The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is the representative organisation for the seven Irish Universities.
The IUA is the voice of the university sector and is committed to:
- clearly and publicly articulating the importance and value of university education
- acting as an advocate for the university system
- providing effective liaison and dialogue with the State and its agencies
- ensuring the system is resourced and prepared for the challenges of the future
- developing sectoral policies and strategies
- maximising the contribution of higher education in all its dimensions to society and the economy.
The organisation hosts important shared services in researcher mobility, widening participation, the development of engaged teaching and research and internationalisation.
The IUA invites applications for the position of Director of Research and Innovation (DRI).
Role Purpose
To advance university research and innovation through strategic policy coordination and development in support of key university research and innovation leaders. This also involves working with external stakeholders in government, funding agencies and the enterprise sector.
The Director of Research and Innovation has overall management responsibility for the IUA Research Office which has a significant role in relation to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) and EURAXESS initiatives within the EU Framework Programmes for Research. The Director works closely with the Vice Presidents & Deans of Research (VPDoR) of our member universities and leads the work programme of the VPDoR Group within the IUA.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director General of the IUA, the Director of Research & Innovation will be responsible for:
- Overall management of the research policy function within IUA
- Leading the development of key policy initiatives in support of the research and innovation activities of member universities
- Overseeing delivery of key projects including MSCA and EURAXESS
- Close collaboration on policy development and relationship management with key stakeholders including Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council, Higher Education Authority, IBEC and key government departments (notably DES and DBEI).
- Representing the university sector in relation to all matters of research with Oireachtas members, media, industry and other relevant groups
- Development and implementation of key advocacy initiatives in relation to research and innovation
Essential Attributes
We are seeking an individual who has the capacity to take a leadership role in research and innovation policy for the university sector. The most critical qualities for this role are:
- A strong academic background with a track record of significant professional achievement
- In-depth familiarity with, and experience of, research and innovation policy analysis and formulation and the interface between research and innovation policy and the wider sphere of industrial and economic policy
- Strong knowledge of the research landscape nationally and internationally having particular regard to the higher education dimension
- Experience of strategic planning in research policy and a capacity to advance sectoral change through positive advocacy
- Strong leadership, communications, negotiating and influencing skills with the credibility to deal effectively with senior executives and decision-makers
- Drive, tenacity and proven capacity for implementation and the delivery of agreed metrics
- Team player capable of working constructively within IUA and the wider RD&I network
- Numerate and technically literate
Key Standing Committees and Groups
- IUA Vice Presidents and Directors of Research Group
- KTI Stakeholder Forum
- DES – Higher Education Research Group
- High Level Group on Horizon 2020
- SFI, IRC and other key research funders
- IBEC RD&I Committee
- Other groups in accordance with the evolving work programme
Contract Details
This is an exciting opportunity to make a distinctive contribution to an area of strategic importance to the higher education sector. The position is offered on a full-time basis on a four-year fixed term contract, and subject to a period of probation and meeting on-going performance requirements. A competitive salary commensurate with experience will be offered.
A secondment arrangement for existing public-sector employees may be possible, subject to concluding an appropriate agreement between the IUA and the candidate’s current employer.
Director-of-Research-and-Innovation_RoleSpec.pdf
Applications
Please forward a detailed CV and cover letter, demonstrating the competencies and experience listed above, by post or email by 4th May 2018 to:
Jennifer Cleary, HR Manager, IUA, 48 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
E-mail: jennifer.cleary@iua.ie Tel: (01) 676 4948
Applications submitted by or through third parties, including recruitment agencies, will be rejected.
The IUA is an equal opportunities employer