Officer, Economic & Industry Analysis (Research and Insights) 

Level 4

Temporary, Specified Purpose Contract, Full-Time 

* The specific purpose of the contract is to cover a maternity leave

Fáilte Ireland have an exciting opportunity for a Research and Insights Officer, as part of the Industry Analysis team. The role concentrates on the use of evidence-based insights into the tourism’s industry performance and developmental needs, to unlock the growth potential of tourism in Ireland.

The role involves applying a strong set of project management and analytical skills as follows:

• To use evidence-based metrics and data to analyse and monitor the tourism industry’s performance and developmental needs

• To manage a programme of primary research, surveys and data analysis

• To support the Head of Division and other team members

The successful candidate will have specific responsibility for managing primary research projects to generate and communicate insights.

These insights are key to inform both Fáilte Ireland's planning as well as the tourism industry sustainable development strategies.

Job Description:

GENERATING DATA & INSIGHTS

• Help develop and shape research objectives based on organisation needs and project KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

• Frame, design and develop surveys, questionnaires and other data gathering vehicles (qualitative & quantitative) to meet project objectives.

• Deliver appropriate desk research to support projects as required.

• Ensure that the appropriate amount of data is collected to achieve all agreed objectives.

• Analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative research data to identify patterns and insights that can be actioned.

• Analyse and interpret secondary source material

• Draw on all available data sets (historical and/or external) to generate insights to inform business decisions.

• Maintain vigorous quality standards, sense check data, reports and the like.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Specify objectives, outputs, timings and deliverables for each research/insight project

• Manage a portfolio of annual and ad hoc industry research, and/or insight projects for Fáilte Ireland.

• Develop clear project specifications to ensure that the scope of the project, timelines and budget are all clearly defined and appropriate to the issues at hand

• Monitor the quality and delivery of the project plans

• Identify any risks to project delivery and have contingency plans scoped out.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Meet with key stakeholders (who may be internal and/or external to Fáilte Ireland) to shape and agree learning needs, business challenges and opportunities around insight projects and data analysis.

• Develop communications plan for projects considering range of outputs and messages for all key audiences.

• Develop insightful concise research outputs either directly or working with external agency partners (e.g. research, advisory or design agencies)

• Respond to internal and external queries and provide support for various research and insight projects.

• Ensure that the project deliverables meet the learning and insight needs of all relevant stakeholders

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Industry Analysis team by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time.

This role requires travel, with attendance at a number of national and regional locations / sites on an annual basis.

Person Specification: 

Essential Criteria:

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following:   

• The candidate must have a minimum of 3 years' work experience within either: a research agency/business advisory organisation or have similar work exposure, or a research-driven organisation with a strong B2B (Business-to-Business) focus.

• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research techniques

• A high level of competency in programmes such as Excel and PowerPoint to prepare professional presentations on research and survey results.

Qualifications/Mandatory Training:

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential (B2B/Consumer Research, Business Consultancy, Project Management, Statistics or a related area of expertise)

Desirable Criteria: 

• Knowledge of the tourism industry and/or hospitality industry.

• Experience or knowledge in programmes such as data dashboard development.

• A professional Qualification (minimum Level 8 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline

Competencies: 

• Decision Making

• Communicating Effectively

• Planning and Managing Work

• Leverages Technology

Office Location and Blended Working: 

We do not ask for addresses as part of the application process, however it is the responsibility of the candidate to acknowledge the base location of the role. The successful candidate must regularly work from and attend the base office location of the role

Please note: Remote working from outside the State is not permitted other than in exceptional circumstances. As this role is within the Irish public service, the post-holder must carry out a minimum of 80% of their working time within the State (Republic of Ireland). Candidates who reside in Northern Ireland must be able to meet this requirement.

Selection Process:  

Shortlisting will be based on applications and the selection process may involve two competency based interviews. A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the selection process.

Interview Attendance Requirement:  

Candidates must be available to attend an in-person interview at the location and date specified by Fáilte Ireland. Please note that the location of the interview may vary from the base location of the role.

Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@failteireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.