CDI Research Intern Job Description Feb 2013-1.pdf - Careers ...

Tallaght West Childhood Development InitiativeJob Description for a Research InternFebruary 2013BackgroundThe Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) launched a 10-year strategy in 2007 to enable allchildren in the community of Tallaght West to reach their full potential, improve their health,learning and safety, and to increase their sense of belonging to their community. As part of thefirst phase of the strategy, CDI has been successfully working with local partners to deliver arange of programmes which meet the identified needs of children and families. Theseprogrammes and initiatives have been evaluated by six independent evaluation teams includingthe Dublin Institute of Technology, the National University of Ireland Galway, Trinity CollegeDublin, National University of Ireland Maynooth, and Queens University Belfast. (Seewww.twcdi.ie for a more detailed description of CDI’s programmes and associated evaluations).The current phase of CDI’s strategy involves the effective dissemination of learning arising fromCDI’s research and evaluation projects, and CDI would like to recruit a part-time ResearchIntern on a contractual basis to aid with this work.The Research Intern will be employed for six months (i.e. March ‘13 – August ‘13) in order tosupport CDI in achieving its overall goals for mainstreaming and sustainability. The intern will bebased in CDI and line managed by the Research & Policy Manager, Dr Sinéad McNally.RationaleThis is a unique opportunity for an academic student to be exposed to highly complex researchand evaluation in a community setting. The intern will have a number of opportunities to developand enhance his/her core practical research, analytical and reporting skills and competenciesthrough, for example:Extracting key data from relevant sources and undertaking comparative analysis;Supporting in archiving of complex datasets and meta-data;Participating in high-level multidisciplinary research meetings with senior researchers;Gaining further knowledge and understanding of evaluation research techniques.Primary Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe Research Intern will be required to undertake the following work:Research and Policy Extract data from original research and undertaking comparative research; Support the transfer and archiving of data; Support the process of writing policy and research documents for internal and externalaudiences.Administrative functions Organise meetings where necessary including circulating relevant documentation toattendees, arranging logistics etc; Attend meetings as minute taker; Any other administrative follow up (e.g. emails, photocopying).1

Other duties Attend other meetings with Research & Policy Manager and provide support in researchand policy tasks where necessary.IncentivesThe Research Intern will receive: A stipend of €100 per week (working 2 days per week for 6 months); Reimbursement for CDI-related travel expenses (apart from to and from place ofresidence); Paid membership to the Children’s Research Network (€10 for students and unwaged).RequirementsThe successful intern will: Hold a postgraduate degree or be completing a MSc/ PhD in Humanities or the SocialSciences (e.g. Psychology or Sociology); Be available to work for 2 days per week from March ‘13 to August ‘13; Have own transport; Have quantitative analysis experience with a good understanding of SPSS.Who should apply?Individuals who: Meet the above criteria, and Have a keen interest in community-based and/or child and family research; Would like to develop their research and analytical skills, particularly in the area ofevaluating children’s services; Are interested in the dissemination, utilisation and application of research findings forpolicy and practice.Application Process:In order to apply for this position, please send aa completed application form (available viahttp://www.twcdi.ie/what-we-do/vacancies), your CV and a cover note to:Michelle Butler,Strategy and Corporate Services ManagerChildhood Development InitiativeC/o St. Mark’s Youth & Family CentreFettercairn RoadFettercairnTallaghtDublin 24Ph: 01 4940030E-mail – Michelle@twcdi.ieIf you have any queries in relation to the role please contact Michelle or for further informationon CDI, visit our website at www.twcdi.ieClosing date is 3.30pm on Friday the 1 st of March 2013. Short-listed applicants will berequired to attend an interview the week of March 11 th 2013.Career Development Centre – for additional job search resources visit http://careers.nuim.ie2