ICOS is hiring a Programme Manager

Job Title: Programme Manager
Ireland Fellows Programme – ICOS 

Reporting To: Executive Director 

Contract: Fixed-term to 30 June 2028, renewable subject to funding and performance, with a 6-month probation period.

Location: Hybrid (1–2 days per week in-office), 41 Morehampton Road, Dublin 4

Starting salary: This role sits within the ICOS Programme Manager salary band of €54,916–€69,162. The starting salary is expected to be in the lower to mid-range of the band, commensurate with experience.

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

About ICOS 

ICOS (Irish Council for International Students) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for the rights of international students in Ireland and promotes high standards in international education. ICOS also administers the Ireland Fellows Programme on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further information is available at www.internationalstudents.ie  and www.irishaidfellowships.ie. 

About the Ireland Fellows Programme

The Ireland Fellows Programme (Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) provides fully funded master’s-level opportunities in Ireland for early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries. The programme supports capacity building, promotes gender equality and inclusion, and builds long-term relationships with Ireland. Awards cover tuition, travel, accommodation and living costs, with programmes typically running for 10–16 months from August/September. The programme aligns with key Irish Government’s international development and education policy frameworks.

About the Role  

The Programme Manager leads ICOS’ Programme Team in the delivery of the Ireland Fellows Programme on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an operational and people-management role, responsible for coordinating programme delivery, managing stakeholder relationships, overseeing risk, and ensuring high-quality support for Fellows throughout the programme lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities 

The Programme Manager will:

• Work collaboratively as part of the ICOS Management Team to deliver the Ireland Fellows Programme.
• Lead and manage the Programme Team, including supervision, workload planning, performance management and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure the delivery of all contract commitments for the Ireland Fellows Programme to agreed standards, timelines and reporting requirements, in line with ICOS’ organisational policies and governance frameworks.
• Maintain strong working relationships across ICOS and with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Irish diplomatic missions, higher education institutions, and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee end-to-end programme operations, including application processing, candidate placement, and coordination with higher education institutions.
• Oversee Fellows’ arrival and departure processes, including travel and settlement logistics, as required.
• Manage programme casework with Fellows sensitively and confidentially, escalating issues where appropriate and in line with ICOS policies.
• Identify, monitor and manage risks associated with programme delivery, contributing to organisational risk management processes as required.
• Oversee programme databases and information management, ensuring accuracy and GDPR-compliant handling of sensitive data.
• Plan and deliver extracurricular programme elements and events, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager on budgeting, expenditure monitoring and financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Policy and Communications Manager on programme communications, alumni engagement, and stakeholder information.
• Support programme development and new initiatives in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the programme evolves.
• Actively contribute to the wider work of ICOS by sharing programme learning, insights and good practice across the organisation, and by supporting cross-team initiatives as appropriate.
• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Executive Director. 

ICOS values collaboration, adaptability and shared responsibility across the organisation, and the Programme Manager is expected to contribute flexibly to this way of working.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may evolve in line with programme and organisational needs, in consultation with the post holder.

Essential Criteria 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a management role, including direct people management.
• Demonstrated experience delivering and/or administering programmes involving multiple stakeholders and interdependent processes.
• Excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to plan and sequence work effectively in a busy operational environment.
• Strong people management, relationship management and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong problem-solving ability, sound judgement and experience handling sensitive or complex situations appropriately.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage different project timelines at once.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), and confidence working with databases or CRM systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive personal information.
• Interest in social justice and human rights, and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across diverse cultural contexts.

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with higher education institutions, including admissions, placement or student support processes.
• Experience in data management, reporting and process improvement within programme or organisational settings.
• Experience organising and delivering events.
• Knowledge of Ireland’s international development policy and/or the Sustainable Development Goals, at a practical or operational level.
• Experience working in the community or voluntary sector, particularly in programme or service delivery roles and/or with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of conflict or displacement.
• Relevant qualification in leadership and management (or equivalent professional experience).

Staff Benefits 

• Access to ICOS’ health insurance scheme following completion of a 6-month probationary period.
• Access to ICOS’ pension scheme, including 7% employer pension contribution.
• Annual leave of 22 days per year, plus additional paid leave over the Christmas period.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements.
• Time in lieu for approved overtime.
• Death in service benefit.
• Ongoing staff training and development opportunities.

How to Apply:

 
Deadline: Wednesday 28 January 2026, 15.00 (Irish Time)

To Apply: Email CV (2-page max) and cover letter (1 page max) in one PDF document to orlal@icosirl.ie 

Email Subject Line: ICOS Programme Manager – Application  
Name the PDF file: Your Name – Position Title. 

Interviews: expected to take place in person the week of 16 February. 

ICOS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society. We will make reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process.