Programmes Operations Assistant

AboutTaighdeÉireann – Research Ireland

TaighdeÉireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which wasestablishedon 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, fundingresearchand innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences,Technologyand others.

We are now recruiting forProgrammes Operations Assistantto join the Programme Operations teams on aSpecified Purpose(leave cover)basis. Thisrepresentsan exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to be part of, and to influence,highly ambitious,innovativeand potentially high impact research programmes.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join the Programme Operations team at Research Ireland. The role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth delivery of programmes. As part of the Programme Operations team thesuccessful applicant will provide support to Programme Managers and Officers across numerous teams, interacting daily with colleagues and peers across and outside the agency. One of the key responsibilities of the role is coordinating travel arrangements for international reviewers and managing meeting logistics on behalf of the team. This role requires someone who is calm under pressure, professional in all interactions, and committed to supporting colleagues and delivering exceptional service to stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

Travel Coordination

• Co-ordinate travel requirements for international reviewers, ensuring compliance with policy and cost-effectiveness
• Manage accommodation, transport, and itinerary details for visiting experts
• Act as the main point of contact for reviewers regarding travel and logistical queries

Meeting & Event Logistics

• Schedule and arrange programme-related meetings (virtual and in-person)
• Coordinate venues, catering, technology setup, and materials for meetings
• Ensure all logistical details are accurate and communicated clearly to participants

Operational Support

• Deliver excellent stakeholder engagement, managing high volumes of communication and ensuring timely resolution of queries
• Collaborate with colleagues on projects to drive operational efficiencies
• Actively contribute to a culture of standardisation and documentation of process, to ensure adherence at all times to best practice and agreed policies

Essential criteria:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change as required

Desirable criteria:

• Prior professional experience and responsibility for shared inboxes, calendars and scheduling
• Experience of record keeping, tracking, documenting of processes
• Experience in a project management

Application Process:

To apply for this post, applicants mustsubmita cover letterdemonstratinghow the applicant meets the requirement for this role (maximum of one page) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV.Please note that the cover letter is essential.

Applications must besubmittedas one document online through the online applicant management systemOccupopon or before Sunday, 8th February 2026.

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 asdeemedappropriate.

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 sorequired. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology whereappropriate. 

Salary

The salary scale for the position will be Minimum of €31,545.00 to €58,019.00 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. 

Benefits  

• 23days annual leave per annum + public holiday and Good Friday off.
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme) 
• Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees. 
• Subsidised canteen.
• Long term illness income protection.

Additionalinformation

The role will be based in the Research Ireland officelocatedin Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65. Research Ireland currentlyoperatesa 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 atrecruitment@researchireland.ieshould yourequireassistanceor reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland .