The HRB is now seeking to recruit a Communications Officer. HRB Grade VI Job Family (consisting of R&I III, Services III & Researcher II grades).

An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in The HRB Strategy 2021-2025, Health research – making an impact, (https://www.hrb.ie/strategy-2025/).

Background

Communicating research is central to what the HRB does.  It is essential that we identify key audiences and engage with them in a meaningful way. The Communications Officer has a significant and integral role in terms of supporting staff to plan and deliver communications to meet with demand from media, policy makers, the research community and the public.

Communicating the work that the HRB funds and the evidence we generate through research is central to the role.

  • The HRB needs to be seen as a trusted source for research evidence to inform health decisions.
  • The research community require clear communication about research opportunities.
  • Policymakers and practitioners must have confidence in the evidence we generate to implement changes in policy and practice.
  • There is a need to build public understanding of research so people can contribute as part of the research process and make decisions about health informed by evidence.

This means we must build trust, create opportunities for engagement, encourage participation in research and communicate research findings clearly and honestly.

Key responsibilities of the Communications Officer post

Reporting to the Content and Media Specialist, and operating at a cross-organisational level, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following actions / activities including:

  • Developing communications plans and supporting communications activity primarily for the HRB Corporate (HRB), the Research Strategy and Funding Directorate (RSF) including EU funding programmes and other areas as required.
  • Developing written content for press releases, news stories, website, newsletters, blogs and social media in the above areas
  • Producing HRB Corporate publications and supporting RSF in the publications process as required
  • Managing and developing the HRB website and contributing to social media channels
  • Driving the organisation of RSF and Corporate events, conferences and webinars
  • Guiding and advising Interns and Post Doc Interns in delivering projects related to this brief
  • Communications Office management (communications planning, processes and guidelines, purchasing, maintain new filing system)

 

Specific duties will also include (but may not be limited to) the following areas:

Media relations and written material

Contribute to the development of an overall plan to improve awareness of the value of what the HRB do for key stakeholders and create well written content to support this primarily for HRB RSF and EU programmes.

  • Generate well written content for media releases, news and briefing material
  • Co-ordinate responses to media queries received for RSF, EU programmes and HRB as required
  • Update and optimise the press release dissemination system along with fellow communications officer and intern
  • Coordinate media monitoring, report on and evaluate media outcomes for HRB, RSF and EU programmes
  • Produce the Annual Report for the Health Research Board, the Health Research in Action publication and promotional material
  • Contribute to the HRB blog and deliver the monthly E-zine with support of others.

Digital communications

Enhance and build HRB website and social media presence to reach key audiences and engage with them in a meaningful way.

Website

Act as webmaster for the HRB website which includes, but is not limited to:-

  • Delivering day-to-day operational activity of the site and upgrades of website or related content management system
  • Developing the website in collaboration with an established web group
  • Generating and posting web content in line with the content calendar
  • Supporting staff in content development and creation of new pages
  • Liaising with third party suppliers and ICT to support development and maintenance
  • Ensuring compliance with existing or new legislation (GDPR, accessibility etc)
  • Reviewing web analytics and integrating changes that result through evaluation of these.

Social Media

  • Generate annual social media content for social media calendar and devise content for different digital channels
  • Develop and enhance engagement with RSF and EU for Health and Horizon Europe stakeholders through Twitter and LinkedIn in line with communications plans
  • Devise You Tube content relevant to brief to advance HRB presence on this channel
  • Help collate metrics to demonstrate how social media is helping to grow awareness and influence of HRB, RSF and EU funding

Conference and events

  • Support and assist with idea generation for conferences, events and seminars to build awareness, engage key stakeholders and generate strong communities of support for HRB, RSF and EU funding
  • Devise initial programmes supported by programme committees
  • Work with the conference management company to organise and deliver events, conferences and webinars
  • Engage with key stakeholders in the promotion of conferences and events
  • Evaluate each event and use outcomes of evaluation to develop new ideas and shape future activities.

