Research Lead

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Job Title: Research Lead

Location: Simon Communities of Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street Dublin 7 (hybrid)

Role purpose: To lead the delivery and implementation of the EU COMHOM project in Ireland

Reports to: Executive Director

Terms: Full time, fixed term contract – Project specific role

About Simon: Simon has a vision of Society where no one experiences homelessness. All people who are, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness, are given every opportunity to realise their potential to live fulfilled lives in appropriate homes of their own. Simon is recognised for providing innovative solutions to ending homelessness and for influencing government policy and public opinion.

The Simon Communities of Ireland is an affiliation of seven communities in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, the Midlands, the Mid West, and the South East. Simon has been working with people experiencing homelessness in Ireland since 1969.

Role Overview:

The Research Lead will lead the implementation and delivery of COM-HOM in Ireland, a three-year initiative funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). The project focuses on transforming the way homelessness is tackled by leveraging data, digital tools, and a standardised monitoring and evaluation framework. The Research Lead role will involve leading observational fieldwork, qualitative and quantitative research, and co-designing frameworks, tools, and methodologies tailored to stakeholder needs and shaping actionable policy recommendations. The position is fixed term, until December 31st, 2027.

About COM-HOM:

The increasing prevalence of homelessness, exacerbated by economic pressures and the housing crisis, demands innovative and collaborative responses. Effective solutions must bridge gaps in housing and welfare systems, ensuring a comprehensive approach that integrates housing-first strategies with robust data-driven methodologies.

Despite progress in adopting rights-based and housing-led approaches, gaps in systematic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks hinder the effectiveness of homelessness services. Addressing these challenges, the COMHOM project emerges as a transformative initiative that seeks to improve the quality, cost-efficiency, and personalisation of services for the homeless population.

Launched in January 2025, COMHOM is a three-year initiative funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). The project focuses on transforming the way homelessness is tackled by leveraging data, digital tools, and a standardised M&E framework. Its overarching goals include:

1. Developing a comprehensive M&E framework that harmonises methodologies and facilitates evidence-based policymaking.
2. Creating digital tools, including a data lake, AI models, and a centralised platform, to improve decision-making and resource allocation.
3. Enhancing capacity through training and mentoring programs for service providers.
4. Supporting innovative practices through social experimentation, involving sub-grants to European homelessness response organisations.
5. Generating policy recommendations to guide EU-wide efforts in combating homelessness.

By addressing the fragmentation of homelessness services and fostering collaboration, COMHOM aims to set new benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness. The outcomes of COMHOM will not only benefit persons experiencing homelessness, but also enhance the capacity of service providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to implement effective, evidence-based solutions. Simon Communities of Ireland is delighted to be facilitating one of the five 'Living Labs' for the duration of the project.

Education and Experience:

• A postgraduate degree (Master's level or higher) in a relevant field such as public health, social policy, social care, social work, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in leading research and project activities, ideally in areas related to housing, homelessness, or social inclusion.
• Strong background in qualitative research and data analysis, including conducting interviews and/or focus groups as well as content and thematic analysis of data.
• Experience with quantitative or mixed methods approaches.
• Experience engaging and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, service providers, and persons with lived experience.

Skills and Competencies:

• Project management skills, including the ability to track progress across multiple workstreams and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Ability to synthesise complex data from a wide variety of sources and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong writing skills, with an ability to produce strong research reports, policy briefs, and other publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative interdisciplinary team.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to attend some meetings and events outside of normal business hours if required (this role will involve some regional and international travel).

Desired Criteria:

• Knowledge of homelessness policies and services in Ireland
• Knowledge of homelessness policies and services in Europe
• Understanding of the voluntary and community sector in Ireland
• Familiarity with M&E frameworks
• Previous experience with Participatory Action Research methods
• Previous experience with Living Lab methodologies is a plus
• Proficiency with survey and data analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Forms, NVivo)

Additional notes:

• Training in project-specific research methodologies will be provided by Value for Health CoLAB (Portugal).
• This role will involve engagement with stakeholders around Ireland, as well as multiple European partners. Occasional regional and international travel will be required.

Other:

Requirements of all Simon staff:

• Commitment to the purpose of the Simon Communities of Ireland and to work within the values, policies, and procedures of the organisation and in the context of current legislation and regulations.
• To participate in regular supervision with your line manager.
• To actively participate in team and staff meetings and service reviews/evaluations and to contribute to the development of policy and practice within your area of work and within the National Office as a whole.
• To report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner.
• To show reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required.
• Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organisational change, development, and review of best practice.
• Participate in and engage with a performance management programme.
• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role.
• To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or Health & Safety representative.
• To participate in the efficient flow of information within the organisation by sharing and seeking information as appropriate.
• To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time.
• To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly and flexible.

Note: this Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work. Successful candidates will manage this research project and will, from time to time, be required to assist in other duties relating to the work of the Simon Communities of Ireland.

How to apply:

Please email a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role and an up-to-date CV to Policy Analyst, Julia Corey on julia.corey@simoncommunity.com.

The deadline for applications is Thursday, 13th of March at 5pm. No applications received after this time will be considered. In person interviews will be conducted on the afternoons of March 20th and 21st in the Simon Community offices in Dublin.

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