Strategic Development Officer for the Oral History Network of Ireland

(6.5 Month Full-Time, Remote Working Role, Immediate / Soon as possible start)

The Oral History Network of Ireland (hereafter OHNI) is seeking to recruit a Strategic Development Officer to undertake a strategic review of OHNI’s work to date and assess OHNI's positioning in the Irish oral heritage landscape. The review will include desk-based research, focus group discussions and stakeholder consultations. This role is funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland Organisation Support Fund 2024.

About OHNI

OHNI is the national advocacy body for oral history and oral heritage in Ireland. It was established in 2011 as a volunteer- run limited company with charitable status. It acts as an umbrella organisation for groups, institutions and individuals collecting and preserving oral history. OHNI’s aims include offering advice and support, providing a space for oral historians to share experiences and ideas at a national level, and developing best practice standards and training for oral history collection, analysis and preservation.

The Role

If you would like to work as a member of a supportive team; if you have a passion for history and heritage, are a competent researcher, and a confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, this role may be for you.

Key Responsibilities 

The responsibilities specified below are not intended to be exclusive or restrictive and some flexibility in the allocation of specific duties will be required.

• Undertake a strategic review of OHNI in collaboration with the OHNI Board and Steering Committee.
• Conduct desk based research to identify national and international oral history organisations and to use these to benchmark OHNI’s current governance, capacities, and programme of activities.
• Compile a comprehensive list of the potential national and international funding sources relevant to oral history / heritage in Ireland.
• Compile a summative list of the strategies and policies relevant to oral history and heritage in Ireland.
• Compile a list of recently completed and ongoing oral history projects across Ireland.
• Identify and collate a list of the key oral history collections in museums, archives, local studies collections and local heritage sites.
• Develop, plan, publicise and facilitate a series of focus group discussions, stakeholder consultation workshops and sessions online and in person (one of these consultations to take place during the OHNI Conference 21 -22 June 2024).
• Compile and collate feedback and work with OHNI members and committee to identify key challenges and future opportunities.
• Identify gaps in OHNI membership and governance demographics, training provision and supports for oral heritage.
• Plan, organise and take responsibility for a heritage week event (on one day during the week 17th – 25th August 2024) that includes a feedback session for members and the wider heritage community.
• Draft a written report on work undertaken for The Heritage Council.
• Undertake administrative and other duties related to the successful outcome of this project.
• Work collaboratively and in a manner supportive of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential Criteria:

• Third level undergraduate qualification in history, heritage studies, folklore, geography, oral history, sociology or a cognate discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of industry or academic (i.e. MA, PhD) experience in heritage management, heritage studies, organisational development, business management or other development consultancy role.
• Previous experience of engaging and collaborating with community groups and/or policy makers.
• A knowledge of the Irish heritage policy landscape and an in depth understanding of organisational governance and management.
• Excellent computer and communication skills (oral, written, presentation etc.).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, including a proven ability to work independently and proactively to agreed deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability and flexibility to work remotely or in person as required.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of oral history (or similar) interviewing.
• Previous experience of strategic development consultancy work.
• Understanding of the legal and ethical requirements for oral history.
• Experience of writing project reports.
• Fluency in Irish.
• Self-motivated, but with experience of working as a team.

Conditions

• Remote Working Role (in person attendance required at focus groups, stakeholder consultations, conference and heritage event) with an immediate / soon as possible start.
• Fixed Term Contract: 6.5 months (Mid- May – 30 November 2024) full-time.
• A one month probation will apply followed by regular reporting of progress to OHNI’s project management team.
• Reasonable vouched subsistence and other expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
• Ability to travel for work as required, including overnight stays.
• Salary: €18,500 [in total for a 6.5 month contract].

Application Details:

To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the position and your suitability and a curriculum vita/resumé with name and contact details (telephone and email address) of two referees by email to info@oralhistorynetworkireland.ie ‘OHNI Strategic Officer Role’ should be used in the subject line of the email. It is intended that shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on the week starting the 6th May 2024.

The closing date for applications is close of business 5.00pm Irish Time, Friday 26th April 2024.