Irish Language Advocacy Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly globalized world, the importance of preserving cultural diversity, including languages like Irish, cannot be understated.

Culture continues to evolve, and with each new generation, the need for passionate individuals who can promote, protect, and propagate our linguistic heritage grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Irish Language Advocacy Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker eager to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of language advocacy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made Irish Language Advocacy Officer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Irish Language Advocacy Officers work towards the promotion, protection, and preservation of the Irish language in various capacities.

They liaise with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to create inclusive language policies, increase Irish language usage, and raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity.

The main duties and responsibilities of an Irish Language Advocacy Officer include:

• Promoting the use of the Irish language within the community and wider society
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies and projects to increase the use of the Irish language
• Liaising with schools, universities, and other educational institutions to encourage the teaching and learning of Irish
• Working with government agencies to ensure the rights of Irish speakers are respected and protected
• Organizing Irish language events and activities, such as festivals, workshops, and competitions
• Preparing and delivering presentations to raise awareness about the Irish language and its cultural significance
• Developing and maintaining relationships with Irish language organizations and communities
• Researching and reporting on the status of the Irish language, including its usage, attitudes towards it, and any challenges it may face
• Advocating for inclusive language policies that support the use and development of the Irish language
• Providing advice and support to individuals and organizations seeking to use or promote the Irish language

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Irish Language Advocacy Officer to promote and advocate for the use and recognition of the Irish language.

The candidate will work closely with communities, organizations, and government bodies to enhance the status and quality of the Irish language.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of the Irish language, its culture, and the issues surrounding its use.

They should be passionate about promoting and preserving the language and be familiar with the legislative frameworks that protect it.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing strategies to promote the Irish language
• Working with communities and organizations to create opportunities for the use of Irish
• Advocating for the recognition and use of Irish in governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Building relationships with key stakeholders to further the use of Irish
• Organizing events and initiatives to promote the Irish language
• Monitoring and reporting on the status and quality of the Irish language in different sectors
• Identifying potential funding opportunities for Irish language programs
• Providing advice and support to individuals and organizations on the use of Irish

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in advocacy, community development, or a related field
• Excellent command of the Irish language, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of the legislative frameworks surrounding the Irish language
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in project management and event organization
• Bachelor’s degree in Irish Studies, Community Development, or related field preferred

 

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Healthcare plan
• Travel expenses
• Opportunities for professional development
• Annual leave
• Flexible working hours

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Irish Language Advocacy Officer
• Work Environment: Office-based with frequent travel to communities and organizations. Some remote work may also be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Irish Language Advocacy Manager.
• Salary: Salary will be based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, Country] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Irish Language Advocacy Officer Do?

An Irish Language Advocacy Officer often works for governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, or educational institutions where the promotion of the Irish language and culture is a primary goal.

Their role involves advocating for the rights and needs of Irish language speakers.

This includes lobbying for policy changes, facilitating the use of the Irish language in public and private spheres, and working with community stakeholders to promote and increase the visibility and use of the language.

They design, implement, and oversee programs that encourage the learning and use of Irish.

They often work with educators to develop curriculum materials and to organize workshops, events, and other learning opportunities focused on the Irish language.

In addition, they may work in public relations, creating campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Irish language, and highlighting its cultural and historical significance.

They also play a role in networking and building relationships with other organizations and communities that can help support their advocacy efforts.

This includes working with media outlets, organizing events, and conducting public speaking engagements to promote the Irish language.

An Irish Language Advocacy Officer also typically tracks and analyses trends in Irish language use and attitudes toward the language, often using this information to guide their advocacy efforts and to measure the effectiveness of their programs.

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Qualifications and Skills

An effective Irish Language Advocacy Officer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Proficiency in Irish (Gaelic) language including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Knowledge and understanding of the cultural and historical context of the Irish language and community.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of individuals and groups, including community members, government officials, and educational institutions.
• Advocacy skills to promote the usage and recognition of the Irish language at various levels.
• Ability to organize and conduct public speaking events, workshops, and presentations about the Irish language.
• Leadership and team working skills to coordinate with different stakeholders, organizations, and groups to achieve common goals.
• Research skills to gather and analyze data related to the use of the Irish language in different sectors.
• Planning and project management skills to develop and implement Irish language promotion strategies and campaigns.
• Knowledge of policy-making processes and the ability to influence and contribute to the development of policies related to the Irish language.

