Research & Evaluation Officer
Who We Are
Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where people facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, are provided with the care and support that they need.
Through advocacy and education, and the provision of services such as Nurses for Night Care and the Bereavement Support Line and our national programmes such as Hospice Friendly Hospitals, Dying Well at Home and Caru – Supporting Care Compassion at End of Life in Nursing Homes, Adult Bereavement Programme and Irish Childhood Bereavement Network, IHF works to ensure that every person in Ireland can die and grieve well, whatever their age and wherever the place.
About the Role
Job Purpose: The Research Evaluation Officer will support the design, implementation, and delivery of research activities associated with the evaluation of key Irish Hospice Foundation programmes, with a particular focus on the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme.
The Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme seeks to ensure that compassionate, high-quality end-of-life, palliative, and bereavement care is embedded across hospital services in Ireland. Delivered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the programme aims to improve end-of-life care in hospitals by using a multi-level and multi-systems approach to end-of-life care, working with all staff at all levels of the hospital, hospital group, and the HSE nationally. This position may also support other evaluation programmes ongoing within the organisation, alongside contributing to the research work being undertaken by the Research Policy Team.
The Research Evaluation Officer will work closely with the Research Policy and Healthcare Teams to support all aspects of programme evaluation. This will include assisting instrument development, supporting participant recruitment, coordinating and conducting data collection, contributing to qualitative and quantitative analysis, and supporting the preparation of reports and dissemination materials.
Salary: €22,735 - €26,712 (pro-rata – 22.5 hours) depending on experience
€37,338 - €43,927 per annum (FTE)
Contract Type: 18 months Fixed Term, Part Time (3 days (22.5 hours) per week)
Job Location:Our offices are based on Nassau St., Dublin 2. We have a hybrid work model in place (a minimum requirement of 1 day a week in the office).
Reporting to:Monitoring and Evaluation Lead
Responsibilities:
Support the development and refinement of data collection tools, including surveys, semi-structured interview guides, and focus group discussion guides
Assist with the coordination and implementation of data collection activities (e.g. interviews, focus groups, surveys)
Manage, clean, and maintain datasets to a high standard, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and confidentiality
Collaborate in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including the use of relevant software (e.g. SPSS or similar)
Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and other dissemination outputs
Assist with literature reviews and background research as required
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, supporting recruitment and communication processes
Carry out administrative and project support tasks related to evaluation activities
Any other tasks as may be assigned by the manager or designated person.
Qualifications and Experience
IHF is open to applications from candidates who have experience in most but not all of the following areas. The successful candidate will be supported through their induction to increase their knowledge and ability to deliver on the responsibilities outlined here. Further training and ongoing support will be available.
Essential:
Master’s degree (Level 9 or equivalent) in social or health sciences, public health, statistics/data science, international development, or a related field is required, along with proven professional experience in research or evaluation roles / or equivalent work experience
Experience in qualitative data collection methods, including conducting semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups
Experience in quantitative data collection methods, including programming and administering online surveys
Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills, with experience using statistical or qualitative analysis software (e.g. SPSS, NVivo, or similar)
Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience contributing to reports or publications
Understanding of the area of death and dying or palliative care or similar fields
Experience in process, outcome and/or impact evaluation within public health or health promotion programmes
Experience working with participants on sensitive topics, including bereaved individuals
Understanding of the Irish healthcare system, particularly acute care settings.
Interest in the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and/or the charity sector.
Experience publishing peer-reviewed academic journal articles and/or producing research reports.
Desirable:
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved, and, consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post that may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Benefits Include
Pension
As a member you will be required to make a pension contribution of 5% on your gross annual salary. IHF will contribute 10% on your behalf to a company contributory pension scheme.
Death in Service
4 times annual salary
Income Protection
75% of salary and cover pension contributions
Annual Leave
23 days per year (increased with service)
Additional Leave Days
Closure of the office on Good Friday, half day Christmas Eve and time between Christmas and New Year
Sick Pay
Up to 6 months certified sick leave
Hybrid Work Arrangement
2 days working from the office
Maternity Leave
26 weeks fully paid maternity leave (less social welfare benefits)
Adoptive Leave
24 weeks fully paid adoptive leave (less social welfare benefits)
Paternity Leave
2 weeks fully paid paternity leave (less social welfare benefits)
Sabbatical Leave
Opportunity to take Sabbatical leave after 5 years of service
Opportunities for training and workplace development
Flexible work options
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets)
Application Procedure
Closing date for applications is Sunday, August 23rd 2026. If you have any queries regarding the role, please contact [email protected]
Applicants should submit a CV (max. 2 pages), detailing relevant experience, along with a covering letter outlining the reasons they believe they are suitable for this role.
Applicants will be short-listed based on information supplied.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or having accepted it, relinquish it, or if an additional vacancy arises, IHF may, at its discretion, select and recommend another person for appointment on the results of this selection process.
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application.
