About Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland
Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland. Research Ireland will drive world class research and innovation in Ireland, funding research and innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others.
Background and Context
We are now recruiting a Systems Implementation Analyst on a specified purpose contract, three days per week, to replace a permanent employee currently on long term leave. The Systems Implementation Analyst will report to the Information Systems Manager. Applications are sought from innovative and motivated individuals.
Job Description
Research Ireland is seeking an experienced professional Systems Implementation Analyst in the Finance, Research Policy & Operations Directorate.
The Information Systems team is responsible for the development and maintenance of the systems that address Research Ireland's data and information needs. This includes Research Ireland's bespoke grants management system, SESAME, which is the key engine that all of Research Ireland's activities are built around. It serves and supports not just internal Research Ireland staff but also the wider external research community who engage with Research Ireland, who are active users. In addition to the many planned system developments each year, there is a significant amount of development activity arising from these requests, both internal and external, to expand on system functionality.
The Information Systems team develops and implements wider cross-organisational initiatives that address Research Ireland's growing data and information requirements. The team leads on business process optimisation projects, analysing current business procedures in place in the organisation and identifying opportunities for efficiency and automation. The team leverages available IT tools to provide the required solutions, primarily using the Microsoft suite of applications including Office 365 and SharePoint.
In addition, the team is responsible for the development, monitoring and continual optimisation of a cohesive, organisation-wide strategy for the user of Research Ireland data, as a vital asset for strategic and operational decision-making. The team manages the deployment, administration, and governance of Tableau and Power BI across Research Ireland to support the organisation's data analysis and visualisation requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
Engagement with stakeholders at all levels on complex cross-organisational projects;
Configuring systems from end-to-end, troubleshooting errors and quality assurance testing to mitigate risk at an organisational level;
Product management of Research Ireland's information systems, representing Research Ireland's internal and external stakeholders to determine the features required to achieve Research Ireland's business objectives;
Leverage Office 365 and SharePoint to optimise business processes across Research Ireland teams;
Support the implementation of Research Ireland's Data Strategy to derive insights and recommendations from Research Ireland's corporate data, leveraging analytic tools such as Excel/Tableau;
Provide support for internal and external users in relation to Research Ireland's information systems;
Creation of training material and training of staff in relation to Research Ireland's information systems;
Ensure compliance with Research Ireland's IT policies.
Key Competencies
Technical knowledge
Problem Analysis & Resolution
Personal Effectiveness
Communications & Influencing
Project Management
Stakeholder & Client Service
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
A postgraduate degree in a related discipline.
Proven experience in a similar role.
Experience with application configuration within a CMS or similar environment. For example, a configuration of fields, creation of workflows, tweaking, and implementation.
Experience working in SQL, JavaScript, CSS, XML and HTML.
Demonstrable track record in managing complex projects from inception to completion using recognised methodologies, with experience of working within an Agile environment.
Confident in their abilities, can work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Able to work on own initiative and be a self-starter.
Hands-on coding involvement in prototypes and proof-of-concept implementations.
Role based security in a SaaS environment and experience of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) within a process automation and data collaboration platform.
Experience of data management throughout the data lifecycle, including data governance and data quality.
Practical experience of the management of change, including development of policies, procedures, and work practices, and implementation of same.
Good interpersonal skills, able to establish positive relationships with Research Ireland staff, external agencies, and suppliers etc.
Well-developed presentation and negotiation skills: able to communicate clearly, pleasantly, and confidently with staff and stakeholders both orally and in writing. Ability to adapt style to different audiences.
Strong strategic analytical and evaluative skills, including ability to understand and analyse complex issues and problem and use information to further Research Ireland's interest as defined in our strategy and working plans.
Evidence of implementing IT techniques and procedures.
Desirable
Experience of leading business process optimisation initiatives and driving best practice in relation to business analysis methodologies including requirements gathering and process re-engineering.
Experience using testing automation/management tools.
Good working knowledge of Information Governance.
Knowledge of grant administration and financial processes.
Application Process
Research Ireland invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for this role.
To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirement 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.
Candidates must apply before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on August 27th, 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Salary:
Level D salary scale: €53,071 - €78,059 per annum (prorated) 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
29 Days Annual Leave (Prorated)
Learning and development opportunities
Additional Information
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 video-conference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce.
