The Rediscovery Centre is the national centre for the circular economy in Ireland; an internationally recognised creative movement connecting people, ideas and resources to support low carbon living.  

Sustainability is at the core of the Rediscovery Centre, which brings together the multidisciplinary skills and expertise of staff, collaborators and supporters to shape and enable more connected, resilient and equitable communities in the face of climate breakdown. The Rediscovery Centre’s vision for a society that is fair, inclusive and thrives within natural resources has underpinned our strategic goals for almost 20 years. Through providing lifelong learning, demonstrating circularity, collaborating and advocating for change, the Centre is addressing and creating long lasting solutions to current social, environmental and economic challenges. 

For more information on our work, please see www.rediscoverycentre.ie.  

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.  

We are looking for an experienced Research Officer with strong project management, analytical, strategic-thinking and relationship skills. The role involves working on projects with academic, industry & policy partners to develop the circular economy within Ireland and internationally. Reporting to the Head of Research, the Research Officer will develop, implement and manage research projects that support the centre’s strategy and social enterprise activity. This role is part of an expansion of the Rediscovery Centre’s research and policy division, which will ensure research and knowledge is at the heart of everything we do and enable us to better drive the development of the circular economy in Ireland.  

The Research Officer will work closely with a dedicated team and their tasks will include but not be limited to: Duties will include but are not limited to:  

• Supporting the investigation and creation of funding opportunities for research within Ireland and the EU in support of circular economy objectives, including preparing project proposals, funding applications and submissions for awards 
• Project management & administration for research projects and campaigns including:
  • Project planning and execution 
  • Primary and secondary data collation and analysis 
  • Stakeholder management  
  • Internal & external communications including preparation of technical reports, guidelines and other outputs 
  • Delivery of oral and written communications  
• Marketing and communicating research on the circular economy including: 
  • Supporting dissemination of research results through the centre, at conferences and through training events within Ireland and the EU 
  • Promotion of research on websites, social media and in printed material including articles, brochures and newsletters 
  • Representing the Centre from time to time on national platforms / representative bodies, at meetings, conferences & 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 degree or masters level 
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in research and/or business development 
• Project management experience and ability to demonstrate skills 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 marketing and dissemination of research 

Desirable: 

• Previous experience of working on EU projects 
• Proven expertise in Circular Economy related topics such as, 
  • Thematic areas such as food waste, textiles, furniture, bicycles, electronics, bioeconomy  
  • Behavioural change & Communications  
  • Social economy,  jobs and skills 
  • Any other related special areas of interest. 

Skills, Personal Attributes & Interests  

• Strong project management skills  
• Keen interest and knowledge of circular economy, environmental issues and/or social enterprise 
• 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, manage multiple projects and meet multiple deadlines. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of an organisation and within the EU. 
• Proficient in the use of IT and programmes including Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Project (desirable), Google (Docs, Sheets & Slides), etc.