Vacancy: Events and Activites Officer

About ICOS
ICOS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation advocating for the rights of international students in Ireland, and promoting good policy and high standards for international education in Irish higher education. ICOS also administers the Ireland Fellows Programme on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs (the “Programme”).

About the Role
The Events and Activities Officer will form a part of ICOS’ Programme Team, providing support in ICOS’ delivery of its commitments to the Ireland Fellows Programme. This is a professional and dedicated team supporting students from participating countries at master’s level who have been awarded fellowships due to their academic excellence, future leadership potential and their dedication to advancing Sustainable Development Goals in their home countries. As the Programme expands in terms of size and the scope of its activities, ICOS is seeking to recruit a new Events & Activities Officer to the team.

Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum 2-3 years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience planning and managing both in-person and online events.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with a variety of people.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills.
• The ability to work independently and seize opportunities.
• Excellent IT skills, including experience of Mailchimp as well as photo and video editing programmes.
• Knowledge of the higher education sector in Ireland and globally.
• The ability to work on own initiative as part of a team.
• An interest in social justice and human rights.

Responsibilities
Include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, coordinating and hosting events for students participating in the Ireland Fellows Programme.
• Developing, planning, coordinating and evaluating a new cultural immersion programme for Ireland Fellows Programme participants.
• Developing, planning and coordinating a new volunteering programme for Ireland Fellows Programme participants.
• Planning, organising and evaluating opportunities for further training and upskilling for fellowship recipients in areas such as leadership skills and career planning.
• Planning, organising and evaluating social gatherings of fellows, including an annual Christmas Party and a St. Patrick’s Day Party, and coordinating associated travel logistics, etc.

The successful applicant will also be expected to actively contribute to the broader ICOS team and, on occasion, provide administrative support for other activities as required.

The following are essential criteria for the post:

• A minimum of 2-3 years’ relevant work experience.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with experience managing multiple tasks and prioritising effectively.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Experience planning events and managing on-day logistics.
• Experience hosting large-scale events online using Zoom.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build relationships with a variety of people.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills.
• Ability to work independently and seize opportunities.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel and Word.

The following are highly desirable criteria for this post:

• A third-level qualification in a relevant area.
• Work experience in the community/voluntary sector and/or the higher education sector.
• Experience using Mailchimp as well as photo and video editing programmes.
• Previous work experience with an alumni programme and/or in a membership organisation.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge/experience of international development work, Ireland’s international development policy and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Salary & Terms
The position is offered on an initial 3-year contract, which may be extended, subject to funding. The role will be based at our office in Dublin, with flexibility offered for remote working. Attendance at the office will be required for at least part of each week (subject to public health advice).

The rate of annual salary for this role is in the range of €33,000 to €37,000 for a 35-hour week, depending on experience.

Other benefits include flexible working, 22 days’ annual leave and a further 3 days off during the Christmas period. Access to ICOS’ pension and health insurance schemes is available after the completion of a probationary period of 6 months.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday, 26 September with interviews of shortlisted candidates anticipated on the week of 11 October. Interviews will take place remotely via Zoom.

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, and should be emailed to Ms. Laura Harmon, Executive Director – lharmon@icosirl.ie.

Informal enquiries may be made to ICOS at +353 83 1621274 and candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify.

ICOS is an equal opportunities employer.

Further information for candidates: