Project Assistant jobs

About this role

Role Purpose

The Assistant Director, Vetted Researchers role (Assistant Principal) in An Coimisiún is a senior management role with significant managerial responsibilities. As Assistant Director, you will be responsible for leading efforts to operationalise Article 40 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Your work will contribute to the delivery of strategic outcomes, including safeguarding children, promoting democratic integrity, enhancing trust in online platforms, and fostering diversity and inclusion. You will be instrumental in enabling research into key issues such as the impact of social media on children, information distribution policies on platforms, algorithmic decision-making in recommender systems, and risk mitigation strategies under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

About the Team

The mission of the Research and Strategy team is to undertake research to inform all functions of the organisation; and to design and coordinate the processes by which the organisational strategy is developed and implemented and by which strategy implementation is monitored and reported on. The team undertakes research and strategy work in-house and commissions and oversees third-parties to undertake work on behalf of An Coimisiún, as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement application processing workflows compliant with statutory obligations.
• Oversee assessment of researcher applications through the end-to-end processing pipeline, including complex applications, ensuring timely and transparent case progression.
• Lead on the development of internal assessment frameworks, which encompass regulatory requirements including data protection.
• Lead on continuous improvement initiatives including coordination with ICT teams on system optimisation and training and guidance for case management team.
• Monitor and report on case management performance, identifying bottlenecks,implementing corrective actions and developingreporting frameworks.
• Work with legal services to translate legal requirements into practical operational procedures and guidance.
• Produce high-quality guidance materials, presentations, and reports, and represent the organisation at international meetings and working groups.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About You - Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of data protection principles, including the ability to apply regulatory requirements within research settings.
• Strong expertise in managing data within research projects, including governance, documentation, and data lifecycle processes.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and deliver projects or processes effectively, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail when managing data, documentation, and decision-making tasks.
• Strong written communication skills in a variety of forms including presentations, strategy documents, correspondence, and reports.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing demands.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant experience of implementation and/or knowledge of Irish and/orEuropean legislation and policies concerning digital services.
• Experience in complaints handling or managing detailed application-based processes, demonstrating sound judgement and clear communication.
• Proven experience in conducting, managing, or evaluating research projects.

Key Information - Benefits, Package & Pay

• This position is offered on a 18 month fixed-term basis.
• Full time, 35 hrs per week
• Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
• The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working.Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.
• Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.
• For a full list of benefits see our website here
• This position is graded at the Assistant Principal scale
• Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.

Application Process

• If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:
• A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position
• Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
• Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the processLate applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.
• For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact cnam@cpl.ie

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact amckiernan@cnam.ie

Closing Date: 3pm, 13th January 2026