About Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland
Taighde 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 are now recruiting for
Programmes Operations Assistant
to join the Programme Operations teams on a
Specified Purpose(leave cover)
basis. This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to be part of, and to influence, highly ambitious, innovative and 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 the successful 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 must submit a cover letter demonstrating how 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 be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on 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 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.
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
* 23 days 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.
Additional Information
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 should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland .