About Aware

Aware is the national charity providing support, therapy, education and information to those affected by depression, bipolar and anxiety. Founded in 1985, for over 40 years Aware has been supporting individuals experiencing these conditions and their loved ones.

We engage with tens of thousands of people throughout the year through our free services both online and in person available across Ireland. 

We have a network of over 300 dedicated volunteers and staff who support the delivery of these services across our Support Line, Counselling Service, Support Groups, and Support Mail.

Our Vision

Aware undertakes to create a society where people affected by stress, depression, bipolar and mood-related conditions are understood, supported, free from stigma, and encouraged to access appropriate therapies.

Our Values

Excellence, Compassion, Accountability, and Integrity.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and highly capable Research & Evaluation Officer to support the delivery of Aware’s research, audit, and evaluation activities across counselling, psychoeducation, and support services.

Reporting directly to the Clinical Director (Senior Clinical Psychologist), this role supports in the ongoing review and evaluation of therapeutic, education and support services for people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar, as well as contributing to the overall evidence base in mental health interventions in Ireland. 

As we move into our 4-year strategy (2026-2030), we are committed to strengthening our evidence base and continuously improving the support we provide to service users. This research and audit role will contribute to this work through research, evaluation, and quality improvement activities that help inform service development and improve outcomes.

The role will suit an independent and proactive researcher who is confident working on their own initiative, can manage competing priorities, and is interested in helping shape and develop a growing research and evaluation function within Aware.

Hours: 2 days per week (15 hours per week; 0.4 FTE)
Salary: €25,000 per annum

This is a hybrid working role, with 1 day in the office per week. 

A 6-month probationary period is in place for this role, thereafter it becomes a permanent position including eligibility for staff benefits such as our company pension and bike to work scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation, collection and analysis of routine outcome measurement and evaluation systems across services.
• Select and apply appropriate qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research approaches to evaluate services and contribute to research relating to depression, anxiety and bipolar.
• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality research and evaluation projects under the strategic direction of the Clinical Director, working collaboratively with service managers, people with lived experience and external partners. 
• Contribute to the implementation of Aware's Research Strategy by supporting organisational research priorities and identifying opportunities to strengthen the evidence base for services. 
• Undertake literature reviews and evidence syntheses to inform service development and evidence-based practice. 
• Analyse, interpret and present quantitative and qualitative data, producing high-quality reports, presentations and summaries.
• Ensure research and evaluation activities are conducted in accordance with ethical principles, organisational governance requirements, GDPR and relevant data protection legislation. 
• Promote and embed co-production approaches, actively involving people with lived experience in the design, delivery, and dissemination of research and evaluation activities 
• Contribute to the dissemination of research and evaluation findings through reports, presentations, conference submissions and peer-reviewed publications where appropriate. 
• Develop and maintain effective collaborative relationships with academic institutions, health services, voluntary sector organisations and other partners to support research and evaluation activity. 
• Provide research expertise and evidence reviews to support organisational projects, service development, funding applications, training materials and public-facing communications, ensuring outputs reflect current evidence and best practice. 

Essential Experience

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (minimum Level 9/Master’s degree) in psychology, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience in research and/or service evaluation, preferably within health, social care, or third-sector settings. 
• Strong knowledge and application of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting using appropriate software/tools
• Ability to translate research findings into meaningful insights to inform service improvement and development
• Understanding of ethical research practice and GDPR requirements 
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively in a part-time role 
• Strong communication skills, with ability to present findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Desirable 

• Experience with clinical audit or routine outcome measurement systems 
• Experience working in mental health services or related environments 
• Experience of mixed-methods research design and delivery 
• Experience working with or alongside people with lived experience 
• Interest in applied research, implementation, or service development.