Recruitment of Research Assistant, Consulate General of Ireland - Austin
The Consulate of Ireland in Austin was established in March 2015 and represents and promotes Ireland in Texas and the US southwest. The Consulate’s functions include economic and political work, consular affairs, and engagement with the large Irish and Irish American communities in Texas and the southwest region.
The Consulate is now recruiting an Austin-based Research Assistant. The successful candidate will require strong research and analytical abilities, excellent communications competencies, and organisational and project management skills. The Research Assistant will form a major part of the small but dynamic team working directly to the Consul General.
Position details
Start date: Immediate
Location: Consulate of Ireland, Austin (remote working not available)
Contract duration: Ongoing upon successful completion of a twelve-month probation period.
Working hours: 40 hours per week with some occasional additional hours including some evening and weekend work (leave time-in-lieu will normally be offered for this work). Those unable to occasionally work out-of-hours should not apply for this post.
Salary: $42,018 gross per annum (starting salary with annual increment increases)
Annual Leave: Minimum of 20 days per annum, plus public holidays and leave time-in-lieu for occasional evening/weekend work.
Eligibility: Candidates must have a permanent, legal right to reside and work in the USA and will be subject to the employment and taxation law of the USA. Candidates do not need to be Irish citizens, although knowledge and experience of Ireland is critical. Candidates must be fluent in English. Knowledge of Spanish is strongly advantageous.
Closing Date: Friday, 23 October at 4pm (US central time).
Research Assistant role and duties
Assisting Consul General with;
- Researching, identifying and establishing opportunities for Consulate activity across Texas and the US southwest
- Drafting papers for various media on a range of issues
- Analysing key sources of information
- Engagement and liaison with a range of contacts and partners
- Organisation of high-level meetings and other initiatives
- Contact database management
- Media and social media initiatives communicating Ireland
Other occasional tasks;
- Assisting with provision of information on Irish consular services and emergency assistance to Irish citizens (training will be provided)
- Other general support for the activities of the Consul General and other Consulate staff
Skills required
- Willing to work independently on specific projects as well as within a close-knit team
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills
- Fluency in Spanish would be a distinct advantage
- Good organisational and project management abilities
- High level of discretion, commitment, reliability, and attention to detail
- Strong awareness of Irish and Texan political, economic, social and cultural life
- Interest in foreign policy and international relations
- Knowledge of economic and trade promotion
- IT and social media skills
Minimum requirements, qualifications and competencies required
- Third-level/college degree or equivalent qualification
- Relevant professional experience (see application form)
- Eligibility to work in the USA (for US Citizens – US passport, US birth certificate or US naturalization; for Permanent Residents - Green Card)
- Candidates must possess a full driving licence
How to apply
Candidates should submit the following via email only to CGAustin[at]dfa.ie by close of business on Friday, 23 October at 4pm (US central time):
- Complete parts 1-3 of application form (please DO NOT submit other document such as résumés/photos/certificates)
- Please note the word count limits in application form
A limited number of candidates applying for the post will be shortlisted based on the information submitted in their application forms and will be invited to interview. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will likely take place during the week 28 October-4 November (this may be subject to change). The Consulate regrets that it is not possible to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates for the post.
Further Information
The successful candidate will receive a conditional offer of employment which will include a breakdown of the salary and benefits offered as well as information about terms and conditions of employment. The conditional offer will also outline medical and security requirements, whereby the successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory medical report on the state of their health and may also be required to pass relevant background and security checks.