Purpose of the Role
To help deliver AONTAS’ current research initiatives and support the continuation the organisation’s capacity for research in the area of adult education as per the AONTAS Strategic Plan 2019-2022.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Research (Maternity Cover) will work directly with the CEO to help deliver AONTAS’ current research initiatives and build the organisation’s capacity for research in the area of adult education by:
Delivering Research
- Project managing all current research projects and initiatives (e.g. The National FET Learner Forum, The Adult Learner Journal, The CEN Census, etc.)
- Support the development of key research publications, ensuring all research outputs are developed to the highest standards
- Monitor all research outputs and budgetary spending, ensuring project is delivered to the agreed deadlines and budgets
- Communicate regularly with funders and key stakeholders to share project developments
Supporting Organisational Research Capacity
- Leading the research team to ensure each member meets all established KPIs for 2021-2022
- Collaborating with the AONTAS leadership team to ensure strategic initiatives are being met
- Collaborating with AONTAS’ advocacy team to ensure research is meeting key ongoing advocacy needs
- Working in collaboration with the Senior Research Officer, maintain all domestic and international partnerships with stakeholders in the NGO and academic sector to facilitate research exchanges and support ongoing project initiatives
Promoting AONTAS’ research profile
- Help grow the organisation’s reputation for distinctive and high-quality research on educational equality
- Attend conferences and dissemination events that will inform the organisation’s current research findings and inform the organisation’s future research
- Work with the AONTAS’ communications team to promote the organisation’s research initiatives
- Represent AONTAS research team at consultations and external advisory groups as needed
Contribute to AONTAS
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time, to provide for change. You will be required to perform such other duties as may reasonably be required of you by the Organisation.
At all times, operate to the highest professional, ethical and performance standards. This includes adapting effortlessly to changing circumstances in AONTAS and undertaking, surrendering or realigning any responsibility, within reason, the CEO requires.
Measures of Success
Effective administrative support for the successful implementation of the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum, the CEN Census, the Adult Learner Journal, and Learner Voice Initiatives.
The Head of Research manager is the CEO of AONTAS.
Requirements
Core Requirements
- Demonstrable experience of leading research, confidence with research and fieldwork techniques and a range of analysis
- Experience with supervision of staff or management role of researchers on projects
- Experience working in research designed for public policy and advocacy
- Track record of a range of publications for diverse audiences, including policy makers and the public
Required Experience
- PhD in the humanities or social science field (preferably in the area of education)
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including experience using software packages such as SPSS
- A minimum of one or more years working in the non-profit or public service sector
- Knowledge and experience in the adult and community education in Ireland
- Experience with public speaking and stakeholder engagement
- Ability to oversee and manage budgets connected to large-scale research projects
Personal Characteristics
- High level of professional responsibility and integrity
- Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple priorities
- Commitment to goals of educational equality and empowerment
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner
Benefits
This a full-time, specific purpose employment maternity cover contract for the duration of one year commencing May 2021. AONTAS offers a pension scheme with 10% of salary contributed by the employer. Employees are required to join the AONTAS pension scheme on completion of probation, contributing 5% of salary. There is a facility to pay Additional Voluntary Contributions. Annual Leave is 29 days. AONTAS is current