Political lobbyist

Job description

Political lobbyists initiate changes to law and policy at all levels of the political world. They typically work as public affairs consultants on behalf of private companies, charitable organisations or governments, and use their knowledge of current affairs to advise their clients on how to promote and protect their interests.

They act as intermediaries by assisting clients in advancing their interests with politicians and administration at all levels, EU, national, regional and local.

Lobbyists in Ireland can work as ‘public affairs’ specialists in the big public relations companies.

Alterrnatively, they are full-time employees of big organisations who specifically target decision-makers in their field of interest. They include private companies, professional groups such as the chambers of commerce and the Law Society, trade unions and NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Social Justice Ireland (formally CORI).

Work activities

• Researching, forecasting, monitoring and evaluating the effects of public policy on an organisation through public sources and political intelligence.
• Counselling clients, assessing cases and helping them to make representations.
• Promoting and protecting organisations' interests through responses at EU, national and local levels, to influence policy decisions both directly and indirectly.

Work conditions

Travel: a frequent part of the working day and absence from home at night will also be also be required. Working hours: can involve long and unpredictable hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Location: mainly in larger towns or cities throughout the country.
Opportunities for self-employment: possible.

Typical employers

• Public affairs divisions of major PR firms
• NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Social Justice Ireland
• Semi-state companies such as ESB
• Professional groups such as the Law Society
• Trade unions.

Career development

There is potential for career development. Promotion is usually to senior lobbyist management or self-employment as well as the possibility to transfer between employment sectors. With experience, freelance work may be possible.

Entry requirements and training

Open to non-graduates and graduates of any discipline.

Other relevant degree subjects

• Economics
• Journalism
• Law
• Politics
• Public administration
• Public relations.

Postgraduate study

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not normally a requirement but can be an advantage and shows commitment if taken in an area such as journalism or politics.

Training

Most training takes place on the job.

Skills and qualities

• Knowledge and understanding of political lobbying and public affairs.
• Awareness of current affairs and a passion for finding out new information.
• Knowledge of how communication operates within and across various political, business and public and government contexts and cultures.
• Capacity for critical, analytical and independent thinking.
• Critically reflective skills necessary for continuing professional development.
• Excellent research and project management skills.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Self-confidence and ability to network effectively.
• Excellent presentation and IT skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent organisational, scheduling and planning skills with the ability to juggle different priorities and meet deadlines.
• Achievement orientated and results driven.

Further information

Labour market information

Lobbying is a growing industry and continues to burgeon. It is now a multi-billion euro industry employing tens of thousands of people.

Website carrying job advertisements

www.prii.ie
www.ciprjobs.co.uk
www.prcajobs.org.uk
www.prweek.com/uk/home

Professional bodies

Public Relations Institute of Ireland
Public Relations Consultants Association (Ireland)
Chartered Institute of Public Relation (CIPR) Northern Ireland
Public Relations Consultants Association (UK)

Further sources of information

The FrontLine guide to a career in PR
PR Week
Irish political lobbying: who's who and how does it work?