Senior Qualitative Researcher (Semi-State)
Contact Shauna Mooney
1. Salary: €73,961
2. Location: IrelandLeinsterDublin
3. Sector: Power & Energy
4. Contact: Shauna Mooney
5. Mobile: +353851865273
Are you a passionate qualitative researcher ready to make a real impact? We are hiring on behalf of a leading semi-state body, dedicated to delivering innovative, evidence-based solutions that address some of Ireland's most pressing energy and sustainability challenges. Join a high-performing behavioural insights team and bring human-centred thinking to national policy.
Benefits:
6. Salary: €73,961 per annum
7. Annual Leave: 27 days (plus public holidays)
8. Blended Working: Hybrid options available – 3 Days a week WFH
9. Office Locations: Dublin, Cork or Dundalk
10. Contract: 18 months
Role & Responsibilities:
11. Lead and manage qualitative research projects focused on sustainable energy behaviours, ensuring rigour, relevance, and timely delivery.
12. Design and execute research using interviews, focus groups, discourse analysis and ethnographic approaches where applicable.
13. Mentor and support colleagues, building internal capacity and best practice in qualitative methods across multidisciplinary teams.
14. Translate behavioural insights into practical recommendations that inform public policy, communication strategies, and programme design.
15. Deliver clear, compelling research outputs including reports, presentations, briefing notes, and stakeholder communications.
16. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of research objectives with strategic goals.
17. Collaborate with national and international bodies, academic institutions, and research consultants to stay at the forefront of behavioural and energy policy research.
18. Support evaluation frameworks, combining qualitative insights with other data sources to measure and improve programme effectiveness.
19. Contribute to the organisation's strategic planning and innovation agenda, advocating for behavioural approaches in energy transition.
20. Actively participate in working groups, panels and conferences to disseminate findings and represent the organisation's research capacity.
Knowledge & Skills:
21. Strong understanding of behavioural science literature and how it can inform energy policy and interventions.
22. Deep knowledge of qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, and discourse analysis.
23. Familiarity with quantitative research and survey analysis is an advantage.
24. Excellent ability to synthesise complex research findings into clear, strategic recommendations.
25. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences.
26. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work independently.
27. Comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally.
28. Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and a passion for impactful, evidence-based work.
Key Requirements:
Essential:
29. Minimum Level 9 postgraduate qualification (e.g. Psychology, Sociology, Behavioural Science, Economics).
30. At least 4 years of relevant research experience .
31. Proven track record of designing and leading qualitative research in a public policy context.
32. Working knowledge of quantitative methods and behavioural science .
33. Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills.
34. Strong project management capabilities and ability to work independently.
Desirable:
35. PhD qualification in a related field.
36. Experience using tools like R or similar for analysis.
37. Previous mentoring or teaching experience in qualitative methods.
38. Understanding of ethical considerations in behavioural research.
39. Familiarity with energy or climate-related policy areas .
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