JOB DETAILS 

Title: Research Coordinator for Community Based Health in Justice 

Duration: 3 Days per week April-December (with possible extension) 

Salary: 27k per annum 

Reporting to: Community based Health & First Aid Programme Manager 

Location: Hybrid, office location in Dublin 7 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

The Irish Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The IRC is committed to and bound by its Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The vision of the Irish Red Cross is to be a leading humanitarian organisation, providing impartial services and support to vulnerable communities at home and abroad. Our mission is to identify and deliver humanitarian assistance to those who are most in need.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE 

The Community Based Health in Justice Programme has been operating since 2009 in Irish Prisons under a partnership between the Irish Red Cross (IRC), the Irish Prison Service (IPS) and the Education and Training Boards (ETB). The programme has been successful in improving health & well being in Irish prisons through mobilisation and empowerment of inmate volunteers. As a result, the programme has won numerous awards both Nationally and Internationally which recognise the approach as a model of excellence in addressing public health in prisons. Each year groups of inmates develop knowledge and skills to promote the health, wellbeing and safety of their prison communities through peer-to-peer education and advocacy. During this period, the action research framework on which the programme is based has included ongoing evaluative activities including university-connected research. The key role of this position is to coordinate research and evaluation activities that assist in consolidating evidence-based practices of the programme nationally and internationally. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Review past and present evaluation studies, research activities and academic partnerships.

• Compile a report detailing the recommendations identified in research carried out to date, outlining actions already taken to address these, as well as further actions required.

• Assist the programme manager with consultations with relevant stakeholders to progress the identified recommendations which have not been addressed. 

• In consultation with the Programme Manager, identifies areas for research and evaluation studies to further demonstrate impact. 

• Identify quantitative and qualitative measurement tools that assist in demonstrating the impact of inmate volunteer project activities linked to operational targets. 

• Responsible for planning and overseeing impact measurement for a project being rolled out in ONE prison 

• Contribute to writing Programme reports and evaluations. 

• Acts as the IRC Coordinator with the Longitudinal Study (2023-33) with the IPS Psychology Service and the academic lead, School of Psychology, University College Cork. 

• Supervise data collection, storage and analysis of impact measurement activities ensuring that all Research Ethics requirements are met. 

• In consultation with the Programme Manager, seek out new University links to benefit the development of IRC Facilitators of the Prison to Community Project. 

• Represents the IRC at prison graduations when required 

• Responsible for reporting to the Programme Manager, any issues that arise that might bring the Red Cross emblem into disrepute. 

• Attends monthly team meetings & quarterly Interagency meetings 

• Submits monthly workplans to programme manager 

• Provides support to the Programme manager in the implementation of the IRC strategic plan 

• Provides biannual reports to the Programme manager on the progress of the Key performance Indicators identified for the role

• Undertake any other reasonable work-related duties that are consistent with the nature of the job and level of responsibility 

ROLE REQUIREMENTS 

Essential Criteria 

• Degree Psychology or other related discipline 

• Experience in research-based activities, study design, data collection, analysis and report writing 

• Experience of performing qualitative research using a range of methodologies 

• Experience of analyzing qualitative data using a range of sources 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to the audience 

• Able to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to work collaboratively to achieve objectives

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team 

• Be flexible and adaptable to a working environment of continuous change

Desirable Criteria 

• A postgraduate qualification in Research Methods or other relevant discipline 

• Experience of conducting research in complex settings or with marginalized groups 

• Knowledge of action research methodologies and their application 

• Knowledge of the CBHFA programme 

• Holds an Irish Driving Licence 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

The Irish Red Cross is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications for people from all sections of the community, irrespective of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveller community. In addition, this role specifically welcomes application from individuals who have had experience within the criminal justice system. 

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in Ireland.

Research-Coordinator.pdf