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Experience Requirements

For an Irish Language Advocacy Officer, the experience typically required would include a significant amount of time working in language advocacy, language education, or a related field.

Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of the Irish language, culture, and history, which could be gained through a degree in Irish Studies, Linguistics, or a related field.

Alternatively, this understanding could be gained through personal or professional experiences that have required a deep engagement with Irish language and culture.

At least 1-2 years of experience working in an advocacy role is generally required, which could include working for a non-profit organization, a government body, or other community group.

This experience should demonstrate an ability to effectively advocate for the Irish language and its speakers.

Candidates with experience in policy making, program development, or other forms of strategic planning will have an advantage.

This could be gained through roles such as a Policy Officer, Program Manager, or Community Development Officer.

Those with more than 3 years of experience in these areas are likely to have developed strong networks within the Irish-speaking community and may have experience managing and leading teams or projects.

Finally, a candidate with more than 5 years of experience will have a proven track record in advocacy, strategic planning, and community engagement.

They may be ready for senior-level positions or roles that require a high degree of leadership and responsibility.

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Education and Training Requirements

An Irish Language Advocacy Officer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a field such as linguistics, language studies, cultural studies, communication, or a related field.

A profound understanding and fluency in the Irish language is a fundamental requirement.

Many positions require the candidate to be bilingual, with a solid comprehension of both Irish and English.

In-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and societal role of the Irish language is essential.

This knowledge can be gained through formal education, personal study, or experience in related roles.

Some positions might require a master’s degree in Irish language studies or a related field, particularly for roles with a higher degree of responsibility or those that involve policy-making.

Certifications in Irish language proficiency, such as those from Foras na Gaeilge or another recognized language institution, could enhance a candidate’s profile.

Finally, experience in advocacy, community engagement, policy development, or similar roles could be advantageous.

This can be obtained through internships, volunteering, or previous employment.

Continuing education and staying abreast of changes in language policy and advocacy strategies is crucial for those in this role.

Many Irish Language Advocacy Officers pursue advanced courses, seminars, or workshops to hone their skills and stay updated on relevant issues.

Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are crucial, as is the ability to build relationships with different stakeholders, from community members to government officials.

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Salary Expectations

An Irish Language Advocacy Officer can expect to earn an average salary of approximately €40,000 (Euros) per year.

The actual salary can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size of the organization they work for, and the location of their job.

Additionally, those who have specialized skills or advanced degrees in the field may be able to command higher salaries.

 

Irish Language Advocacy Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Irish Language Advocacy Officer need?

An Irish Language Advocacy Officer should have excellent command of both the Irish and English languages.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively advocate for the Irish language.

It is also beneficial to have strong leadership, diplomacy, and negotiation skills to effectively influence policy decisions.

Knowledge of the Irish culture and history and a genuine passion for language preservation are also important.

 

Do Irish Language Advocacy Officers need a degree?

While not strictly necessary, a degree in Irish Studies, Linguistics, or a related field can be beneficial in this role.

It’s more important that the candidate have fluency in the Irish language and a clear understanding of language policy and advocacy.

Some roles may require prior experience in advocacy or policy-related positions.

 

What should you look for in an Irish Language Advocacy Officer resume?

A resume for this role should demonstrate excellent command of the Irish language, either through formal qualifications, professional experience, or a combination of both.

Evidence of successful advocacy work and an understanding of language policy would also be favorable.

Look for clear evidence of strong communication and negotiation skills, and a genuine passion for the Irish language and culture.

 

What qualities make a good Irish Language Advocacy Officer?

A good Irish Language Advocacy Officer should have a deep passion for the Irish language and culture.

They should have strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to build relationships with key stakeholders and influence policy decisions.

An effective advocacy officer should be persuasive, resilient, and diplomatic, with the ability to articulate the importance of language preservation.

They should also show initiative, be organized, and have strategic planning skills.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Irish Language Advocacy Officer?

Hiring an Irish Language Advocacy Officer can be challenging due to the specific skill set required, including fluency in the Irish language and experience in advocacy or policy work.

However, with an effective recruitment strategy that reaches out to the right platforms, it is possible to find candidates who are passionate about the Irish language and have the necessary skills and experience.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an Irish Language Advocacy Officer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about speaking Irish.

It’s about shaping the linguistic landscape, one Gaelic phrase at a time.

With our expertly curated Irish Language Advocacy Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a difference.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every Irish phrase is a part of the broader language revival.

Let’s shape this linguistic future. Together.

How to Become an Irish Language Advocacy Officer (Complete Guide)

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