Research and Policy Officer

Who We Are

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly was established under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and has a statutory role in the regional government structure for the 12 Eastern and Midland local authorities.

The main roles of the Assembly are to:

• Prepare, adopt and implement the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Region.
• Participate in the design and delivery of EU funding programmes, notably the EU Just Transition Fund.
• Identify, co-ordinate and participate in EU projects.
• Support the national delegation to the Committee of the Regions (CoR).
• Oversee and support the Irish Regions European Office (IREO) in Brussels.
• Support the work of the National Oversight and Audit Commission.

The Role

The successful candidate will be the Research and Policy Officer and will provide support on all areas of research and policy development to support the objectives of the Regional Assembly.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed research and analysis on national and regional development issues, trends, and policies.
• Collect, interpret, analyse and manage data relevant to regional planning and development.
• Analyse the impact of existing and proposed EU and national legislation and policies on the Region.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, briefing documents, and policy papers based on research findings.
• Liaise with local authorities, public bodies, external consultants, researchers, elected members and other stakeholders.
• Provide research assistance for the formulation, implementation, monitoring, review, and management of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and EU initiatives.
• Identify relevant research and EU cooperation project opportunities that align with the Regional Assembly's strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to develop project proposals and applications for funding.
• Project manage EU-related and other projects undertaken by EMRA as determined by the Director.
• Monitor the progress of research and EU cooperation projects, ensuring milestones and objectives are met.
• Participate in meetings, networking events, workshops, and conferences, both in Ireland and abroad, to represent the Regional Assembly and foster partnerships.
• Communicate research findings and policy recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Carry out general duties as specified by the Director and general communication functions.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Director.

Essential RequirementsCharacter

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Knowledge and Experience

• Honours bachelor's degree or higher degree in a relevant discipline such as public policy, political science, economics, urban planning, environmental policy, geography, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience working in a similar high-level role involving research, policy development, or project management.
• Working knowledge of Irish governance structures and Local Government structures.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong ability to conduct detailed research, analyse complex data, and synthesise information to inform policy development.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Experience in balancing the workflow requirements on multiple different workstreams in parallel and ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and address complex situations and problems.
• Working knowledge of local, regional, national, and EU policy frameworks of relevance to the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, policy papers, and presentations, as well as for engaging with stakeholders.

Desirable Requirements

In addition to the essential skills, it would be desirable to have the following:

• Postgraduate qualification (Master's or PhD) in a relevant discipline such as public policy, political science, economics, urban planning, environmental policy, geography, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools for advanced data analysis and mapping.
• Skills in using advanced data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, R, Stata) and experience with big data analytics.
• Experience of applying for, delivering, co-ordinating and managing projects both individually and as part of a team.
• Experience in the organisation and management of project meetings, conferences and stakeholder engagement events.
• Knowledge and experience of using KPIs or other monitoring methods.
• Experience in managing projects and budgets.

Terms and Conditions1. The Post

The post is whole-time and permanent.

2. Probation

There will be a six-month probation period which may be extended to one year at the discretion of the Director.

3. Superannuation

If you are pensionable under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 and are liable to pay Class A PRSI contributions, you would be required in respect of superannuation to make contributions at the rate of 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration plus 1.5% of full pensionable remuneration.

You are required in respect of spouses' and children's pension benefit to contribute at the rate of 1.5% of full pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of schemes made under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Maximum retirement age is 65.

If the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 applies to your employment, 65 is the minimum age at which your pension may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation you will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Regional Assembly who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. You may also be required to pay Spouses and Children/Widows and Orphans contributions at the rate of 1.5% of gross pay. Maximum retirement age is 65.

If you are pensionable under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, you are required to pay contributions as follows:

• 3% of gross remuneration.
• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.

The minimum age at which you may retire is allied with the State Contributory Pension age (currently 66). The maximum retirement age is 70.

4. Salary

Salary shall be at Local Government Senior Staff Officer (Grade 6) level – €58,474 to €71,437 (LSI 2).

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Persons who are not serving local authority employees on or after 1st January 2011 will be placed on the minimum of the scale.

5. Hours of Work

• 35 hours per week.
• The successful applicant will be expected to work outside of normal office hours, including weekends if necessary, without additional remuneration.
• The role requires travel within Europe.
• Flexi Leave arrangements may apply.

The Assembly reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time.

6. Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement for the position will be 30 days per year, pro rata.

7. Retirement

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

8. Residence

Post holders shall reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Ballymun, Co. Dublin.

The Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly reserves the right to assign the post holder to any premises, now or in the future, subject to reasonable notice.

9. Start Date

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly shall require the successful candidate to take up their appointment within a reasonable period.

Should they fail to take up the appointment within an agreed period, the Assembly, at its discretion, may not appoint them.