Web Accessibility Consultant

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is currently recruiting for a Web Accessibility Consultant to work within its emerging IT accessibility entity – the Centre for Inclusive Technology (CFIT).
NCBI has established CFIT to promote Inclusive Design of information and communication technologies (ICT). CFIT aims to be an international Centre of Excellence in research and practice relating to Inclusive Design and the creation of accessible ICT systems. CFIT provides consultancy services in accessibility auditing and user testing of websites.
About the Role
As a CFIT Web Accessibility Consultant, you will report to the Director of CFIT, Dr. Mark Magennis, and will be required to undertake the following duties:
· Carry out accessibility audits of websites
· Design, schedule and run website user tests, using CFIT’s monitoring and recording equipment
· Facilitate and observe tests and interview users
· Write up the results of audits and user tests as reports, including test video footage as appropriate
· Present reports to clients and assist clients in implementing appropriate remedial actions
· Help develop the consultancy’s working practices, methodologies and tools
· Undertake research activities in the field of Web accessibility
Skills required
Web accessibility work requires an analytical mind and an ability to take on the perspective of other people, including users of all ages and abilities, designers, web developers and website owners.
To apply for this role, it is not essential that you are already a Web accessibility expert. However, we are looking for someone who wants to become an expert. You will work closely with other CFIT staff, including the Director. You will receive training and mentoring in a collaborative environment, but it is essential that you have the desire and interest to develop your skills and produce top quality work.
The basic qualities you will need to build on are inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, initiative, self motivation and an ability to communicate in a collaborative environment. We want people who can bring in and share their own ideas and approaches as well as taking on those of others. Everyone employed by CFIT is expected to play a role in developing it into an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence.
Although Web accessibility expertise is not essential, experience in a related area, such as software design, human factors, usability or disability is expected. The following skills and experience would be ideal:
· Knowledge of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the Web Accessibility Initiative
· Experience with Web accessibility auditing tools
· Knowledge of website design and implementation using HTML and CSS
· Experience running user tests of computer software
· Knowledge of assistive technologies used with computers
· Experience of working with people with disabilities
Details
The position is available initially as a two year fixed-term contract and will be based in NCBI’s head office in Whitworth Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Hours of work are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Salary is €44,000 p.a.
Application
Apply by 29th October 2004 by sending a cover letter describing why you want to work for NCBI CFIT and a CV describing your relevant experiences, to:
Dr. Mark Magennis
Centre for Inclusive Technology
National Council for the Blind of Ireland
Whitworth Rd
Drumcondra
Dublin 9
Ireland