Programme Officer

We are now recruiting for two permanent Programmes Officers. Applications are sought from highly organised and collaborative individuals.

Team Context

The Research for Society Directorate strengthens the connection between Ireland's research system and society by enabling research to inform public policy, improve public services, address societal challenges, and enhance public engagement with research. Through funding programmes, strategic partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, the Directorate supports researchers, policymakers, communities, and civic organisations to work together in generating and applying knowledge that delivers tangible benefits for Ireland. Work streams that fall within the remit of the Research for Society Directorate include Public Engagement, Research for Policy, Societal Challenges, Participatory Research and Partnerships, and Societal Initiatives of Scale. Two Level D positions are available in this round of recruitment working primarily, but not exclusively, within the areas of Public Engagement, and Participatory Research + Partnerships, respectively. Examples of current programmes within these areas include: ESERO Ireland (European Space Education Resource Office) is a national education initiative delivered by Research Ireland in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), using space to inspire STEM learning. It supports educators and learners through curriculum-linked resources, teacher training, and nationwide space and STEM public engagement activities. The Discover Funding Programme is Research Ireland's flagship public engagement funding programme, supporting organisations to develop and deliver projects that broaden public participation and engagement with research, innovation, and science. It funds inclusive, high-quality initiatives that connect researchers, communities, policymakers, and wider society. As Research Ireland continues to engage stakeholders in consultation on and development of new programmes and initiatives across all areas of research, the successful candidates will be expected to work across the full range of work streams on projects with cross-cutting themes working dynamically to address resource needs across the team.

Role Purpose

Programme Officers support the effective delivery, administration and monitoring of Research Ireland programmes, projects and partnerships. The role contributes to programme development, implementation, review, and stakeholder management, ensuring activities are delivered efficiently, in compliance with policies, and aligned with organisational objectives. The role operates with a moderate degree of autonomy, applying professional judgement within established procedures and under the guidance of more senior colleagues. Part of the role will be external facing, and the role holder will be expected to build strong relationships with researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to enhance the reach and impact of Research for Society initiatives. This role plays a key part in ensuring the delivery of impactful initiatives that align with the organisation's overarching mission for society.

Core Accountabilities

• Support the planning, delivery and administration of projects and programmes across the full lifecycle, from ideation to conclusion.
• Coordinate and support programme preparation, implementation, and review processes, including peer review and documentation as appropriate.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, deliverables, compliance, and reporting requirements inside and outside funding mechanisms.
• Coordinate inputs from internal teams and external stakeholders, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Organise meetings, reviews, workshops, and events and prepare associated materials and records.
• Maintain accurate and uptodate programme data, records, and reporting information.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of programme processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Operate in accordance with Research Ireland policies, governance, and quality standards.

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree
• 3 years relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail
• Sound project coordination or project management capability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyse information, solve problems and apply judgement appropriately
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Proficiency in standard office and information systems

Essential Competencies Delivering Excellence

• Pursuing Goals
• Organising
• Judgement
• Accountability

Innovation and Change

• Adapting to change
• Agile learning
• Strategic thinking
• Fostering Creativity
• Continuous Improvement

Working Together

• Self-leadership
• Supporting others
• Team working
• Coaching and developing others

Leading for Results

• Engaging and energising
• Persuading and convincing
• Resilience and wellbeing
• Leadership

Salary

The salary for this post will be €53071 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

Level D salary scale: €53,071 - €78,059 (inclusive of long service increments) with contributory superannuation (pension). Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Benefits

We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:

• Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)
• Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies
• Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen
• Life Insurance
• 29 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with service years)
• Learning and Development opportunities