We are now recruiting a permanent Programmes Operations Assistant. Applications are sought from highly organised and collaborative individuals.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join the Programme Operations team at Research Ireland. The role plays a key part in ensuring the smooth delivery of programmes. As part of the Programme Operations team the successful applicant will provide support to Programme Managers and Officers across numerous teams, interacting daily with colleagues and peers across and outside the agency. The key responsibilities of the role are to provide operational support across a range of Research Ireland funding programmes and to coordinating logistical requirements. This role requires someone who is calm under pressure, professional in all interactions, and committed to supporting colleagues and delivering exceptional service to stakeholders.
This position will be offered on a whole-time, permanent contract basis
Key Responsibilities
Providing operational support across a range of Research Ireland funding programmes
o Monitoring inboxes and responding to queries using Outlook
o Processing applications on Research Ireland's Grants Management System
o Tracking interactions with reviewers and other stakeholders
o Responding to data related queries
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Travel Coordination
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Co-ordinate travel requirements for international reviewers, ensuring compliance with policy and cost-effectiveness
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Manage accommodation, transport, and itinerary details for visiting experts
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Act as the main point of contact for reviewers regarding travel and logistical queries
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Meeting & Event Logistics
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Schedule and arrange programme-related meetings (virtual and in-person)
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Coordinate venues, catering, technology setup, and materials for meetings
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Ensure all logistical details are accurate and communicated clearly to participants
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Operational Support
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Deliver excellent stakeholder engagement, managing high volumes of communication and ensuring timely resolution of queries
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Collaborate with colleagues on projects to drive operational efficiencies
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Actively contribute to a culture of standardisation and documentation of process, to ensure adherence at all times to best practice and agreed policies
Essential Qualifications & Experience
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
o Excellent organisational and time management skills
o Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
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Willingness to learn and adapt to change as required
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Bachelor's degree level qualification
Desirable
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Prior professional experience and responsibility for shared inboxes, calendars and scheduling
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Experience of record keeping, tracking, documenting of processes, use of a CRM
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Experience in project management
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Experience of SharePoint
Personal Qualities
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Calm, professional, and courteous under pressure
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Highly responsive and able to take ownership of tasks without being prompted
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Extremely diligent and detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy
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Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment
Application Process:
To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.
Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Cezanne on or before 30th July 2026 @ 1pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Salary:
The salary for this post will be €32,545 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.
Level D salary scale: €32,545 - €63,059 (inclusive of long service increments) with contributory superannuation (pension). Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.
Benefits:
We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:
Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade
Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)
Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies
Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen
Life Insurance
23 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with service years)
Learning and Development opportunities
