Early Childhood Ireland is the leading children's advocacy and membership organisation.
We work in partnership with our members to achieve quality experiences for every child in Early Years and School Age care (EYSAC) settings.
We advocate for an effective and inclusive Early Years and School Age Care system which values, supports and invests in childhood, children and services.
Early Childhood Ireland's Strategic Plan (2021-2026) contains two ambitions.
By 2026:
Early Childhood Ireland is the largest membership organisation in the sector and our members are leading the way in achieving quality practice in their child-centred settings.Early Childhood Ireland is the leading advocate for children in EYSAC settings in Ireland, has influenced policy and legislative development in EYSAC, towards the quality system we have championed; and Ireland has achieved an investment level of 1% of GDP by 2025.At Early Childhood Ireland, we are committed to investing in our people and culture to ensure that as an organisation we deliver on our strategic plan while also continuing to be a great place to work.
We are currently operating on a blended working basis, offering great flexibility to our employees and providing excellent opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.
POSITION:Research AssistantREPORTS TO: Research and Evaluation ManagerCONTRACT:Part Time/Temporary ContractLOCATION:Our national office is based at Tallaght in south Dublin.MODEL OF WORKING:The organisation is operating a blended working model for the foreseeable future, subject to review based on organisational needsJob PurposeEarly Childhood Ireland is seeking a diligent and organised research assistant to contribute meaningfully to support the achievement of our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, which has a strong research focus.
The Research Assistant role will support the Research and Data Analysis team on all research projects.This will include tasks like data collection, analysis, and reporting.They may also assist with literature reviews, grant writing, project planning, and presenting research findings.
They will help lead researchers gather, organise and store information to contribute to the progress of a research projects.
This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to make a tangible difference in the lives of children in early years, school age care, and childminding settings in Ireland, by working with a committed an innovative team with ongoing opportunities for professional development.
ResponsibilitiesThe main responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include but are not limited to:
Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting, organizing, analysing and interpreting data using appropriate qualitative methods for research projects.This may involve surveys, interviews, focus groups or reviewing existing data sets.Literature Review: Conducting thorough research on relevant literature, articles, and publications and synthesising information to understand and communicate the current state of knowledge in a field.Reporting and Writing: Writing, reviewing and editing reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research findings effectively.Monitoring and Evaluation Supporting research project monitoring and evaluations, in collaboration with Early Childhood Ireland colleagues and partners,Project Support: Assisting with various administrative tasks, such as scheduling meetings, managing project budgets, project tracking and coordinating research activities, including dissemination.Assisting in the development of relevant promotional material including website, brochures, reports etc.
and organisation of research events.Collaboration: Working with researchers, project leaders, and other stakeholders to contribute effectively to research objectives.Grant Writing and Proposal Preparation: Assisting with the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.Disseminating Research: Collaborating and sharing information with the Communications and Policy, Advocacy and Campaigning teams to disseminate research in a clear and coherent way to a range of audiences, including policy makers.Presenting Research: Presenting research findings to various audiences, including conferences, seminars, or reports, if required in collaboration with Early Childhood Ireland colleagues and partners,Ethical Standards and Quality Assurance Adhering to the processes and documentation associated with research governance, including ethics and GDPR, in collaboration with Early Childhood Ireland colleagues.Engage positively with internal and external quality assurance processes and procedures that supports the monitoring and evaluation of Early Childhood Ireland's activities and impacts.Document and report on all work activities, including using Early Childhood Ireland's record keeping systems, to support Early Childhood Ireland's internal monitoring and evaluation.Conduct projects, activities and research in an ethical manner and contribute to the wider body of knowledge.Other Provide periodic progress updates to line manager.Maintain efficient and effective administrative and information systems.Work to monthly work goals and targets as developed by line manager.Be willing to undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities.Participate in team, staff, and project meetings.Contribute to project planning and execution.Person SpecificationEducation and QualificationsMinimum NFQ level 9 award in education, the humanities, or the social or behavioural sciences.
(or working towards)Previous experience in a similar role in a third level institution, research centre or with a research funder.Skills and ExperienceProven excellent research report-writing skills.Excellent verbal communications and presentation skills.Practical experience in research project management, project administration or project coordination.A knowledge or experience of research in the higher education sector.Knowledge of and experience in conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research.Able to interpret and present research and data (qualitative and quantitative) in a meaningful way to internal and external stakeholders.A good working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).Knowledge of using data management software and visualisation toolsEarly Learning and Care/School-age Childcare sector knowledge and experience is desirable.Comfortable working to tight deadlines and under pressure.Adept at identifying, prioritising, and planning key areas of work.Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, members, and external personnel.Ability to work effectively as part of a team in pursuit of common goals, as well as to work independently.A strong personal commitment to children's rightsPersonal Attributes and QualitiesAbility to be reflective, insightful and a critical thinker.Solution focussed with good judgement.High levels of personal motivation, self-management, and attention to details.Good judgment.Impact-focused.Will work in accordance with the values and vision of Early Childhood IrelandTerms and Conditions EmployerEarly Childhood IrelandLocationThe main place of work is our Head Office.Blended working model – working remotely within the Republic of Ireland and at our national office, the combination of days spent in the office and working remotely to be agreed with the successful candidate.
Contract detailsThis is a parttime post reporting to the Research and Evaluation Manager.
The contract is temporary, subject to funding, and the probationary period is three months.Salary:A salary of €40,000 per annum pro rata for 2 days per week for 17 weeks is offered.
The agreed salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.Annual Leave Entitlement23 days pro-rated -3 daysHours of Work14 hour working week.
The position may also require participation in some meetings/events in the evenings and at weekends.
Time-in-lieu will be given.Employee Benefits:Upon commencement:· Tax Saver commuter ticket scheme
· Bike to Work scheme
· Employee assistance programme available to all staff and their families
· PRSA
Application Process To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and letter of application via email with subject line Press Officer for the attention of Gillian Moore Strategic HR Manager to ****** by Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 5pm.
The cover letter should address the essential requirements and convey the applicant's understanding of this role.
It should also detail evidence and give examples of the applicant's press work to date.
The CV should be no more than three pages long.
Shortlisting of candidates may apply and will be based on the Job Description and Person Specification.
Candidates may be asked for further information or to undertake other tasks to assist in the assessment process.
Early Childhood Ireland strives to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. Early Childhood Ireland believes the protection and welfare of all children is of paramount importance andis committed to implementing robust safeguarding procedures throughout the recruitment process.The organisation is aligned to Children First National Guidance 2017, Children First Act 2015, and the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, 2012in all aspects of work. We do not require the support of recruitment agencies at this time.
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