Summer Scheme Activity Leader

Research Assistants for Politics and Public Policy Project

Project Description: I'm seeking 4 research assistants to assist in compiling a cross-country sample of civil society organisations and firms engaged in lobbying across Europe. The project investigates the resilience of civil society organisations in times of crisis in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and the EU through eliter surveys, interviews and focus groups with organisational leaders. 

Tasks: Research assistants will be responsible for conducting and documenting web searches of organisations, as well as collecting contact details of organisational leaders in the above countries. This includes collecting and organising information about organisations in live Excel spreadsheets and codebooks.

Expected Commitment: Approximately total of 60 hours over maximum of 8 weeks. Remote work is possible. Regular in-person or virtual meetings.

Essential: 

• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in politics or in a related social science and humanities discipline.

Desirable:

• Be enrolled in (or have completed) a MA or PhD in politics or in a related social science and humanities discipline


• Relevant Language Certificates


• Relevant Data Entry Certificates

Essential:

• Candidates should be proficient in using search engines, Excel, and automatic translation tools for websites in various languages.

Desirable: 

• Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in one of the languages: German, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, or Danish (at least B1 intermediate level)


• Previous work experience as part of research team


• Previous work experience in civil society organisations


• Proficiency in more than one of the above languages


• Fluency (C1/C2) in one of the above languages


• Evidence of data entry training/diplomas

STUDENT ASSISTANTS

THE MCCLAY LIBRARY

The Queen’s University McClay Library requires 1 Postgraduate Research student to provide assistance in Special Collections and Archives. The post is available from 10 April 2024 until 31 July 2024 in the first instance. This is subject to registration with the University for the Academic Year 2023/2024, a continuing right to work check in the UK and availability for the full period of this post; working five to fifteen hours maximum per week. 

In addition to the above post, there may also be opportunities for temporary hours in the Library Faculty team at The McClay Library and sometimes at other branches of Library Services – anyone who would like to be considered for such opportunities as they arise is welcome to submit an application.

Brief outline of the duties

To support frontline service in the day-to-day delivery of library services at Special Collections & Archives (retrieving and re-shelving materials from closed access; assisting with queries in an effective and prompt manner); participate in manuscript transcription projects and assisting with reference queries; draft calendars and box lists with supporting registers (biographical, place) for selected manuscript collections to facilitate improved access and research support for SCA materials; must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Main duties associated with these posts are:

• Providing research assistance for manuscript transcription projects and assisting with research queries;


• Drafting box lists and supporting registers (biographical, place) for selected manuscript collections to facilitate improved access and research support for SCA materials;

• Providing support at the Special Collections and Archives service point and undertaking associated clerical tasks;


• Retrieving and re-shelving material from closed access storage;


• Providing excellent customer service to library-users and assisting with queries in an effective and prompt manner;


• Scanning and administrative tasks associated with copying and supply of theses for overseas requests service


• Take forward assignments independently and as part of a team;


• Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be reasonably requested by Supervisor.

In compliance with Queen’s Professional Standards in the workplace a good standard of performance is required regarding:

• Honesty and integrity


• Effective communication


• Co-operation with others


• Time keeping & punctuality


• Quality of work


• Attitude towards work and colleagues

Essential Criteria:

• Registered postgraduate research students at Queen’s University Belfast for academic year 2023 – 2024 and for the full period that these posts are available, otherwise the application will not be considered.

(Please note, eligibility restrictions apply to PhD/MPhil applicants based on date of first registration as an undifferentiated research student, as per our code of practice and University Regulations associated with PGR students, in the first instance).

• All students for whom English is not their first language must have achieved a minimum pass mark of 7.0 in the writing and speaking band of IELTS (International English Language Test Score) or equivalent

Please note a copy of your IELTS results or equivalent should be included with your covering letter.

• Postgraduate student following a course of study in History, International Studies, English, Music, Irish, Politics, Law;

Desirable criteria:

• Research experience with archives or special collections;


• Experience of working on collaborative team projects;


• Administrative or clerical experience.

The requirements of these posts are that applicants must be currently registered and attending a course at Queen's University, Belfast for academic year 2023 - 2024.  Students applying for these posts MUST be able to evidence in writing how they meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined below.  Students who DO NOT provide evidence will not be shortlisted and the application will not be considered.  

Essential Criteria:

• Registered postgraduate research students at Queen’s University Belfast for academic year 2023 – 2024 and for the full period that these posts are available, otherwise the application will not be considered.

(Please note, eligibility restrictions apply to PhD/MPhil applicants based on date of first registration as an undifferentiated research student, as per our code of practice and University Regulations associated with PGR students, in the first instance).

• All students for whom English is not their first language must have achieved a minimum pass mark of 7.0 in the writing and speaking band of IELTS (International English Language Test Score) or equivalent

Please note a copy of your IELTS results or equivalent should be included with your covering letter.

• Postgraduate student following a course of study in History, International Studies, English, Music, Irish, Politics, Law;


• Awareness of how archives and special collections may be used for research;


• Compelling attention to detail and accuracy with demonstrable experience of filing alphabetically and numerically;


• Demonstrable experience of Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word;


• Effective web-based research skills and the use of electronic catalogues;


• Demonstrable evidence of an ability to work independently and as part of a team;


• Good communication skills;


• Ability to perform with minimal supervision and to prioritize diverse work assignments;


• A team player who is organised, meticulous, responsible and diligent;


• Demonstrate a genuine interest in library and archives work;


• Effective interpersonal skills, including excellent telephone and conversation manners, e-mail, writing, and proofreading skills with the capacity to interact with others at all levels, internal and external to the organisation;

Based on the nature of the work required applicants must be able to:

• Use, and be comfortable with, working at height from library step ladders;


• Carry up to a maximum weight of 10 kgs  at shoulder height or 25 kgs at waist height;


• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends.

Responsible for delivering a high-level, comprehensive and professional PA and administrative service to support the work of the Director/CEO.The post holder will work pro-actively and collaboratively with other members of the team, the broader University and senior level internal and external stakeholders (eg. VC’s Office, Local Authority Leadership teams, investors and company CEOs).

1. Provide confidential and effective PA and administrative support to the Director/CEO, including theorganisation and coordination of senior management activities, e.g. meetings, briefings, travel, and minute taking.


2. Manage the Director/CEO’s complex diary, prioritising the many conflicting pressures and ensuring all necessary documentation and briefing information is available in advance of meetings, liaising with colleagues within the team,and relevant project teams, across the University and with external stakeholders as appropriate


3. Draft, amend and distribute reports, memos and contracts. Ensuring that papers, documents and other relevantinformation are available to staff.


4. Provide committee administrative support for working groups and meetings chaired by senior University personnel as required. Attend and service meetings as requested by the Director/CEO: preparing agendas, collating meeting papers, taking minutes, and handling follow-up correspondence.


5. Communicate with key contacts from within the University and external organisations in order to develop excellent working relationships.


6. Support office management, ensuring office supplies and office upkeep are of a high quality

A levels

 Experience in an administrative office environment that relates to:

• Providing personal assistant duties at senior executive level.

• Organisational skills (including circulating invites, drafting agendas, collating papers, taking and drafting minutes).

• Planning and organising short and long term activities and events

• Evidence of supporting major projects of significant scale and complexity.

• Developing and enhancing working methods and processes.