Vacancy: SENIOR PROGRAMME 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 Senior Programme Officer will form a part of ICOS’ Programme Team, providing administrative and operational 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. ICOS is now seeking to recruit a Senior Programme Officer to the team. The role is initially for 2.5 years, renewable subject to funding.

Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum 3-4 years’ experience in a similar role
• Experience of programme delivery and administration
• Demonstrated leadership ability within a team
• Knowledge of, and interest in, Ireland’s international development policy
• Knowledge of the higher education sector in Ireland and globally
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent administration and organisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• 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:

• Supporting the Programme Manager to ensure ICOS delivers on all commitments to the Ireland Fellows Programme.
• Coordination and performance of administrative tasks associated with the delivery of the Programme, including processing applications, supporting and tracking the placement of candidates onto college programmes and accommodation arrangements.
• Travel logistics for arriving and departing fellows.
• Updating and reviewing information and guidance packs for fellows.
• Updating and maintaining the Programme database.
• Fellowship casework.
• Event management.

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 3-4 years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience of leadership within a team.
• Strong administration, organisation and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a resourceful approach to problem solving.
• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word and Excel.

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 in programme delivery and/or in a customer-facing role.
• Experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Experience organising and managing events.
• Knowledge/experience of international development work, Ireland’s international development policy and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Experience with SharePoint and using databases such as Salesforce, Microsoft Access and Excel.

Salary & Terms
The position is offered on a 2.5-year contract, renewable subject to funding, and subject to an initial 6-month probationary period.

The annual salary for this role is €40,000.

Access to ICOS’ pension and health insurance schemes is available after the completion of the 6-month probationary period.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday, 6 May. 

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: