We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and committed Development Officer to join our team.

About Gaisce – The President’s Award

Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive, participants are encouraged to choose their own activities and goals with the support of their President’s Award Leader (or PAL). The Gaisce programme is delivered by over 1,500 PALs working and volunteering in a variety of organisations across Ireland. There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The more time and energy participants give, the greater their reward.

More than 22,000 young people register to do a Gaisce award each year and an estimated 300,000 young people have participated in the programme in its 30 year history. Award participants are supported through their Gaisce journey by a trained adult mentor: their President’s Award Leader, or PAL. There are more than 1,500 active PALs across Ireland, working or volunteering in a variety of organisations that deliver the Gaisce programme (Gaisce Award Partners), from schools to youth services, from youth organisations to sports clubs, from private enterprises and third-levels, to the prison and probation service. PALs are the heart and centre of Gaisce and without them, Gaisce simply would not exist. For more information about Gaisce, please visit www.gaisce.ie.

The Role
Reporting initially to the CEO and working within the Operations Team, the role of the Development Officer is to support current Gaisce Award Partners and PALs, and to grow the reach of the programme through creating and supporting new relationships.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Working primarily within a given geographic and sectoral area:
Support newly-trained PALs as they recruit Gaisce participants.
Be the point of contact for Gaisce Award Partners and PALs within the assigned area.
Work closely with the Operations Team to ensure broader support for all Gaisce Award Partners and PALs.
Work with colleagues to identify trends in the support needs of Gaisce Award Partners and PALs and develop innovative and creative solutions.
Grow the reach of the Gaisce programme through creating and supporting new relationships (including ‘Challenge Partnerships’).
Promote and present on the Gaisce programme to third-parties.
Manage volunteers.
Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time, commensurate with the nature of the post.
Act in the best interest of Gaisce and in line with the vision and mission of the organisation.
Person Specification

Skills / Experience (Essential)
Professional qualification / relevant degree and min. 2 years experience. In line with Gaisce’s current strategic priorities, we are especially interested to hear from individuals with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas (bearing in mind the role will not involve working directly with young people):
Youthwork.
Youth / young adult justice.
Youth mental health.
Familiarity with the wider community and voluntary sector (youth sector a particular advantage).
Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with a diversity of people.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (in English).
Excellent organisational and planning skills.
Strong IT skills.
Strong strategic, analytical and evaluation skills.

Skills / Experience (Desirable)
Familiarity/understanding of the National Standards Quality Framework (NQSF).
Volunteer management training.
Familiarity with the Gaisce programme.
People management (volunteers).
Competency in the Irish language.

Personal Attributes
Commitment to empowering young people to fulfil their potential.
Self-starter and team-player.
Motivated.
Positive outlook.
Flexible.

Key Relationships
Reporting initially to the CEO, the successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Gaisce team, especially the Operations Team.

Terms
This is a 1-year fixed term appointment with a 6-month probationary period. There is a fixed salary of €35,751. The appointment is covered by the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and membership of the scheme will be compulsory for the successful candidate. There is a holiday entitlement of 25 days in the first twelve months, excluding public holidays.

Application
Applications for the post are by application form only (attached below). Completed application forms should be sent either by email to recruitment@gaisce.ie with the subject line ‘DO Application’ or by post (marked ‘Private & Confidential’) to: Gaisce – The President’s Award, Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin D08 YD62. Queries can be addressed to the same email address.

Closing dates for applications is 5pm, Wednesday, August 24th 2016 with a view to interviews being held in the first week of September.

All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification.

Gaisce, Gradam an Uachtaráin – the President’s Award is committed to best practice and operates on the basis of equal opportunities. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Appointment will be based solely on merit and canvassing will disqualify.