Purpose of Role: To provide research, administrative, and policy support to the delivery of learner research initiatives including the deliver of the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum.
Key responsibilities
The Research Officer (Learner Initiatives) will work directly with the Head of Research to deliver the organisations learner research initiatives by:
Supporting the Delivery of the National FET Learner Forum
- Working with the Project Officer and Research Officer (Learner Voice) to deliver all National FET Learner Forum events.
- Developing reports from all regional and national FET Learner Forum events.
- Delivering and analysing large-scale learner survey data.
- Designing effective reporting structures for learners and key stakeholders in the adult learning sector.
- Collaborating with AONTAS communications team to ensure the broad experiences of adult learners and best practices are shared through a range of platforms.
Supporting the Delivery of Learner-Informed Publications
- Working with the AONTAS Advocacy Team to develop learner-informed policy papers.
- Expanding the delivery of all Forum learner research into top quality academic and policy outputs.
- Ensuring AONTAS learner research responds to emerging learner needs.
Collaborating with stakeholders to promote and expand learner research initiatives
- Presenting AONTAS learner research work at national and international events.
- Publishing AONTAS learner research work in national and international peer-review publications.
- Attending policy and research events related to AONTAS learner-research initiatives.
- Supporting the delivery of new learner research initiatives.
Contribute to AONTAS
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. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time, to provide for change.
Measures of Success:
Effectively provide administrative and research support for the implementation of the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum and other AONTAS learner voice activities.
Requirements
Core Requirements
- A Level 9 Degree or higher on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications is essential, preferably in the field of social science
- Experience in research analysis, report development, and publications
- Experience in academic editing and/or editorial work
- Experience working developing research for policy initiatives
- Knowledge of and/or experience in the further/adult/community education sector
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Proficient in research database management and Microsoft Office packages
Required Experience
- Experience in the development and delivery of large-scale mixed methods research
- Strong written and interpersonal skills
- Experience with public speaking and stakeholder engagement
- Proven ability to meet targets and work to deadlines among a team setting
- Peer-review publication history
Personal Characteristics
- Commitment to goals of educational equality and empowerment
- High level of professional responsibility and integrity
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and multi-task
- Strong organisations skills and personal initiative
- An eye for detail
- Ability to work effectively on a team to deliver common objectives
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner
Benefits
This a temporary (fixed term) employment contract for 24 months. A probation period of six months will apply. AONTAS offers an attractive pension scheme. AONTAS provides an income protection scheme for staff. Annual leave is 23 days. The AONTAS Office is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. However, the AONTAS team is currently working remotely until the end of 2021; thereafter this role will move to a hybrid-working model between online and in-person.
Line Manager: The Research Officer’s direct line manager is the Head of Research. Ultimate reporting is to the CEO of AONTAS.
Location: AONTAS, 2nd Floor, 83-87 Main Street, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (Currently remote)
Applications
The closing date for applications for this role is Thursday 26th August 2021 at 5.00pm.
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