Research Programme Manager

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. We believe in the power of research to create a better future for society, economy, and the environment in Ireland, and that research can be truly impactful when it is shaped and informed by the society it serves.Research for Society leads on programmes that fund individual-led research grants for researchers at all career stages, international partnership programmes and PhD training programmes. It leads on the development and delivery of a suite of challenge-based funding initiatives, including the 'National Challenge Fund', and also leads on the Public Service Fellowship, forging researcher-policymaker collaboration. In addition, it leads on the delivery of a broad portfolio of Education and Public Engagement initiatives and funding calls, including flagship activities such as Science Week.We are now recruiting for a Research Programme Manager to join the Individual-Led Research team within Research for Society on a specified purpose contract (12 months).This represents an exciting career opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high-impact research programmes.About the Role:In addition to managing pre-and post-award programme delivery activities, Research Programme Manager actively contribute to policy and strategy development. Excellent scientific, analytical, programme management and leadership skills are essential for Research Ireland to deliver an ambitious programme which funds excellent research with high impact.Key Responsibilities:Lead on the development and management of new and existing programme calls aligned to Research Ireland and national research strategies to enhance research and innovation capability in Ireland. Project management of large-scale long-term projects involving multiple cross-team members working to tight deadlines with many diverse, internal and external stakeholders Management of programme review processes including the review of proposals, preparation of review documentation, conducting internal and panel reviews and evaluations. Development of the post-award management and evaluation process for the awards. Management and monitoring of awards; organising and conducting site reviews and preparing associated reports, annual/final report evaluation, analysis and follow-up on issues. Budget management of complex multi partner programmes (pay and non-pay) and financial oversight of co-funded partnership awards including cost share and state aidConducting regular engagement with funded researchers and research teams to assess progress. Management of direct reports, and/ or training and mentorship of junior team membersExternal stakeholder engagement, including representing the agency on national and international fora, such as research strategy steering/ implementation groups. Development of innovative strategic initiatives and partnerships with external stakeholders, including those in the public and private sectors. Provision of technical consultancy to government agencies, departments, and external stakeholders. Work closely with the Corporate Communications, Strategy and Research Policy teams on programme calls and strategic initiatives. Essential Criteria:Hold PhD in any discipline. Have significant relevant experience, with a minimum of 3 - 5 years professional experience post PhD, ideally in academia or industry. Demonstrable strong research track record and knowledge of good research practice. Experience in research assessment/ international peer reviewDemonstrable excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in diverse stakeholder management. Possess excellent planning and programme delivery skills, including proven project management experience, with an ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution, with strong attention to detail. Experience of leading and motivating cross functional teams, including staff outside of formal reporting lines. Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment. Proven ability to deal with ambiguity through analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Have excellent collaboration skills and enjoy working in teams. Willingness to travel in order to deliver effectively on your role. Desirable criteria:Prior experience of developing partnerships and designing programmes would be an advantage. Experience in working within multi-/interdisciplinary research environments or direct experience of social science would be an advantage. Additional experience in some of the following areas would be very beneficial, in particular, for enterprise-facing and challenge-based funding roles - knowledge valorisation (including but not limited to knowledge transfer and commercialisation), innovation and entrepreneurship, engaged research, evidence for policy, and/or impact evaluation.