Summary of the role
Responsibilities of the role
Research Project Management
○ Managing and coordinating research projects and campaigns from inception to completion
○ Conducting primary and secondary research, including data collection, collation and analysis
○ Ensuring effective project administration, reporting and documentation
○ Monitoring project progress, deliverables and performance against agreed objectives and timelines
○ Supporting compliance with funder requirements and reporting frameworks
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
○ Developing and maintaining positive relationships with academic, industry, policy and community partners
○ Facilitating stakeholder engagement activities and collaborative research initiatives ○ Representing the Rediscovery Centre at meetings, conferences, workshops and industry events as required
○ Supporting partnerships that strengthen the Centre’s role as a leading voice in the circular economy sector
○ Collaborating with internal teams to ensure research activities support organisational goals and social enterprise operations
Research Communications & Dissemination
○ Preparing high-quality technical reports, research papers, guidelines, presentations and other outputs
○ Delivering oral and written communications to a range of audiences, including funders, policymakers, industry partners and the public
○ Supporting the dissemination of research findings through conferences, seminars, workshops and training events in Ireland and across the EU
○ Collaborating with Marketing and Communications colleagues to promote research through websites, social media channels, newsletters, brochures and other publications ○ Contributing to the development of knowledge-sharing resources that increase awareness and uptake of circular economy principles
Research Strategy & Development
○ Supporting the identification and development of funding opportunities for research projects within Ireland and the EU
○ Preparing project proposals, grant applications and award submissions aligned with organisational and circular economy objectives
○ Contributing to the development of the Centre’s research strategy and policy priorities ○ Monitoring emerging trends, innovations and evidence in the circular economy sector to inform research activities
○ Supporting knowledge generation and evidence-based decision making across the organisation
Quality Assurance & Governance
○ Ensuring research activities are delivered in accordance with organisational policies, ethical standards and best practice
○ Maintaining accurate project records and supporting quality assurance processes ○ Monitoring compliance with relevant funding, governance and data management requirements
○ Contributing to risk assessment and mitigation processes across research projects ○ Keeping up to date with developments in research methodologies, policy and circular economy practice
Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact
○ Supporting the measurement and evaluation of research project outcomes and impacts ○ Collecting, analysing and reporting on project performance indicators and key metrics ○ Contributing to evidence-based recommendations that support policy development and sectoral change
○ Assisting in the preparation of management reports and progress updates for key stakeholders
○ Identifying opportunities to improve the impact and effectiveness of research activities
Other Duties
○ Undertaking other duties as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
○ Senior appointments (salary point 5 onwards) to this role may include responsibility for the management, development and supervision of team members, including performance management, mentoring and workload coordination.
○ Supporting the wider objectives and strategic priorities of the Rediscovery Centre as directed from time to time.
Requirements
- A relevant third-level qualification to degree level or masters level
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in research, policy, business development, project management, sustainability, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience managing projects from inception to completion, including planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
- Experience conducting primary and secondary research, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
- Experience producing high-quality technical reports, research outputs, presentations and stakeholder communications.
- Knowledge of research methodologies, impact assessment, monitoring and evaluation approaches.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to a range of audiences.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with experience working collaboratively across multiple sectors.
- Strong administration, organisational and IT skills
- A strong understanding of, or demonstrated interest in, circular economy, sustainability, environmental policy, social enterprise, or related fields.
Desirable
- Previous experience working on Irish, European or international research and innovation projects.
- Experience with social science research methods, policy analysis, and research writing for a variety of audiences.
- Experience securing and managing externally funded projects, including compliance with funder requirements and reporting frameworks.
- Experience engaging with policymakers, government agencies, academic institutions or industry stakeholders.
- Experience in communications, knowledge transfer, dissemination activities, or public engagement relating to research and innovation.
- Proven expertise in one or more relevant areas such as circular economy, resource efficiency, waste prevention, human geography, environmental sociology, food systems, textiles, furniture, bicycles, behavioural change, social enterprise, green skills, employment, sustainability, climate action, or environmental policy.
Placeholder
The Rediscovery Centre is the national centre for the circular economy, supporting the transition to a circular economy and advocating for a more resilient, equitable society in the face of climate breakdown. The Rediscovery Centre is recognised as a creative movement connecting people, ideas and resources to enable circularity and mobilise the skills and expertise of artists, researchers, designers and craftsmen united in this common purpose. Sustainability is at the core of the Rediscovery Centre, which aims to break away from the traditional practice of wasting natural resources and instead demonstrate and scale the opportunities of the circular economy. For more information on our work, please see www.rediscoverycentre.ie.
The Rediscovery Centre is currently recruiting an experienced Research Officer to join our team.
In line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan, all staff members exemplify our values to support the organisation’s five key objectives.
✔ Sustainability: we implement and promote environmental, social, and economic practices that can be maintained long-term without compromising our environment or the ability of others to meet their needs.
✔ Integrity: we live by what we say. We are transparent, honest, open and ethical in all that we do.
✔ Force for Good: we pioneer creative solutions, support people to think differently about how we live and inspire bold action towards Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable way of life. ✔ Equality: we promote an inclusive circular economy, leaving no one behind, and ensure that social equality is delivered through the solutions we provide.
✔ Excellence: we aim for excellence, professionalism and to be innovative leaders in the circular economy and sustainability.
✔ Collaboration: We actively collaborate and foster collaboration internally and externally at all levels, within and across sectors. We value the input of all stakeholders, recognising the broad remit of the circular and social economy.
Placeholder
Application in the form of a CV and covering letter illustrating how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position should be emailed to [email protected] marked for the attention of Jack McCarthy. The covering letter should be a maximum of 1 page.
Based on the information contained in the CV and cover letter, the interview committee will select candidates for interview. Shortlisting and interview decisions will be based on the committee’s assessment of candidates’ qualifications, essential experience and desirable skills.
Note: This summary is supplied for information only and does not constitute contractual terms. This is a full-time contract of indefinite duration of 35 hours per week, with a probationary period of 3 – 6 months.
Some work outside normal office hours will be required from time to time. This position is subject to satisfactory references, evidence of permit to work in Ireland, Garda Vetting and foreign police clearance (if applicable).
Part-time arrangements will be considered for a suitably qualified candidate. Salary will be offered on a pro rata basis.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 18th of September 2026. Interviews will likely take place w/c 28th September 2026. The Rediscovery Centre is not able to reimburse any expenses incurred by candidates to attend interview.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. References will be sought for candidates who come under serious consideration for the post with the prior agreement of candidates.
A panel of suitable candidates for future positions will be established from the interview process and will remain in place for 2 years. All applicants must be legally able to work in Ireland for the contract duration.
Queries or further clarification can be directed to [email protected]