Exciting opportunity to join the ISSU team

Outline Job Specification

Irish Second-Level Students’ Union Limited

POSITION: STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

This outlines the post of the ISSU Student Engagement and Development who will steer the development of research, communications and membership engagement of the ISSU.SALARY: €24,000 pro rata p.a.CONTRACT LENGTH:  Reporting to the General Secretary and to be employed on a fixed-term contract of two years, confirmed after successful completion of a 6-month probation period - subject to funding.WORKING HOURS: 35.00 hours (on a flexi-time basis).  Occasional out-of-office hours may be required.OVERVIEW:They will manage the daily business of the Head Office of the ISSU and coordinate the execution of ISSU policy, and is tasked with increasing ISSU membership.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Liaising with schools and student councils to develop and expand the membership of the ISSU
• Maintain ISSU databases
• Coordinating Student Council consultation sessions
• Development of resources for student councils
• Updating and maintaining ISSU social media outlets
• Assisting the ISSU National Student Executive in fulfilling their remit
• Promotion of iConnect Card
• General administration
• Advocacy and representation
• Education policy research and report writing
• Organisational development

PERSON DESCRIPTION:

• A minimum of one year’s experience with a youth or student organisation;
• Enthusiasm and commitment to ISSU’s objectives;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent proven relevant experience;
• Some knowledge and experience of the Irish education system/voluntary/non-profit/youth work sector;
• Project management experience;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Comprehensive grasp of modern communication media;
• Motivated and driven;
• Demonstrable track record of building and developing relationships;
• Excellent copy writing, proofing, and information distribution skills;
• Excellence in communicating English in a variety of contexts;
• Excellent ICT proficiency;
• Demonstrate ability to work well in a team;
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• Attention to detail, especially in an online environment;
• Ability and initiative to work independently and as a self starter.

The position is based at ISSU’s national office in Dublin. Hours are based on a 35.00 hour week and 21 days of holidays p.a. This post involves travel within the state with time off in lieu of working evenings/at weekends.A high level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, responsibility and flexible, constructive engagement is required in carrying out these duties.The ISSU Child Protection Policy and Garda Vetting Procedures for the safeguarding of young people apply. The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is an equal opportunities employer. APPLICATIONS Applications should be in the form of a letter of application and CV. It should be submitted by email to recruitment@issu.ie with “STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER” in the subject line or post to: General SecretaryIrish Second-Level Students’ UnionISSU 9^th FloorLiberty HallDublin 1DEADLINE : 5pm on 2^nd September 2014 

Well done on your results!

PRESS RELEASE 13/08/2014

Well done on your results!

Irish Second-Level Students’ Union sends best wishes to class of 2014

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all examination candidates upon receiving their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results today.Speaking today, the ISSU President, Craig Mc Hugh said;"Regardless of what results lie in that envelope, remember all the dedication and hard work you put in, and that is what really counts.  The assessment methods in the Leaving Cert may not be tailored or suited to your best skill set, and if you are left in any way disappointed by your results, there are many ways into nearly every career path and now you can take your first steps.  I would like to congratulate everyone who sat the examinations; making through the final exam in school is in itself a major achievement and shows diligence and perseverance.  Be sure to take the opportunity to celebrate your five or six years of hard work."ISSU Education Officer, Joanna Siewierska added;“I would like to wish all students receiving their Leaving Cert results the very best of luck and I hope that all students are happy with how they get on. This can be a very stressful time but remember that this is just an exam and not the end of the world. For all of those worried about the results and their next steps please use the free phone helpline; 1800 265 165, which will be operated by guidance councillors for students and parents.”The ISSU urges students to use the National Parents’ Council post-primary (NPCpp) exam helpline (1800265165) to seek independent advice from qualified guidance counsellors if you are unsure of your options over the upcoming days.The ISSU is currently surveying students who have completed their Leaving Cert about their experience of the exams.  Students can complete ‘Leaving the Leaving Cert’ on issu.ie. *****************ENDS *****************Contact:Craig Mc Hugh, President: 086 270 8434, craig@issu.ieJoanna Siewierska, Education Officer: 085 702 7706, joanna@issu.ieISSU Office: 01-4434461, info@issu.ie Notes to Editor:The Irish Second-Level Students' Union is the national umbrella body for school Student Councils, aiming to representing and connecting Irish second-level students the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that the voice of the Irish second-level student is heard and striving for innovation and democracy within the education system. See www.issu.ie

