Research Officer (Fixed Term - 2 Year Contract)

About AONTAS

Established in 1969, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is a non-governmental membership organisation that promotes that value of adult learning and advocates for the rights of all adults to quality learning across the tertiary education system. We have an unwavering commitment to improving conditions for educationally disadvantaged adult learners. We offer solutions-focused advocacy that is evidence-based, drawing on research and our extensive initiatives that engage with adults who have returned to education. AONTAS is a highly respected and connected non-governmental organisation at national and international levels.

AONTAS is committed to providing a voice for adult learners based on our vision of learning as being truly lifelong, and takes account of the myriad benefits of learning to health, personal development, social engagement and community development. AONTAS advocates for an inclusive, learner-centred lifelong learning system that enables adults to have a meaningful learning experience.

Description

AONTAS is seeking to recruit a Research Officer (Full-Time, 5 days per week, 35 Hrs per week, 2 year fixed-term contract). This role’s primary purpose is to deliver AONTAS’s research agenda by developing high-quality, learner-centred research and supporting the administration and dissemination of all learner research initiatives.

AONTAS seeks to develop high-quality, learner-centred research to support its advocacy for educational equality and social inclusion in adult education. A commitment to social justice, adult learning and educational equality is essential for all the AONTAS staff team.

Reporting to the Head of Research, the Research Officer will collaborate with the Research Team to deliver the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum, to develop Learner Voice research, to disseminate research findings and to support key stakeholders, including learners, to participate in AONTAS events.

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.

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

Applications

Closing Date: 4th September 2024 at 5:00pm

Interview schedule: Interviews will take place on Friday 13th September 2024

Interview activity:

Candidates invited for interview will be asked to prepare a presentation. This must be submitted by the indicated deadline.

Please submit:

·        A cover letter (max 2 pages) that outlines your relevant experience and potential contribution to this role

·        A curriculum vitae

·        Responses to the questions in the application

If these three parts are not submitted, it will be considered an incomplete application. Responses using Generative AI are not permitted.

AONTAS is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please let us know if we can provide you with further information or make reasonable adaptions to this process, to suit your needs.

Candidates applying for this position, must have the right to work in Ireland.

Last updated on Aug 2, 2024