Role Purpose

The Programme Manager is responsible for leading and managing Research Ireland programmes or portfolios, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the effective delivery of multiple interrelated projects, awards or initiatives. The role owns programmelevel decisionmaking, stakeholder engagement and performance oversight within an agreed remit.

Core Accountabilities

The Programme Manager will:

Lead the design, implementation and ongoing management of programmes or portfolios

Oversee programme objectives, delivery plans, governance and performance monitoring

Manage programmelevel risks, interdependencies and resource allocation

Oversee project delivery within the programme and provide direction to Project Managers and contributors

Lead programme review, assessment and evaluation processes

Manage programme budgets and financial oversight within agreed authority

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Contribute to the development of initiatives aligned with organisational priorities

Decision Making & Autonomy

       Makes and owns routine and nonroutine decisions within a defined programme remit

       Exercises judgement in balancing priorities, risks and stakeholder expectations

       Escalates strategic or organisationwide issues appropriately

Essential Skills

Considerable professional experience (typically 2-5 years) managing programmes, portfolios or complex initiatives

Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments

Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills

Ability to influence, coordinate and lead across functions

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Competencies

Complexity & Error Detection: Work is substantially complex and varied, involving multiple interrelated activities and stakeholders. Independent judgement is required to interpret policy, guidance and precedents. Errors may not be immediately apparent and can affect programme outcomes.

Decision Making / Impact: Makes and owns decisions within a defined programme or portfolio. Decisions have moderate to considerable impact on outcomes, efficiency, costs and stakeholder confidence.

Interactions & Communication: Extensive engagement with senior internal and external stakeholders. Communication frequently requires interpretation, explanation and persuasion.

Visioning & Leadership: Contributes to the development of short to mediumterm priorities and translates organisational goals into programme delivery. Leads programmes and may have responsibility for people or delivery teams.

Role Focus & Context

This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to join the Research for Society management team to lead and influence and highly ambitious, innovative and potentially high impact set of research for society programmes. Research for Society leads on programmes that fund individual-led research grants for researchers at all career stages, international partnership programmes and PhD training programmes. It also leads on the development and delivery of a suite of challenge-based funding initiatives, including the 'National Challenge Fund', and also leads on the Public Service Fellowship, forging researcher-policymaker collaboration. In addition, it leads on the delivery of a broad portfolio of Education and Public Engagement initiatives and funding calls, including flagship activities such as Science Week.

Desirable

       Hold a third-level qualification (PhD, MBA, Masters) in a relevant discipline.

       At least 2-5 years relevant experience in research funding.

       Demonstrated ability to work at a strategic level yet also drive daily execution. 

       Have proven analytical, problem-solving and interpretive skills with an ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.

       Be well-organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, meet deadlines and manage competing and changing priorities in a dynamic environment. 

       Proven experience in building and maintaining high-level relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policy-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

       Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner.

       Experience in managing budgets

       Ability to measure impact, evaluate interventions, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.

       Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.

       Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrating integrity, energy, and resilience.  

Application Process:

To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.

 

Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Cezanne on or before 1pm Irish Local Time on 17th June 2026.

 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.

 

Salary:

The salary for this post will be €82,290 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.

 

Level D salary scale: €82,290 - €101,065 per annum with contributory superannuation (pension). Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

 

Benefits:

We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:

      Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade

      Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)

      Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies

      Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen

      Life Insurance

      30 Days Annual Leave

      Learning and development opportunities