of digital and social media platforms
- Full, clean driver’s licence and access to a car
How to Apply:
https://www.ocojobs.com/
1. Download Candidate Information Booklet
Job Information booklet (Download)
2. Fill out and submit the application form before 12 noon on Jan 5th
