AHEAD are Hiring: Research Administrative Assistant
AHEAD, established in 1988, is a non-profit organisation working on creating inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities. You can find more about what we do by watching this short video. You can also read AHEAD’s Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023 where you will find our values and strategic themes in order to achieve its vision of shaping an inclusive future where students and learners with disabilities can succeed.
Job Title: Research Administrative Assistant
Reports to: Employment Manager
Duration: This position is a fixed term contract until 31st July 2025 commencing as soon as possible.
Location: AHEAD operates a hybrid-working model for all employees, however this role is remote-first which means the successful candidate will work the majority of the time remotely.
Occasional travel will be required to attend meetings and events for the project which typically take place in Dublin or at AHEAD offices located within the UCD Smurfit Business School campus in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Hours: The successful candidate will work part-time 21 hours a week (spread of days negotiable). Hours will be agreed with the successful candidate however, flexibility is required for attending occasional out of hours events and meetings.
Deadline for Application: 10am Wednesday 31st January 2023.
Download the Job Specification
Nature and Scope
The Research Administrative Assistant will support the development of new national framework for inclusive employment based on international evidence and consultation with stakeholders. They will work closely with the Employment Manager and liaise with key stakeholders such as employers, policy makers, business representative organisations, disabled people’s organisations and people with disabilities.
The Research Administrative Assistant will be responsible for carrying out administrative tasks for the project as well as conducting desk-based research and recording and analysing data arising from consultation with stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Research
- Contribute and build on existing research for the project on topics concerning national and international good practice in inclusive employment environments.
- Contribute to consultation design and field work, in consultation with the Employment Manager.
- Record, analyse and write up the results of consultation exercises.
- Prepare and present findings of research and consultation activity to Employment Manager and stakeholders for review purposes.
Administration
- Liaise with a variety of stakeholders in setting up meetings, taking minutes and circulating to the groups.
- Event organisation which includes undertaking tasks such as sourcing and liaising with venues, arranging catering and accessibility accommodations
- Contribute to development of public facing promotional materials, and content for dissemination to stakeholders
- Produce regular reports for the Employment Manager on project activities.
Other Key Activities
- Participate in regular staff and team meetings, updating staff on work conducted and keeping them informed of project output.
- Keep abreast of relevant changes inclusive employment practices, research and legislation and report to the Employment Manager.
- Undertake other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Employment Manager.
Person Specification
Working Style
- The Research Administrative Assistant must be a self-directed individual, capable of working on their own initiative and have a commitment to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in education and employment in line with AHEAD’s values
Required Experience & Skills
- NFQ Level 8 qualification in social policy, social science, human rights, public policy or any other relevant discipline.
- Knowledge of research techniques and evidence of ability to analyse and write up data from focus groups and consultations.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to organise meetings, focus groups, consultation sessions and other research/consultation related activities.
- Demonstrated experience of strong ICT skills including use of excel for data analysis, word processing, formatting, PowerPoint creation, graph creation.
- An understanding of issues concerning inclusion of people with disabilities in employment..
- A very strong ‘team player’ ethic and willingness to help with day-to-day activities and work to support the team and other AHEAD staff during busy periods.
Desirable Experience & Skills
- Experience of working in the community and voluntary sector and/or in an area related to AHEAD’s work – inclusive practice, assistive technology, inclusive teaching and learning, disability support etc.
- Experience of managing events or workshops for research dissemination.
- Experience of designing consultation exercises
Salary and Additional Benefits
The salary range for this position is €34,531 to €38,315 pro rata (€20,718.60 to €23,010.60) and commensurate with AHEAD’s pay scale and experience.
AHEAD also offers the following benefits to all employees.
- Rewarding and flexible working environment
- Hybrid working and flexi-time
- Comprehensive needs assessment for employees with disabilities
- 25 days annual leave per annum (pro-rata)
- Company pension scheme after successfully completing probation
- Access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) covering a range of services such as nutrition, fitness, legal, financial and wellbeing supports in addition to free mental health counselling and coaching.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send complete a fully completed application form with a 2-page CV with the subject line, ‘Research Administrative Assistant’ to Angela Glancy angela.glancy@ahead.ie, by 10am, Wednesday 31st January 2024.
Please note, candidates will be shortlisted based on their application form only.
For shortlisted candidates, first round interviews will take place virtually the week commencing 12th February followed by a second round interview.
AHEAD is an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds. AHEAD will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities at recruitment stage and in the workplace as identified through our comprehensive needs assessment process.