Research Programme Development Manager

Armagh, County Armagh
Happy Jobs NI

Happy Jobs NI is thrilled to partner with the Centre for Cross Border Studies in recruiting a Research Programme Development Manager.

About The Centre for Cross Border Studies:

Established in 1999, the Centre for Cross Border Studies is an independent research and development centre to stimulate new thinking and action on North-South and cross-border cooperation on the island of Ireland. Since that time, it has established a unique reputation as a source of high-quality research, information and training on cross-border and transnational cooperation and mobility issues.

To achieve this – and at the core of what they do – they undertake the continual task of researching and analysing policy and legislation developed by the central Governments in London and Dublin, the devolved administrations in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, as well as in Brussels.

CCBS is looking for a Research Programme Development Manager to join their team and develop and manage a programme of research that will help them to deliver on their mission, and to address challenges and opportunities for cross-border cooperation and relations.

Summary of the Role:

Collaborating with the Director and Information Manager, the Research Programme Development Manager will drive and manage a research program supporting the Centre’s mission to strengthen cross-border cooperation and to assist the cross-border mobility of citizens on the island of Ireland.

The post-holder will be responsible for increasing the Centre’s research profile by commissioning and, when required, undertaking unique and relevant pieces of research, and by expanding the Centre’s Research Platform, which invites external contributions of articles and research briefings. The research will inform the Centre’s engagements on the island of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe with political representatives and policy-makers, public bodies, business organisations, civil society organisations and communities, as it uses the results to pursue its task of supporting and strengthening relations within and between these islands through improved cross-border cooperation and mobility.

The post-holder will also manage the Centre’s quarterly surveys on North-South and East-West cooperation and will be required to actively engage with policy and decision-makers, public bodies and community organisations on the island of Ireland and beyond.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and plan strategic priority areas of research.
• Develop terms of reference to commission primary and secondary research, manage research contracts, including monitoring and reporting on project delivery and budget, and undertake research when required.
• Identify and respond to funding and tender opportunities.
• Manage quarterly surveys and ensure findings inform research and policy activities.
• Oversee the publication and dissemination of research reports.
• Develop a network of research and policy contacts.
• Expand the Research Platform with guest articles and briefings.
• Deputise for the Director and colleagues as required.

Why CCBS?

• Be part of a team shaping cross-border relations within and across these islands.
• Engage with high-profile policy and decision-makers, collaborating with a range of stakeholders.
• Play a leading role in shaping a research agenda for improved cross-border cooperation.
• Enjoy a flexible work environment, 23 days annual leave, 10 additional office closure days, public holidays, and a pension package.
• Join a team that values collaboration, flexibility, equality, and supports professional growth and development.
• Participation in an excellent Retirement Benefits Plan.

Salary: 43,000 – 46,000 (full-time, with the possibility of part-time (pro-rata) dependent on experience)

Please note: We are open to receiving applications from those looking for Full-Time or Part-Time employment dependent on levels of significant and relevant experience. Full-time working hours equate to 35 Hours p/w. This is a permanent position subject to on-going funding working Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4pm. The Centre for Cross Border Studies is based in Armagh, although a hybrid working policy is currently in place with 3 to 4 days working from home and 1 to 2 days in the office. Part-Time hours and working arrangement can be discussed upon application.

Selection Criteria:

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential:

• 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent professional qualification AND significant relevant experience (a minimum of three years) working in a role demonstrably relevant to this post

OR

• A postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification AND relevant experience (a minimum of one year) working in a role demonstrably relevant to this post.

Desirable:

• 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent professional qualification in an area directly relevant to cross-border cooperation and/or cross-border mobility

• A postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification in an area directly relevant to cross-border cooperation and/or cross-border mobility

Experience and Competencies

Essential:

• Experience in commissioning and managing research from third parties, successfully applying for research funding/tenders, collating, analysing and interpreting research information, producing high-quality research reports and directly undertaking research when required.
• Experience in building and maintaining research and policy networks.
• Experience of undertaking research
• Experience of using IT at an appropriate level (e.g., Microsoft Office and presentation tools)

Desirable:

• Experience in cross-border research projects, of applying successfully as the lead partner for collaborative research funding applications/tenders, research project management.
• Experience in building and maintaining research and policy networks in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland.

Disposition and Motivation

Essential:

• Readiness to work cooperatively, supportively, and flexibly within deadlines.

Desirable:

• Strong commitment to and understanding of the value of cross-border and all-island co-operation, and a strong belief in the value of such cooperation as a key part of the movement towards peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

Special Factors

Essential:

• Willingness and ability to travel within the island of Ireland and the UK, and further afield as required.

You may also be of interest for this role if you are currently working in roles such as Research Manager, Research and Development Specialist, Research Portfolio Manager, Programme Manager, Policy Analyst, Policy Lead, Policy Manager, Research Consultant or in other areas directly related to research and to cross-border cooperation.

Closing date for applications for this role is Friday 23rd February. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, which are scheduled to take place on 5th March in-person at their head office.

Please note: All applications will be processed upon their receipt and not after the job advert closing date therefore we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, should this occur the provisional interview date may be brought forward. Therefore if you are interested in the position, we strongly advise submitting your application as early as possible. If you would like to confirm the current application status prior to applying for the role please contact Happy Jobs NI directly at or on (phone number removed).

If you are a seeking a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. To express your interest and learn more about this exciting opportunity, please submit your updated CV outlining your relevant experience and achievements either by applying online or sending your CV alternatively call our team on (phone number removed) and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have on the position and share the full job description for this role.