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: 

• 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 3years’ 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:
  • Behavioural change & Communications 
  • Thematic areas such as food waste, textiles, furniture, bicycles, electronics, bioeconomy 
  • 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), MSProject (desirable), Google (Docs, Sheets & Slides), etc.

Note for Applicants 

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

The salary scale for this role is €32,267- €49,064, commensurate with experience and benchmarked to the 2023 Civil Service higher pay scale for Executive Officer. It is imagined that the successful candidate will enter employment at point two on that scale. 

This is a full time fixed term contract for 24 months, five days over seven, with a probationary period of 3 months. The contract may be extended based at employer’s discretion. 

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.