Research Officer (Fixed Term - 2 Year Contract)

at  AONTAS

ABOUT AONTAS

Established in 1969, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is a non-governmental membership organisation that promotes that value of adult learning and advocates for the rights of all adults to quality learning across the tertiary education system. We have an unwavering commitment to improving conditions for educationally disadvantaged adult learners. We offer solutions-focused advocacy that is evidence-based, drawing on research and our extensive initiatives that engage with adults who have returned to education. AONTAS is a highly respected and connected non-governmental organisation at national and international levels.
AONTAS is committed to providing a voice for adult learners based on our vision of learning as being truly lifelong, and takes account of the myriad benefits of learning to health, personal development, social engagement and community development. AONTAS advocates for an inclusive, learner-centred lifelong learning system that enables adults to have a meaningful learning experience.

DESCRIPTION

AONTAS is seeking to recruit a Research Officer (Full-Time, 5 days per week, 35 Hrs per week, 2 year fixed-term contract). This role’s primary purpose is to deliver AONTAS’s research agenda by developing high-quality, learner-centred research and supporting the administration and dissemination of all learner research initiatives.
AONTAS seeks to develop high-quality, learner-centred research to support its advocacy for educational equality and social inclusion in adult education. A commitment to social justice, adult learning and educational equality is essential for all the AONTAS staff team.
Reporting to the Head of Research, the Research Officer will collaborate with the Research Team to deliver the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum, to develop Learner Voice research, to disseminate research findings and to support key stakeholders, including learners, to participate in AONTAS events.

COORDINATING NATIONAL FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING LEARNER FORUM (NFLF):

• Working with colleagues to deliver inclusive, learner-centred Forum events
• Providing overall logistical support to Forum events including (but not limited) to facilitator coordination; learner support; and event execution
• Designing effective reporting structures for learners and key stakeholders in the adult learning sector
• Communicating with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland as needed

REQUIREMENTS

• A Level 9 Degree or higher on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
• At least two years of demonstrable experience of working in humanities or social science research in a professional or academic setting (preferably in the areas of education, social inclusion, or community development)
• Expertise in social research and analysis, including quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis
• Expertise in report development and/or academic writing for publication
• Experience in event organisation and management

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• A demonstrable track record of research-based report development and/or peer-reviewed academic publication
• Experience with public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Experience working in FET and/or with marginalised adult learners
• Experience working in a non-governmental organisation
• In-depth knowledge of adult education in Ireland and the associated research landscape
• Access to a vehicle and a full clean driver’s license

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE:

• To deliver AONTAS’s research agenda, in collaboration with the Research Team
• To support the delivery of all learner research initiatives, including the National FET Learner Forum
• To develop high-quality, learner-centred research engaging social justice, adult learning, and educational equality.
• To support the publication and dissemination of AONTAS learner research findings
• To collaborate with the AONTAS Team on adult and community education initiatives and events.