Working with the Rediscovery Centre offers you the opportunity to work in an environment dedicated to finding the solutions that address environmental and societal issues through adopting circular economy principles and practice.

Reporting directly to the Research and Policy Director, the Head of Research will lead the implementation of the research strategy, supporting the centre’s mission through providing an evidence base to inform circular economy policy and everyday practices within Ireland and internationally. The role involves working with academic, industry and policy partners. This is a pivotal role in the Rediscovery Centre as contributing to policy, research and knowledge is at the heart of everything we do and key to developing the circular economy in Ireland.

Research expertise, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, a can-do attitude and team working skills are essential. Flexibility with regard to time commitment is required with the expectation of occasional evening and weekend work.

The Role

Reporting to: Director of Research & Policy

Place of Work: Rediscovery Centre, Boiler House, Ballymun, Dublin 9, D09 HK58

Hours of Work: 5 days per week (with evening and weekend work as required)

Fixed term contract: 24 month fixed term contract, dependant on funding

The role will include but will not be limited to:

• Supporting the Research and Policy Director to develop and implement the centre’s research strategy, building on organisational expertise and responding to European and national research and policy developments
• Leading a team of professional research staff
• Informing research needs and supporting the translation of the Centre’s research into policy recommendations
• Building on, and developing, strong relationships with academic institutions, research performing organisations and industry partners to identify emerging research needs and collaboration opportunities
• Managing research project proposals, funding applications and submissions for awards at EU and national level
• Coordinating the team’s project management and administration for research projects
  including:
  • Internal & external communications & reporting
  • Stakeholder management
  • Delivery of oral and written communications
  • Financial control and budget management
  • Preparation of technical and financial reports
• Managing research staff resources effectively, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to achieve research strategy objectives
• Communicating research projects through key networks, conferences and journals within Ireland and the EU
• Representing the Centre on national platforms, representative bodies, at meetings, conferences and events
• Undertaking other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job

Role Requirements

Essential:

• A relevant third level qualification to masters level or higher
• Minimum of 4 years experience in research
• Minimum of 4 years project management experience and ability to demonstrate skills development within a similar role
• Experience in primary and secondary data collection/analysis
• Experience in writing funding proposals and working within the terms of such proposals
• Experience in dissemination of research
• Previous experience of building and managing effective project teams

Desirable

• Previous experience of working on EU or national projects related to circular economy

Skills, Personal Attributes & Interests

• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Keen interest and knowledge of environmental and / or social issues
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills including an ability to accurately analyse and interpret data to inform project decisions.
• Self-motivated, highly organised individual with ability to be flexible and meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of an organisation.
• Proficient in the use of IT and programmes including Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Project (desirable), Google (Docs, Sheets & Slides). Knowledge of Salesforce is desirable but not essential.

Terms and conditions of employment

Note: This summary is supplied for information only and does not constitute contractual terms.

This is a fixed-term full-time contract of service for 24 months, five days over seven, with a probationary period of 3 months. The contract is renewable, dependent on available funding.

The role is based at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, Dublin 9. Some work outside normal office hours and travel within the EU may be required from time to time.

Remuneration: circa €48,000 - 53,000 per annum.