Communications planning and delivery

  • Contribute to the development of communications strategy and annual business plans to support delivery of the strategy
  • Devise and implement communications plans for specific initiatives as required for RSF and EU funding initiatives
  • Develop or update policies, processes or guidelines in relation to communications activities as required
  • Support the development of interns by mentoring and guiding them on specific projects related to this Communications Officer brief
  • Maintain communications folders and files within the organisation wide filing system
  • Handle purchase orders and invoicing for all tasks under communications officer profile

Other duties may be assigned from time to time depending on need. This is a team-based role, so teamwork, flexibility and coordination with others is crucial.

 

Essential requirements

A minimum of a NFQ Level 7 Qualification (Ordinary level degree) in a relevant field (ideally ideally in Public Relations/ journalism and social media).

  • Minimum of four years relevant experience ideally in a public relations firm or an inhouse role in a similar organisation.
  • Ability to develop and execute communication plans and activities in line with strategy and business plans.
  • Knowledge of the Irish media landscape and expertise in developing media material that explains complex issues in a way that resonates with the public.
  • Strong ability in managing, and developing content for, websites.
  • A proven track record of establishing a social media presence and tracking impact of the same.
  • Experience in conference, seminar and event management.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects to tight deadlines is essential.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate an ability to deliver a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Confidentiality and discretion will be important attributes for this role.

Competencies

Competencies incorporated into this role profile reflect the competency framework issued in conjunction with the Civil Service Competency Framework which has been adopted by the HRB.

The complete list of core competencies for this post is in Appendix A.

Reporting relationship

The Communications Officer will report to the Content and Media Specialist and will work closely with staff from across the organisation.

Salary scale

Salary Range for Communications Officer (Grade VI)                                         € 55,644 – € 67,891

This post is a permanent, full-time position

How to apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by email to recruitment@hrb.ie

Closing date for applications is 12.00 Noon on 29 January 2025

Interviews for this position are expected to take place on Wednesday 26 February 2025. Please note, the interviews will be conducted in person at our HRB offices.

Candidates who are successful in securing an interview will be asked to provide two samples of their written work that best demonstrates their expertise.

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer at recruitment@hrb.ie

The Health Research Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, membership of the Travelling community or family status. If you have a disability and require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process, please contact HR in advance and we would be happy to assist.

 

Appendix A: Core competencies – Communications Officer

Leadership Potential

  • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change
  • Contributes to the development of policies in own area and the broader Department / Organisation
  • Seeks to understand the implications of taking a particular position on issues and how interdependencies need to be addressed in a logical and consistent way
  • Maximises the contribution of the team, encouraging ownership, providing support and working effectively with others
  • Formulates a perspective on issues considered important and actively contributes across a range of settings

Analysis & Decision Making

  • Is skilled in policy analysis and development, challenging the established wisdom and adopting an open-minded approach
  • Quickly gets up to speed in a complex situation, rapidly absorbing all relevant information/data (written and oral)
  • Uses numerical data skilfully to understand and evaluate business issues
  • Identifies key themes and patterns in and across different sources of information, drawing sound and balanced conclusions
  • Sees the logical implications of taking a particular position on an issue
  • Is resourceful and creative, generating original approaches when solving problems and making decisions

Delivery of Results

  • Assumes personal responsibility for and delivers on agreed objectives/ goals
  • Manages and progresses multiple projects and work activities successfully
  • Accurately estimates time parameters for projects and manages own time efficiently, anticipating obstacles and making contingencies for overcoming these
  • Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of customers at all times
  • Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner
  • Use resources effectively, at all times challenging processes to improve efficiencies

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

  • Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner verbally and in writing
  • Is able to listen effectively and develop a two-way dialogue quickly
  • Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers
  • Effectively influences others to take action
  • Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working
  • Works effectively with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve objectives

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

  • Consistently strives to perform at a high level
  • Maintains consistent effort under pressure and is resilient to criticism or setbacks at work
  • Demonstrates high levels of initiative, taking ownership for projects and demonstrating self sufficiency
  • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon
  • Places the citizen at the heart of all process and systems
  • Upholds the highest standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

  • Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Organisation
  • Develops the expertise necessary to carry out the role to a high standard and shares this with others
  • Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the Department and/ or wider public service
  • Consistently reviews own performance and sets self-challenging goals and targets
  • Has significant expertise in his/her field that is recognised and utilised by colleagues