Programme Officer
Job Title: Programme Officer Ireland Fellows Programme – ICOS
Reporting To: Programme Manager
Contract: Fixed-term to 30 June 2028, renewable subject to continued funding and organisational requirements. A six-month probationary period will apply.
Location: Hybrid (1–2 days per week in-office), 41 Morehampton Road, Dublin 4
Starting salary: The starting salary for this role is €40,000.
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working arrangements are subject to operational requirements. The post-holder will be expected to attend the office for meetings, events and other activities where required for the effective delivery of the role. Occasional travel within Ireland and evening or weekend work will be required in connection with programme events. Time off in lieu will apply in line with ICOS policy.
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 (DFAT).
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.
Key Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
Ireland Fellows Programme Delivery & Administration
• Coordinate designated programme workstreams and contribute to the timely, accurate and effective delivery of each annual Fellowship cycle.
• Coordinate travel, accommodation and arrival arrangements for incoming Fellows, anticipating logistical issues, maintaining accurate records and escalating significant risks promptly.
• Process Fellowship applications and liaise with Irish Aid missions and other stakeholders as required.
• Support course placements for academic programmes in Ireland, liaising with higher education institutions and relevant partners.
• Prepare annual course directories and application documentation for each Fellowship cycle.
• Act as a professional first point of contact for designated Fellows, providing accurate information, maintaining appropriate case records, making referrals and escalating significant welfare or safeguarding concerns in line with ICOS procedures.
• Analyse numerical data to support programme planning, including forecasting accommodation needs and coordinating bookings.
• Maintain accurate programme records and databases, supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities.
• Support the organisation and delivery of Fellowship events, including orientation, seminar days and networking activities.
• Support programme-related financial administration for the Ireland Fellows Programme, including processing payments and maintaining accurate records.
• Contribute to financial tracking and reporting for the programme by maintaining accurate data and documentation to support audits and reporting requirements.
Student & Programme Engagement
• Support ICOS’ student engagement activities, including providing administrative and coordination support for ICOS student and member engagement activities.
• Contribute to ICOS’ wider arrangements for responding to international-student and member queries. Organisational Contribution
• Actively contribute to team planning meetings, weekly programme meetings and cross-organisational discussions.
• Provide administrative and coordination support to other ICOS activities as identified by management, consistent with the role and workload.
ICOS values collaboration, adaptability and shared responsibility across the organisation, and the Programme Officer 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 organisational needs, in consultation with the post holder.
Essential Criteria
• A relevant third-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• At least two years’ relevant experience in programme or project coordination, education, student support, international development, community work or a comparable people-focused setting.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, manage competing deadlines and take responsibility for accurate and timely delivery.
• Strong organisational, administrative and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, including confidence using spreadsheets to analyse data, forecast requirements and maintain financial or programme records.
• Strong IT skills, including experience of databases, CRM systems, spreadsheets and shared digital working environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with people from varied professional, national and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience handling sensitive queries or individual cases with sound judgement, confidentiality, empathy and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Experience liaising with external stakeholders such as higher education institutions, government bodies, embassies, community organisations or service providers.
• Resourcefulness, adaptability and the ability to recognise when an issue should be resolved independently or escalated.
Desirable Criteria
• Previous experience in higher education, student support, or scholarship/fellowship administration.
• Knowledge of international development and education, including Ireland’s international development policy and the higher education sector in Ireland and globally.
• Experience working in the community/voluntary sector, higher education sector or a membership organisation.
Staff Benefits
• Access to ICOS’ health insurance scheme after completion of the 6-month probationary period.
• Access to ICOS’ pension scheme, including 7% employer contributions.
• Annual leave is 22 days per year.
• Additional paid time off over the Christmas period and on Good Friday.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working arrangements.
• Time in lieu for overtime worked.
• Staff training, development and education opportunities.
How to Apply
Deadline: Sunday 13 September 2026.
To Apply: Email CV (2-page max) and cover letter (1 page max) in one PDF document to recruitment@icosirl.ie
Email Subject Line: ICOS Programme Officer – Application
Name the PDF file: Your Name – Position Title.
Interviews: expected to take place in person 23/24 September.
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.
Further information
Irish Council for International Students: Visit the ICOS website.
Ireland Fellows Programme: Learn more about the Ireland Fellows Programme