Programme Officer (Fixed Term)

About Taighde Eireann - Research IrelandTaighde Eireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Research Ireland will drive world class research and innovation in Ireland, funding research and innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others. Across a variety of programmes and activities, Research Ireland supports engagement and funding success in Horizon Europe for Ireland-based researchers, from early-career to advanced stage. Programmes such as the Marie Curie Sklodowska Actions are key drivers of Ireland's overall success in Horizon Europe, funding international and intersectional mobility for early-career researchers in all disciplines.Reporting to the Programme Lead, this role will provide the research community with all elements of administrative support for the MSCA and other such awards and the key functions of the role will include: Role requirementsAssist the Programme Lead as required in the delivery of services to meet key goals, including maximizing the contribution to Ireland's Horizon Europe funding targets. Gather, analyse, and apply data on participation in Horizon Europe to strengthen and expand successful Irish involvement. Coordinate, at the administrative level, with other NCPs and funding bodies to ensure comprehensive dissemination and maximize added value for researchers across Horizon Europe programmes. Provide administrative support the Programme Lead in order to raise the national and international profile of awards. Support the Programme Lead to enhance visibility and engagement within the technological higher education sector, by liaising with the administrative stakeholders of the key institutions and the Technological Higher Education Association. Support the Programme Lead to expand participation through fostering awareness and collaboration with civil society organisations and stakeholders. Provide the necessary administrative support to the Programme Lead to increase enterprise sector engagement through leveraging State Agencies such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Drive optimal uptake of COFUND by providing effective administrative and knowledgeable support to applicants in these co-financing doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship programmes. Regularly liaise with research officers/managers in RPOs to promote participation, especially in currently underrepresented sectors. In conjunction with the Programme Lead, provide all necessary support to RPOs in developing and implementing of plans that increase award involvement. Provide expert administrative guidance to prospective applicants to help them create competitive proposals. Deliver targeted, scheme-specific training and workshops across all award actions ahead of key deadlines, contributing to a robust support system that includes webinars, 'Train the Trainer' workshops, support materials, and proposal-writing sessions. Assist with proposal pre-evaluation, providing timely, constructive feedback. Offer applicants guided administrative advice and insights on evaluation outcomes, including guidance on redress and resubmission. Advise successful applicants during implementation phase. Address detailed and general award inquiries in collaboration with the Programme Lead. Collaborate with the EURAXESS Ireland office, based at the IUA, to provide researchers with guidance and support, where applicable, on mobility and career development. To support delivery of the 2026 Annual Award Conference (Ireland)Provide support to the Programme Lead on the finalisation of the application to the European CommissionContribute to the development and finalisation of a Research Ireland comprehensive project plan for the conference, including reporting of progress against key targets and milestonesSupport the Programme Lead on conference delivery, implementation and evaluation as appropriate, collectively ensuring an excellent attendee experience. Essential criteria:Hold an undergraduate degree qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent. A minimum of four years' relevant experience with emphasis on research funding / support. Proven experience of project management from ideation to design and delivery of the project. Candidates will be asked to demonstrate examples of where they played key roles in delivering projects. Experience of delivering projects with multiple stakeholder input. Proven ability of building effective relationships across multiple stakeholder groups. Demonstrable initiative to drive projects to delivery. Ability to represent Research Ireland credibly and effectively in external fora. Ability to manage a diverse workload and deliver high quality completed projects to tight deadlines. Excellent organisational, financial and administrative skills. Desirable criteria:Knowledge of the Irish research and education systemsEvent management skills; including relevant Health and Safety managementA track record in identifying EU funding opportunities and effectively defining and reviewing proposals to secure funding. Familiarity with the award Actions and Framework Programmes, showcasing an understanding of key EU initiatives. A background in collaborating with the technological higher education sector to drive research advancements. Knowledge of the contractual requirements and implementation of Horizon Europe awards. Experience working with and contributing to EU networks, enhancing collaborative opportunities. Key Competencies:Project Management Specialist Knowledge and Expertise Analysis and Decision Making Teamwork Initiative and Creativity Interpersonal and Communication Skills Application Process:To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential. Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 10th December 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.SalaryThe salary scale for the position is €52,026 to €74,725 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension.Please note that Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation.Please note that new entrants to the public sector will be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.Benefits29 days annual leave per annum, (+ 1 Organisation holiday day + 10 additional public holidays = 40 days). Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme) Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees. Subsidised canteen. Long term illness income protection. Additional InformationNote: A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the final interview stage. The Panel may be in place for a maximum period of between 6-12 months and may be used to either fill similar posts at the same grade that arise, or to progress panel candidates to an automatic final interview staged for less similar, same level roles, but placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position. The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65. Research Ireland currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model.Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@researchireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.