IFUT is inviting applications from interested persons for the role of Union Official. Those interested should apply with a full CV setting out their experience and skills to GeneralSecretary@ifut.ie

Applications must be received no later than 4pm on Friday, 25th of October 2024.  A short-list of Applicants will be formed and invited for interview in November with an expectation that the successful candidate will commence in the role in early 2025.

Further information on the role is available on request from the General Secretary’s office by e-mail at GeneralSecretary@ifut.ie

Overview

IFUT is a membership-led union, committed to advocating for the rights of academic professionals and promoting higher education and research. We champion academic freedom and seek to address critical issues such as precarious employment and the underfunding of the higher education sector.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join our team as a full-time, permanent Union Official. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to IFUT’s mission by supporting and representing our members, and driving the Federation’s broader objectives, including our campaigns to improve employment conditions and secure sustainable funding for the sector.

About the Role

As a Union Official, you will work closely with the General Secretary and the wider IFUT team. Your primary focus will be on providing advice, advocacy, and representation to individual members. You will also engage with employers, industrial relations bodies, and external stakeholders to advance IFUT’s objectives.  Your normal place of work will be the IFUT office in Dublin, you will regularly attend meetings in workplaces and at the WRC / Labour Court etc. as required.

In addition to direct representation, you will play a key role in promoting IFUT’s values through media outreach, campaigns, and educational initiatives such as courses and webinars aimed at professional development for our members. You will contribute to 

union-wide projects, including our ongoing campaigns to improve funding in higher education and tackle precarious employment in academia.

Key Responsibilities

• Member Support and Representation: Provide high-quality advice, support, and representation to individual IFUT members. This includes local representation with employers and advocacy before third-party bodies such as the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

• Industrial Relations: Engage in negotiations and dispute resolutions on behalf of members. Represent IFUT in its interactions with employers and key stakeholders.

• Campaigning and Advocacy: Contribute to IFUT’s ongoing campaigns, including addressing precarious employment and underfunding in higher education. Actively promote IFUT’s objectives, including the protection and promotion of academic freedom, in both national and international contexts.

• Communication and Media: Take an active role in enhancing IFUT’s visibility by engaging with traditional and social media to promote key messages and campaigns.

• Organisational Leadership: Contribute to IFUT’s strategic planning and help shape its policies and direction. Ensure a cohesive approach to workplace issues, while also collaborating on union-wide projects and initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential Attributes

• Proven experience in industrial relations and trade union representation, with a track record of engaging industrial relations bodies such as the WRC and Labour Court.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to build positive relationships with members, branches, and external bodies.
• A commitment to working collaboratively within a flexible and dynamic team.

Desirable Attributes:**

• Experience working with the public sector is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the higher education structure in Ireland and the issues affecting academic professionals.
• A passion for promoting and protecting academic freedom and supporting higher education.
• Experience in advocacy, particularly within the academic or education sector.
• A proven ability to contribute to public-facing campaigns and advocacy work, especially around employment and funding issues in the education sector.

Diversity and Inclusion

IFUT welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on gender, marital or family status, age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or membership of any community. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting social justice, equality, and inclusivity within the higher education sector.

Travel Requirements

The role will require regular travel within Ireland, and occasional international travel to engage with cognate bodies or attend relevant conferences and meetings. A full driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.  Travel and subsistence payments will be made in line with Civil Service rates and conditions.