INTRODUCTION TO AONTAS
OUR VISION: For all adults to achieve their educational aspirations
through an equitable lifelong learning system.
OUR MISSION: To advocate for the right of all adults in Ireland to
quality learning throughout their lives, and to promote the value and
benefits of lifelong learning.
OUR MEMBERSHIP: Growing membership of over **Apply on the website**
organisations and individuals committed to lifelong learning. Our
membership includes learners, tutors, and statutory, nongovernmental,
community, and voluntary organisations from across the island of
Ireland.
Established in **Apply on the website**, 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 educationally
disadvantaged adults. 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. Our _STRATEGIC PLAN: A VISION FOR EDUCATIONAL
EQUALITY (**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**)_ is informed by principles of
social justice, feminism, partnership, valuing diversity, advancing
equality and supporting social inclusion. We have expertise in
educational equality, and we advocate strongly for community education
as the most inclusive, yet underfunded, part of the education system.
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.
Over the course of **Apply on the website**, AONTAS will deliver our
Strategic Plan **Apply on the website**, _A Vision for Educational
Equality_. Our work centres on three goals: Learner Voice for Action,
a Thriving Community Education Sector, and Lifelong Learning for
Sustainability. This will be achieved through four key complementary
areas of work: Research, Capacity Building, Advocacy, and
Communications.
THE ROLE
POSITION: Head of Research.
LOCATION: This role is based in AONTAS, the National Adult Learning
Organisation, **Apply on the website** Main St, Ranelagh, Dublin 6,
D**Apply on the website** E0H1. AONTAS provides a flexible working
approach. Therefore, this role will allow for both at-home and
in-office working through a hybrid work model.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: AONTAS is looking for a person who is committed
to social justice to co-ordinate AONTAS? research initiatives and
support the continuation the organisation?s capacity for research in
the area of adult education as per the AONTAS Strategic Plan.
You will work with the CEO as part of the Leadership Team.
JOB DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Head of Research will work directly with the CEO to co-ordinate
AONTAS? current research initiatives and build the organisation?s
capacity for research in the area of adult education by:
DELIVERING RESEARCH
* Project managing all current research projects and initiatives
(e.g. The National FET Learner Forum, _The Adult Learner_ Journal,
community education research projects, etc.)
* Support the development of key research publications, ensuring all
research outputs are developed to the highest standards
* Monitor all research outputs and budgetary spending, ensuring
project is delivered to the agreed deadlines and budgets
* Communicate regularly with funders and key stakeholders to share
project developments
* Ensure AONTAS? advocacy work has a strong evidence-base to
inform and strengthen our representation and policy submissions at
national level
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONAL RESEARCH CAPACITY
* Leading the research team to ensure each member meets all
established KPIs for the year
* Collaborating with the AONTAS leadership team to ensure strategic
initiatives are being met
* Collaborating with AONTAS? advocacy team to ensure research is
meeting key ongoing advocacy needs
* Working in collaboration with the Senior Research Officer, to
maintain all domestic and international partnerships with stakeholders
in the NGO and academic sector, facilitating research exchanges and
supporting ongoing project initiatives
* Ensure all staff are informed of ongoing research work and key
findings
PROMOTING AONTAS? RESEARCH PROFILE
* Help grow the organisation?s reputation for distinctive and
high-quality research on educational equality
* Attend conferences and dissemination events that will inform the
organisation?s current research findings and inform the
organisation?s future research
* Attend conferences and dissemination events that will inform the
organisation?s current research findings and direct/guide the
organisation?s future research
* Work with AONTAS? communications team to promote the
organisation?s research initiatives
* Represent AONTAS research team at consultations and external
advisory groups as needed
LINE MANAGEMENT
The Head of Research direct line report is to the CEO of AONTAS.
CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPING AONTAS
At all times, operate to the highest professional, ethical and
performance standards. This includes adapting to changing
circumstances in AONTAS and undertaking, surrendering or realigning
any responsibility, within reason, the CEO requires. This list of
responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
* Effective administrative support for the successful implementation
of the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum,
community education research, the _Adult Learner Journal_, and Learner
Voice Initiatives
* A supportive and encouraging team environment with strong
communication, and positive working relationships.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
CORE REQUIREMENTS
* Demonstrable experience of leading qualitative or mixed-methods
research projects, confidence with research methodology and fieldwork
practice
* Experience in research analysis for action
* Experience with supervision of staff or management role of
researchers on different projects
* Experience working in research designed for public policy and
advocacy
* Track record of a range of publications for diverse audiences,
including policy-makers and the public
* Capacity and confidence to manage multiple ongoing projects
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
* Master degree in the social science or humanities field (preferably
in the area of education)
* Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including
experience using software packages such as SPSS and Excel
* A minimum of two or more years working in the NGO and/or public
service sector
* Knowledge and experience of the Irish adult and/or community
education sector
* Experience with public speaking and stakeholder engagement
* Ability to oversee and manage budgets connected to large-scale
research projects with proven project management experience
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
* High level of professional responsibility and integrity
* Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple
organisational/strategic priorities
* Commitment to goals of educational equality, social justice, and
empowerment
* Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and
stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner
* Proven communications skills, responsive and efficient in the
delivery of work
* Capacity to work in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders
* Excellent digital literacy, including MS Office, Teams, Zoom, and
other platforms.
BENEFITS OF WORKING IN AONTAS
AONTAS provides a flexible working approach. Therefore, this role will
allow for both at-home and in-office working through a hybrid
approach.
PAY
The salary offered will be commensurate with experience and will be
within the parameters of the salary scale: ?**Apply on the
website**,**Apply on the website** - ?**Apply on the
website**,**Apply on the website**
HOURS
The AONTAS Office is open from 9.**Apply on the website** am to
5.**Apply on the website** pm Monday to Friday and this role involves
**Apply on the website** hours per week (excluding breaks).
CONTRACT TERM AND PROBATION
* 2 years fixed term
* A probation period of six months will apply
ANNUAL LEAVE
The annual leave for this role is **Apply on the website** days.
PENSION
AONTAS offers an attractive pension scheme and income protection
scheme for staff, after successful probation period.
CAREER PROGRESSION
AONTAS supports the professional development of staff through
education and training opportunities, engagement in peer learning, and
individual support and supervision sessions.
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE
AONTAS is committed to creating a working environment that enables all
staff to fulfil their potential. We are communication-centred,
action-focused, collaborative and supportive organisation. AONTAS is
an organisation where you can bring your skills and expertise to shape
our work. We offer continuous professional development opportunities,
mentoring, and one-to-one meetings. We are guided by the principles of
the organisation and take responsibility to deliver our work to the
best of our ability as we strive for educational equality.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
AONTAS uses Workable an online software system. Please use this link
to complete your application. Emailed applications will not be
accepted.
Workable Link
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
