Policy Researcher

Job title: Lead Researcher 
Team / Area: Policy and Advocacy
Position type: Tender, fixed period. 
Hours: To be discussed
Location: Dublin 
Travel: Some travel required
Salary: €8,000 (fixed fee) 
Reporting to: Policy and Advocacy Team
Annual Leave: N/A 
Contract duration: Approx 40 weeks, to be agreed in contract.
Date posted: 20/11/24 
Application Deadline: Monday 09/12/2024 at 1000am Strictly

Introduction and overview

Introduction

The Irish Refugee Council believes in a fair and inclusive society for people seeking international protection in Ireland. We believe that every person has a legal right to claim asylum and to have their application considered in a fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees.

Our work involves services and support to people seeking international protection and refugees. We provide information and early legal advice. We also provide integration supports around housing, education, employment, youth work and resettlement. Through our services we identify trends and issues that require change and advocacy.

Research Tender

This research is funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The aim of this project is to design, conduct and publish research into how holders of refugee status, subsidiary protection and permission to remain (beneficiaries of international protection) experience housing access in Ireland.

This research will build on the idea that housing is a cornerstone of integration. It is difficult for people to feel at home in a country where they have no access to appropriate housing, this can leave people perpetually stuck on the fringes of society. The current housing crisis is impacting people across society, but vulnerable groups, including refugees, are impacted most severely.

Project Description

Research Aims and Objectives:

The research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of issues including experiences with Local Authorities and Housing Assistance Payment; accessing emergency homeless services; forced transfers within IPAS accommodation of people who have status; refugee family reunification and its consequences on housing prospects. The final research output is expected to:

1. Address a research gap. There is limited qualitative research into the housing and homelessness experiences of beneficiaries of international protection.
2. Explore the specific barriers to finding accommodation and circumstances faced by beneficiaries of intentional protection in Ireland. Present evidence-based recommendations about how the process of transition into the community might be improved and strengthened by paying attention to the views and experiences of those who have undertaken this journey.
3. Raise awareness of the difficulties and barriers faced by those affected in accessing housing and integrating. The research will seek to elevate the voices of those affected and centre lived experience, use participatory and/or human rights-based research.
4. Explore the cycles of homelessness experienced by beneficiaries of international protection. Cycles of homelessness, including street homelessness, emergency homeless accommodation and precarious living conditions can continue for years and limit opportunities to integrate.
5. Present evidence-based policy recommendations as well as practical recommendations.

Peer research assistant

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a research assistant. The research assistant is expected to have experience of the international protection process and/or homelessness.

Research Methodology

The research will include both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Experience with participatory research is an advantage.

Research Timeline

The research is intended to commence in January 2025 and will be completed by September 2025. It is anticipated that the research and its findings will be launched at an event in October 2025. This event will be supported by a programme of communications and stakeholder engagement.

Contract

Payment schedule to be agreed in contract.

Please note:

The duties as outlined above are indicative of the main activities to be undertaken. They are not intended to be exhaustive, and they may be subject to reasonable change in line with the future direction and changing needs of the project. None of these duties will be outside the capability of the worker.

Person Specification: Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Required

Key requirements

• A relevant third level qualification at masters level
• Possess experience in conducting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven professional experience in the migration, integration and housing/homelessness fields.
• Have experience in applying ethical considerations to the collection and management of data and applying ethical considerations in interacting with refugees.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently
• Fluency in English
• Be a team player and have the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a research team.
• Be highly organised with an ability to work to deadlines.
• Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, research software and experience in various online platforms (Zoom, Teams, WebEx, etc.)
• An offer and acceptance of this role is conditional on you having authorisation to work in Ireland and is subject to you holding a valid visa and/or work permit when required

Desirable attributes

• Interest in the work of the Irish Refugee Council and enthusiasm for working within an NGO environment.
• Experience of managing a research assistant.
• Experience using MAXQDA -Analytics Pro
• Experience in participatory/human rights-based research methods.
• Experience in presenting research findings in a seminar or to the media.
• Ability to speak another language (e.g. Spanish, French, Somali, Arabic, Pashto)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• The Irish Refugee Council is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from everyone, including from people with direct experience of the international protection process and who have lived in Direct Provision, people from a migrant or refugee background, lone parents, Travellers and people with disabilities.

Application Process

To help us process your application efficiently we would be grateful if you could follow these guidelines carefully, thank you.

1. Please send one pdf file including your CV and cover letter to madeleine@irishrefugeecouncil.ie using your name as the file name.
2. The content of emails will not be included in your application so please include all details in your cover letter.
3. The phrase “Research Tender” must be inserted into the email subject line.
4. The cover letter must clearly address the requirements outlined above. Only applications addressing the requirements will be considered. Applicants should give examples of how their experience meets the points listed in the Person Specification.
5. Deadline for application is strictly 9 December at 10am.
6. Each application will receive an automated email acknowledgment upon receipt of application.
7. Interviews are expected to take place on the 12 and 13 of December during normal working hours.
8. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to present a proposal with a clear methodology.
9. Interviews may be held in person or remotely.