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1 Title of Post Researcher Dublin 8. Location Employment Type Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 with travel as required. Fulltime (37 hours) and 3 Year Fixed Term contract. Salary 25,498-40,209 Contact Person Abba Kalu on To apply, application to recruitment@barnardos.ie Please put your name followed by Researcher application in the subject heading of your . Please note, only applicants who have completed our application form will be considered for this position. Closing date 12noon Tuesday 1 st May Interview dates Tuesday 15 th May Please see the full job description at the end of this document for full details on the Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills and abilities required for the role. Application Procedure Applicants should complete the Application Form and it to the address above before the closing date. Shortlisting will apply Candidates who are moved to the 2 nd stage of our Recruitment process are required to complete a medical questionnaire and the E-Vetting process (Garda Vetting where required). References will be taken up at this stage.

2 Information Note for this position Name of the Service: Barnardos Learning and Development Service. Address/Location: 4 Christchurch Square, Dublin 8. Contact Details: What is Barnardos? Barnardos supports children whose well being is under threat, by working with them, their families, and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland s leading Children s charity. What does our service do? Barnardos Learning and Development Service has both an internal and external remit. Internally, the service leads in programme design, practice development, research and data, auditing and monitoring and practice related training. The external focus of the Learning and Development service consists of producing high quality publications for dissemination, operating a library to serve as a resource for professionals and the general public, providing consultancy on best practices and providing highly regarded professional training. What will the Researcher do? The Researcher will support the work of Barnardos and the Learning & Development service by supporting programme evaluations, writing literature reviews and practice papers, and contributing to the research profile of the organisation. Where can I find out more? All documentation received by Barnardos in relation to job applications will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and The information will only be used by Barnardos in the processing of job applications and for ongoing administrative purposes with job candidates. To make a request under the Data Protection Acts, please submit a request in writing to: Data Protection Executive, Barnardos National Office, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 or dataprotection@barnardos.ie

3 Researcher Job Description Post: Location: Responsible to: Works with: Researcher Learning & Development service, National Office with travel as required. Senior Researcher Learning & Development staff and managers; other Barnardos managers, staff; and other agencies and external organisations. Job purpose To support the work of Barnardos and the Learning & Development service by supporting programme evaluations, writing literature reviews and practice papers, and contributing to the research profile of the organisation. Core Job Requirements Research and Evaluation Assist with and work independently on programme evaluation, including research design, literature reviewing, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Support with report-writing and research dissemination activities, including writing for publication and conference presentations. Work independently to review the evidence base to determine best practices nationally and internationally. Programme Design and Review Assist in preparation of proposals for new services. Assist with the preparation of invitations to tender, and the writing of responses to tender. External Consultany To assist in preparation of proposals for the development of best practice models and commissioning of services. To represent Barnardos at public events and with external agencies in a professional

4 manner. To engage with external service providers and organisations in the completion of work and to further programme development. General The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. To ensure service managers and staff are kept informed of all developments in relation to the work of the Learning & Development service. To ensure that the protection and welfare of children is a primary concern of all staff and that, when child protection issues arise, Barnardos policies and procedures are fully adhered to. To collate information and prepare reports as required for a variety of different audiences. Requirements of all Barnardos staff Commitment to the purpose of Barnardos and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation and in the context of current legislation and regulations. To participate in regular supervision with your line manager. To actively participate in team and staff meetings, service reviews/ evaluations and to contribute to the development of policy and practice within your area of work and within Barnardos as a whole. To report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner. To show reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required. Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organisational change, development and review of best practice. Participate in and engage with a performance management programme. Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role. To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or local Health & Safety Officer. To be vigilant to any concerns regarding the protection and welfare of children and to bring them to the attention of the Barnardos Designated Person in a timely manner, in keeping with the Barnardos Child Protection policies. To participate in the efficient flow of information within the organisation by sharing and seeking information as appropriate.

5 To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time. To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly, flexible and informal. Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work. Researcher Person Specification Qualifications Leaving Certificate or equivalent minimum level of education essential. A relevant third level qualification (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) in a discipline such as social work, social science, psychology, education or a related area a distinct advantage, preferably with a research or dissertation component. Experience A minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience undertaking research is essential. Experience of programme evaluation, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Experience of research administration and co-ordination. Experience of research dissemination activities, including writing for publication and conference presentations. Experience of functioning as a strong team member sharing expertise, experience and co-working. Knowledge Knowledge of evidence based practice and methods of integrating research and evaluation into practice is essential. Knowledge of the needs of children and families, with a particular emphasis on children living in disadvantage. Knowledge of emerging issues in relation to working with children, young people and their families. Knowledge of research methodologies, with a particular focus on evaluation research. Knowledge of theories and approaches relevant to working with children, young people and their families (e.g. child development, solution-focused approach, attachment, infant mental health).

6 Clear understanding of current policies and legislation affecting children (e.g. Childcare Act, Children s Act, Children First, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures, Tusla s National Strategy Documents). Skills and abilities Experience using software for data analysis (e.g. Microsoft Excel, SPSS, NVivo). Commitment to the delivery of quality services to children and families. Ability to self-motivate and work on own initiative but to seek guidance as appropriate. Ability to think creatively and innovatively. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within the organisation, internally and externally. Ability to work as part of a team. Ability to prioritise and manage competing demands in tight timescales. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to produce clear, succinct written material. Willingness to travel and to work with flexibility, including with multiple project supervisors. Positive, solution-focused approach. Ability to inspire, motivate and support others. Other: Ability to drive and access to the use of a car. To be able to travel regionally and nationally on a regular basis. The postholder is initially assigned to work in the National Office, Dublin 8 but may be required in the future to work in other locations in the Dublin area in line with organisational needs.