Recruitment of Associates Republic of Ireland

Advance HE works globally to help higher education shape its future. We bring together HE-focused expertise from across the sector in teaching and learning; equality, diversity and inclusion; governance; leadership and organisation development, to help institutions and sectors deliver a world-class experience for their students and unlock the potential of their staff. We do this through the provision of specialist training and resources, externally recognised benchmarking and recognition schemes, and a member-focused, collaborative approach.

We are are currently looking to add to our team with associates who have experience of working within the Higher and/or Further education sectors in the Republic of Ireland for the following:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Associate
• Leadership Associate

About Advance HE

Advance HE works globally with its 400 members and global partners to help higher education shape its future. We bring together HE-focused expertise in teaching and learning; equality, diversity and inclusion; leadership and governance, to help universities to deliver a world-class experience for their students. We do this through the provision of specialist knowledge and resources, externally recognised benchmarking and recognition schemes, and a member-focused, collaborative approach.

Advance HE offers a wide portfolio of leadership development opportunities both in Ireland, the UK, and globally, supporting all levels of leadership in higher education from early career academic and professional services staff through to Presidents and senior leaders. This activity is complimented by our teaching and learning Fellowship scheme which currently has a membership of 174k globally and our international charter marks including our Athena Swan gender equality charter currently delivered in Ireland in partnership with the HEA.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Associate

We are keen to talk to individuals with experience in the areas mentioned below:

• Strong experience developing and delivering EDI consultancy either as open programmes or bespoke with clients
• Proven ability to design, manage, facilitate and lead EDI development programmes and workshops across a range of topics relevant to higher education, such as: introduction to equality, gender equality, race equality, intersectionality, unconscious bias, leadership in EDI, universal design for learning, LGBT+ inclusion, equality impact assessment, equality training for senior leaders/boards, etc.
• Extensive experience of supporting the development of EDI agendas and/or strategies at senior level
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders from different disciplines, grades and job functions, including Governors, Executive Teams and senior managers, academic, research, and professional services staff, and students
• Deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and body of academic research around gender/race equality, unconscious bias or EDI in general
• Understanding of the legislative underpinnings of current EDI work in the higher education sector. Knowledge of the Irish policy landscape in relation to gender pay gaps (both within HE and other sectors). Experience of managing and/or developing equality action plans (desirable but not essential)
• Experience of playing an advisory role to others in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion, including analysis and recommendation setting
• Experience of working on Athena Swan Ireland charter reviews or applications, and knowledge of the Athena Swan process
• Ability to manage the potentially sensitive nature of equality, diversity and inclusion delivery and needs of participants by creating a safe environment for learning.
• Experience of delivering in the areas of mental health, wellbeing and allied support for EDI practitioners
• Experience working internationally (desirable but not essential)

For this role, a good understanding of the higher education context, policy and legislation within the Republic of Ireland will be valuable.

We welcome applicants who are full-time or part-time employed, however, we would recommend that you gain the consent of your employer and check that this is permissible and consider your flexibility to take on external project work alongside your substantial role, before applying for the Associate role.

Time commitment

Given the nature and demand for work in this space, we may frequently ask Associates to work on short notice. Assignments could be for short, sharp interventions or longer-term programmes.

Compensation

This is a contract role. Fees vary and depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the type of work, the level at which it is delivered, and the complexity of the delivery.

Download the associate application guidance.

Leadership Associate

We are keen to talk to individuals with experience in the areas mentioned below:

• Proven ability to design, manage, facilitate and lead leadership development programmes either as open programmes or bespoke for clients
• Proven ability to design, manage, facilitate and lead culture change or organisational development interventions within organisations
• Proven ability to analyse and report on policy and/or strategy as an external consultant or reviewer, particularly in relation to HE challenges such as: strategic development, promotion/progression/succession planning, change programmes, etc.
• Sound understanding of context of leadership in higher education environments (e.g., academic/research/professional services)
• Qualified in one or more psychometric/ assessment tools (e.g.: MBTI, 360-degree feedback, strengths finder, Team Management profile)
• Demonstrable experience of executive one-to-one coaching and/or team coaching along with requisite accreditations/qualifications
• Demonstrable experience engaging positively with principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership and commitment to role modelling inclusive approaches as well as continuing self-reflection and education
• Demonstrable experience of working in senior leadership positions with strategic and operational responsibilities in Higher Education Institutions or within other sectors
• Demonstrable experience of key leadership development challenge areas, including but not limited to: Executive leadership, New to Leadership (Heads of School/Dept/Unit), Leading research teams, Team building, Strategic development, Inclusive leadership, Women in leadership, Change management, Bespoke leadership solutions, etc.
• Experience of working internationally (valuable but not essential)
• Demonstrable experience developing proposals and pitches for the offerings above

​For this role, a good understanding of the higher education context, policy and legislation within the Republic of Ireland will be valuable.

We welcome applicants who are full-time or part-time employed, however, we would recommend that you gain the consent of your employer and check that this is permissible and consider your flexibility to take on external project work alongside your substantial role, before applying for the Associate role.

Time commitment

Given the nature and demand for work in this space, we may frequently ask Associates to work on short notice. Assignments could be for short, sharp interventions or long-term programmes.

Compensation

This is a contract role. Fees vary and depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the type of work, the level at which it is delivered, and the complexity of the delivery.

Download the associate application guidance.