HRB Grade VI Job Family (consisting of R&I III, Services III & Researcher II grades).

Background

The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory agency under the aegis of the Department of Health. As the lead agency in Ireland responsible for supporting and funding health research, generating health information and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice, we are motivated and inspired by our vision – for better health through excellent research, data and evidence. The HRB’s mission is to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care and creates solutions to societal challenges.  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/).

The Research Strategy and Funding (RSF) Directorate plays a leadership role in advancing patient-oriented research, health services research and population health research in Ireland. This is achieved by supporting a rich and diverse portfolio of research grants (including for projects and programmes, capacity building and career development, enabling infrastructure and research networks).

To optimise reach, quality and impact, staff in the RSF Directorate work on an ongoing basis with a wide range of national and international stakeholders to progress partnerships and collaborations, to discuss and develop new policies and practices and to ensure high standards and best practice and in all aspects of our work. The work of the RSF Directorate ensures that public investment in health research informs better healthcare and better decision making and that it also contributes to wider economic and societal goals of Government.

The HRB seeks applications for high-calibre Project Officers to join the RSF Directorate to support delivery of our Strategy. Successful candidates will be placed in the first instance in the Research and Innovation Infrastructures (RAII) Unit. Project Officer responsibilities are reviewed by the Director at regular intervals to support evolving strategic priorities and to enhance staff development.

Note: Two full-time, permanent (Pending successful completion of probationary period) positions will be offered following the final interview stage and, subject to the quality of the applications received, a small panel of successful candidates may be formed.

This Panel will remain in place for a maximum period of 12 months from the date of interview and may be used to fill posts at the same grade that arise applicable to this recruitment campaign based on order of merit. Placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position.

 

 

Key responsibilities of the Project Officer (RSF) post

Project Officers play a critical role in delivery of the HRB Strategy. Reporting on a daily basis to a Programme Manager and working as part of a team, Project Officers should be able to multi-task and manage a varied workload, including but not limited to the following:

Supporting the development and management of new and existing grant calls

  • Providing project management support across a portfolio of grants and schemes
  • Developing research call documentation including applications forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • Coordinating responses to queries from applicants and host institutions
  • Interacting with other national and international agencies to advance joint funding initiatives

Supporting the peer review, selection and contracting processes

  • Co-ordinating eligibility checks on applications received
  • Identifying and securing peer reviewers and expert panel members/Chairs and supporting the process of shortlisting where appropriate
  • Co-ordinating, attending and recording proceedings of grant selection panel meetings
  • Co-ordinating all communication with applicants, including feedback
  • Supporting the Programme Manager in drafting summary reports and recommendations for approval by the Executive Team/Board
  • Providing support for issuing letters of offer, contract negotiations and finalisation of award milestones, deliverables, budgets
  • Overseeing all grant acceptance documentation and related queries

Supporting the post-award management and evaluation process for the grants

  • Managing and responding to requests for grant variations
  • Implementing SOPs and policies for award management and maintaining accurate records of all proceedings, including on GEMS
  • Analysing budget reports and supporting payments of grants
  • Supporting monitoring of research grants including annual reports, interim reviews and end-of grant reports

Facilitating improvement and alignment across the Directorate

  • Contributing to strategy development discussions and supporting annual business planning and progress reports
  • Contributing to continuous improvement and best practice of HRB grant policies, systems and processes
  • Providing support for broader evaluation activities of the Directorate to assess the outcomes and impact of HRB funding
  • Providing scientific and/or administrative support for committees or expert groups, as required

Supporting communication activities

  • Supporting the production and promotion of online communications and resources
  • Supporting the delivery of events and engagement activities with stakeholders
  • Developing relationships and managing communications with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Preparing material for reports, media queries or FOI requests

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

 

 

Essential knowledge and experience

Formal requirements include:

  • The successful candidates must have an NFQ Level 9 qualification (Masters / Post Graduate Diploma) in a relevant field with at least three years’ relevant research-related experience post-degree, which demonstrates a strong technical expertise, analytical and organisational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and ability to work independently and as part of a team are essential.

Desirable criteria

  • Working knowledge of the national health research eco-system
  • Prior experience of research management and governance
  • Prior project management experience
  • High degree of computer literacy, including knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and experience of databases.

 

 

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.

Key competencies include the following:

  • Excellent planning and organising abilities with a strong attention to detail
  • Be result-oriented and possess excellent organisational/administrative skills
  • A demonstrable ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities
  • Have excellent collaboration skills with an ability to work well in a team and on own initiative
  • Strong problem analysis and resolution skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A high degree of motivation and professional integrity.

 

Reporting relationship

Project Officers report to a Programme Manager and a Head of Unit and they work closely with a team, and other staff in the RSF Directorate and Corporate Operations.

 

 

Salary scale

Salary Range for Project Officer – RSF (Grade VI)                                 € 56,757 – 69,341

Note:  There are two posts  being recruited for, both posts are permanent positions subject to probation being completed satisfactorily.

Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants to the public service will be appointed at the first point of the scale.

 

 

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 Thursday 31 July 2025

Interviews for this position are expected to take place on Wednesday 20 August 2025. Please note, the interviews will be conducted in person at our HRB offices.

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer at recruitment@hrb.ie or refer to the recruitment page on the HRB website at https://www.hrb.ie/hrb_career/ for full details on this campaign.

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 – Project Officer (RSF)

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.
  • 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

  • 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 of projects and demonstrating high levels of 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 Department.
  • 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 their field that is recognised and utilised by colleagues.