Examinations & Assessment Manager - Research and Development

The Role

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) now have a vacancy for an Examinations and Assessment Manager (EAM) in Research & Development in its Examinations and Assessment Division. This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and committed individual.

The Principal Duties and Responsibilities of the Role will include the following:

• Developing a programme of research proposals;
• Planning and co-ordinating an annual schedule of research activities;
• Undertaking research directly;
• Commissioning research projects to be conducted by external agencies and managing such projects;
• Providing technical support in the areas of statistics and psychometric methods;
• Support other research and development activities in the SEC;
• Preparing an annual report on the research activities of the SEC;
• Preparing an annual technical report on the examinations;
• Remaining abreast of relevant legislation, literature and ongoing research; analysing and evaluating intelligence as necessary;
• Providing research-based advice to the SEC;
• Liaising with relevant national and international organisations in relation to assessment research and information;
• Contributing to the training of EAD and contract staff;
• Managing the performance of assigned contract staff, including their training needs, as required;
• Interacting with school management and staff;
• Ensuring the quality and effective conduct of the state examinations;
• Representing the SEC in national and international fora.

The State Examinations Commission

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation of the State Certificate examinations. Its remit includes the development, assessment, accreditation and certification of examinations, including the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied and Junior Cycle examinations.

The Commission deals with the provision and quality of the Irish State Examinations. The organisation is committed to working in partnership with school authorities and education providers in order to deliver a high quality examination and assessment system that is efficient, fair and accessible and to ensure that the system is operated in an environment of openness, transparency and accountability.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must on or before 4th June 2026:

• (i) Hold a recognised, first or second class honours primary degree at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (or NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications Equivalent);
  • AND
• (ii) Hold a relevant qualification of at least Level 9 on the NFQ (or NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications Equivalent) in an area that includes data analysis and research methods, design and skills;
  • AND
• (iii) Have at least five years’ relevant postgraduate experience which must include at least three years’ satisfactory service in a post or posts which involved quantitative and qualitative educational research as a central activity.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate:

• A comprehensive knowledge and experience of Research and Development strategies and methodologies;
• Experience and an excellent knowledge of the application of psychometric methods in educational assessment systems;
• Excellent knowledge of assessment principles;
• Excellent communicative skills in English;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills,
• Excellent IT skills;
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the second level (post-primary) education system in Ireland;
• The requisite knowledge, ability and skills (including knowledge of relevant legislation and the Irish education system) and be suitable to discharge the duties of the position;
• A demonstrated ongoing commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD).