Purpose of this role:

• To deliver AONTAS’s research agenda, in collaboration with the Research Team
• To support the delivery of all learner research initiatives, including the National FET Learner Forum
• To develop high-quality, learner-centred research engaging social justice, adult learning, and educational equality.
• To support the publication and dissemination of AONTAS learner research findings 
• To collaborate with the AONTAS Team on adult and community education initiatives and events. 

Key Responsibilities

Coordinating National Further Education and Training Learner Forum (NFLF):

• Working with colleagues to deliver inclusive, learner-centred Forum events 
• Providing overall logistical support to Forum events including (but not limited) to facilitator coordination; learner support; and event execution
• Designing effective reporting structures for learners and key stakeholders in the adult learning sector
• Communicating with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland as needed

Learner Voice Research:

• Working with colleagues to design, write and publish adult education research to a high standard
• Delivering mixed-method analysis of learner contributions, including survey analysis and qualitative data analysis
• Developing reports from all regional and national FET Learner Forum events
• Developing new adult learner research and peer-reviewed publications

Research Dissemination and Profile:

• Working with colleagues to grow AONTAS’s reputation for distinctive and high-quality research on educational equality
• Supporting planning and delivery of public events to showcase AONTAS research findings, including an annual national event
• Presenting AONTAS learner research work at national and international events
• Supporting AONTAS colleagues to draw on NFLF evidence base to develop learner-centred advocacy and policy papers.
• Collaborating with AONTAS communications team to ensure the broad experiences of adult learners and best practices are shared through a range of platforms

Supporting Key Stakeholders, including Learners:

• Supporting opportunities for adult learners to participate fully at all AONTAS events
• Contributing to all National FET Learner Forum Academic Expert group meetings
• Contributing to all National FET Learner Forum Advisory group meetings
• Attending events related to the advancement of learner voice in the adult education sector

Contributing 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 AONTAS. At all times, employees must operate to the highest professional, ethical, and performance standards.

Candidate Profile

Requirements:

• A Level 9 Degree or higher on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
• At least two years of demonstrable experience of working in humanities or social science research in a professional or academic setting (preferably in the areas of education, social inclusion, or community development)
• Expertise in social research and analysis, including quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis
• Expertise in report development and/or academic writing for publication
• Experience in event organisation and management

Preferred Experience:

• A demonstrable track record of research-based report development and/or peer-reviewed academic publication
• Experience with public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Experience working in FET and/or with marginalised adult learners
• Experience working in a non-governmental organisation
• In-depth knowledge of adult education in Ireland and the associated research landscape
• Access to a vehicle and a full clean driver's license

Personal Characteristics:

• Commitment to goals of educational equality, social justice, and empowerment
• High level of professional responsibility and integrity
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and multi-task
• 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

Measures of Success

• Contributing to the delivery of the AONTAS research agenda that results in new and responsive insights into conditions for learners, staff, and adult education providers.
• Ensuring all research activities are delivered to a high standard and on time.
• Supporting and implementing a strategic research approach with clear communication that is supported by staff and members.
• The AONTAS Team recognise this team member as a key source of information and knowledge and engage with them for key updates on advocacy and policy areas.
• A highly effective and collaborative team that works to the best of their ability. 

Points of Information

• The Research Officer reports directly to the Head of Research.
• The National FET Learner Forum hosts research events across the island of Ireland. Each forum event typically involves travel and an overnight stay. It is expected that the successful candidate will represent the organisation at meetings and events across the island of Ireland.
• This is not a new role. The successful candidate will join an established team.
• AONTAS has been in operation for over 50 years. We have more than 400 members across the island of Ireland including community education providers, Education and Training Boards, Higher Education institutions, NGOs, academics, learners, and others.
• AONTAS is a highly collaborative organisation, and all staff support AONTAS’ activities and work in a collaborative manner. 
  
  Benefits
• Hybrid Working Policy
• Attractive pension and income protection scheme for staff, after a successful probation period
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Equipment provided by AONTAS (laptop and phone for work use)
• Flexibility and support (for example, persons with additional/different needs, caring obligations or other)
• Funded professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to engage with and travel for EU programmes
• Funded conference fees
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• AONTAS office is easily accessible by public transport and has free on-site parking.
  
  Annual Salary
• The salary scale for this role is €35,000 - €36,555 - €39,700 - €42,800 - €44,370 - €46,900 - €49,110 - €50,216