Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager

Age & Opportunity; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Age & Opportunity is seeking an experienced Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager to lead this area of our work. You will head the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the organisation-wide evaluation framework and ensure policy positions and advocacy are informed by robust evidence.

This role sits in the Senior Management Team and reports to the CEO, guiding evidence-based strategic direction.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy, research and evaluation leadership.
• Ability to develop and implement an organisation-wide evaluation framework.
• Proven ability to inform policy positions and advocacy with robust evidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Age & Opportunity's organisation-wide evaluation framework.
• Ensure that policy positions and advocacy work are informed by robust research and evaluation evidence.
• Be a key member of the Senior Management Team and report to the CEO.

Skills

Policy research

Job description

Age & Opportunity is the national organisation working to enhance wellbeing for older people through participation in sport and physical activity, arts and creative engagement, personal development, community collaboration and active citizenship. Our mission is to create opportunities that empower older people to enhance individual and community wellbeing through participation in physical activity and recreational sport, arts and creativity, personal development and active citizenship initiatives.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager to lead this area of our work. The Policy, Research and Evaluation Manager will be a key part of the Senior Management Team, will report directly to the CEO and will act as a spokesperson for the organisation. They will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Age & Opportunity's organisation-wide evaluation framework, in line with the Research and Evaluation Strategy 2025-2029 and will ensure that policy positions and advocacy work are informed by robust research and evaluation evidence. Evaluation and research are central to Age & Opportunity's work, allowing us to understand the realities of ageing, demonstrate the impact of our Active, Arts and Engage Programmes, and build an evidence base that informs public policy. Our Research and Evaluation Strategy 2025-2029 sets out an ambitious programme of work built on robust data, Personal and Public Involvement (PPI), and a common organisational evaluation framework.

One of Age & Opportunity's key priorities is to amplify the voice of older people and influence policy development. Our Strategic Plan 2025-2029 identifies Influencing Public Policy as a core strategic theme, underpinned by eleven Policy Priorities developed over nearly 40 years of engagement with older people, covering areas such as challenging ageism, tackling social exclusion, enabling age friendly environments and championing global solidarity.

Before submitting your application, please read the full Job Description and Person Specification here: https://ageandopportunity.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Policy-Research-and-Evaluation-Manager-Job-Description-and-Person-Specification-FINAL.pdf

Position

Part-time, 22.5 hours per week over 5 working days (Standard working hours are 37.5 hours and flextime applies).

Contract

Two-year Fixed Term Contract (With the possibility of renewal subject to funding).

Reporting to

CEO

Location

This role is based at our offices in Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Flexible hybrid working arrangements are in place, with a requirement for the post holder to work from the office on average one day per week. In person attendance is required for regular events, meetings and training.

All applicants from countries outside the EU are required to provide relevant work authorisation to take up

employment in the Republic of Ireland. This must be submitted as part of the application process with your

CV and cover letter.

Shortlisting will apply based on the criteria outlined above.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday the 30th of September at 5pm. Interviews will be held in Dublin on Friday the 9th of October.

Age & Opportunity is an equal opportunities employer.