Students' Union welcomes new Minister for Education

PRESS STATEMENT July 11th, 2014Students' Union welcomes new Minister for EducationThe ISSU today welcomes, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny’s announcement that Jan O’ Sullivan will be the new Minister for Education and Skills. The ISSU looks forward to engaging with the newly appointed Minister on all relevant issues that affect the Irish education system and the country’s second-level students.ISSU President, Craig McHugh, stated "Deputy O'Sullivan has the potential to make an excellent Minister for Education, and I would personally like to congratulate her on her promotion. We look forward to working with her, and are hopeful for continued innovation and progression as started by Minister Quinn over the past three years"."We hope to meet with the new Minister in the next few weeks and are hopeful that she will engage with and work with students as equal partners in Education".ISSU's, Education Officer, Joanna Siewierska said "I would like to congratulate Jan O'Sullivan on her appointment as Minister for Education and wish her the very best of luck. I am looking forward to working with her and the Department on key policy issues, and that she will engage working with us to increase students' participation in decision making. I look forward to meeting with her soon".*****************ENDS *****************

WANTED: Student Representatives for ETB Boards

We in the ISSU are delighted to have been asked by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, to be one of the nominating bodies for  each Education and Training Board (ETB).

We cannominate one male and one female who live in each ETB area, and the ETBs will meet before the end of July to decide which of the people nominated will be appointed to the Boards.

Postions on ETB boards are volutary but travel expenses are covered.  Meetings will generally be about every 2 months, and successful nominees will sit on the boards for 5 years.

To be considered for nomination, you must meet these criteria:

• Be living in the area of the relevant ETB;

• Be over the age of 18 on July 23rd;

• Be a current or relatively recent second-level student

• Ideally, you will have had some involvement in student councils or similar initiatives

What do I need to do?

Email your name, address and a brief background note to info@issu.ie before 5pm on Tuesday the 15th of July.

Statement on the Resignation of Ruairí Quinn as Minister for Education and Skills

PRESS STATEMENT July 2^nd, 2014 Irish Second-Level Students' Union Statement on the Resignation of Ruairí Quinn as Minister for Education and Skills  The ISSU notes Minister Ruairí Quinn’s announcement that he will resign as Minister for Education and Skills next week. Minister Quinn pioneered mainly vital and student-focused reforms to the education system which would likely not have been introduced by others due to their controversial nature but which were hugely important in improving the quality of Irish education and for this, the ISSU is very grateful. Minister Quinn has had a strong working relationship with the ISSU for a number of years both as a Minister, and as an opposition spokesperson before this. Minister Quinn was very supportive of the importance of student voice in second-level education, and much of the progress the ISSU has made in recent years would not have been possible without his support. ISSU Deputy President, Robert O’Donnell said; “I would like to thank Minister Quinn for his service in the Department of Education and skills, including his engagement with the ISSU. He showed great interest in the second-level Student movement and gave us a lot of help and support. I wish Minister Quinn all the best in the future.” ISSU Education Officer, Joanna Siewierska said; “We have really enjoyed working with Minister Quinn during his time in the Department of Education and Skills, and particularly appreciated the opportunities provided for students to engage with the Department on a number of issues, particularly in the past year when we conducted a study on the student experience of the Transition Year. On behalf of the ISSU I would like to wish him all the best in the future.”*****************ENDS *****************

Leaving Cert Japanese

Shahed - Higher Level

At long last, the final exam! Being the only student in the whole school felt very strange, to say the least.The exam wasn't too tough. There were three comprehension questions, with questions in both English and Japanese, and plenty of grammar questions. There were also two essay questions on either your birthday or Christmas day and also about your school. These were quite nice topics, so I was happy! The listening was after the written exam and there was nothing very difficult about it.Weird to think it's all over now... It flew by! I hope you all enjoy your summer!

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 Please note: this post reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union