News

Wednesday News 2026 – Issue 25

Check out the latest edition of Dóchas' Wednesday News, a weekly newsletter sharing information, updates, and opportunities relating to the Irish international development and humanitarian sector! Each week we share details of upcoming events and workshops, employment and internship opportunities, trainings on offer, and much more.

Want to be the first to hear? Sign up for the Dóchas News here.

Dóchas News

(1) EU Capacity Building Workshop Series: Understanding the EU – 21 July

As Ireland prepares for its 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU, Dóchas is hosting a workshop series with Common Good to help our members better understand EU structures and policymaking. The series will also explore how our members can best engage with Brussels to make the most impact. Register here

Upcoming Events and Conferences

(1) Institute of International and European Affairs: “Minister Neale Richmond: Development and the EU Presidency” – 25 June

As is customary every year, the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) has invited the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond, to discuss Ireland’s development policy priorities. This year there will be a focus on the priorities in relation to Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from 1 July to 31 December 2026. At this public event, Minister Richmond will deliver an in-person/hybrid keynote address, followed by an interactive Q&A session to answer the insightful questions from the audience. This important event forms part of the IIEA ‘Development Matters’ Lecture Series, kindly supported by Irish Aid. Find out more and register here.

(2) IDEA Climate, Culture & Hope: A Conversation with Michael D. Higgins – 28 June

Former President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins joins the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival for a special conversation with Ruairí McKiernan, CEO of IDEA – the Irish Development Education Association. Together, they will explore climate action, sustainability, and the role of arts, culture and education in creating a fairer future. Drawing on his lifelong commitment to social change, creativity and community, Michael D. Higgins will reflect on how hope, imagination and collective action can help address today’s challenges. Featuring guest performances by Áine Tyrrell and Princess Mimi Chukwudi. Register here.

(3) BoardMatch: “BoardMatch Live: Meet Your Next Board Member – Early Bird Tables until 30th June!” – 30 June

Looking to strengthen your board with passionate and skilled Board Members? Attend BoardMatch Live, Ireland’s only face-to-face board recruitment event for charities and not-for-profits, on Wednesday, 14th Oct at Chartered Accountants Ireland offices, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Formerly known as Charity Trustee Speed-Dating, this event connects you directly with dozens of prospective board and committee members – all eager to make a difference. Early-bird tickets €100 are available now until 30th June, full price €150. Each ticket includes attendance for two representatives from your organisation. Find out more here

(4) Development Studies Association: DSA 2026 Conference – 8-10 July

For the first time in 40 years, the Development Studies Association UK conference will come to Ireland. It will take place as a hybrid conference and will be organised and hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Development, University College Dublin, on 8-10 July 2026. This year’s theme is Reimagining Development: Power, Agency, and Futures in an Uncertain World but you will also find panels on a range of topics including politics, gender, agriculture, AI, youth, conflict and more.

Worldview will be hosting a panel at the Conference on 8 July, from 2.45-4.15 pm. The panel is titled ‘Shifting geopolitical sands: How global instability is shaping the public’s understanding of and approach to overseas development aid, and what this means for communicating development‘, and will explore how public values shape support for overseas aid amid global instability & the implications for development communications. Using data from the UK, US, France & Germany, the panel will compare Ireland’s uniquely stable, values-driven support for aid despite rising global tensions. Register here.

Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops

(1) Irish Environmental Network: Webinar – Climate Policy and the Irish Presidency of the EU – 29 June

The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) and the Stop Climate Chaos coalition are joining with the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and the EUKI Academy to host a webinar on Climate Policy and the Irish EU Presidency, on Monday 29 June, 1pm – 2.30pm. Speakers include Chiara Martinelli, Director of CAN Europe; Philip Nugent, Assistant Secretary for EU Affairs in the Dept of Climate and Environment; and Arianna Labasin, Executive Coordinator of the EEB. Register here.

(2) Comhlámh Workshop – “Volunteerism and its Measurements: Promoting a policy dialogue on the 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR)” – 7 July

On July 7th, join Comhlámh, UCDVO, Northumbria University and the UN Volunteers for an interactive hybrid workshop, “Volunteerism and its Measurements: Promoting a policy dialogue on the 2026 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR)”. It’s taking place from 16:00 – 17:30 (Ireland time), in person at UCD’s Global Lounge, Belfield, Dublin, or online. Drawing on the UNV’s State of the World’s Volunteerism report 2026, the workshop will explore how to better recognise, support and value volunteer contributions across communities. For more info and registration details, click here.

Vacancies

(1) Trócaire:  Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

Trócaire is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here. 

(2) Oxfam Ireland:  Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

Oxfam is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.

(3) Concern Worldwide:  Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

Concern Worldwide is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in Ireland and internationally. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.

(4) GOAL:  Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

GOAL is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.

(5) Irish Red Cross:  Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

The Irish Red Cross is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.

(6) Irish Red Cross: Project Coordinator – Employment – 26 June

This role will lead on the development and implementation of IRC’s employment services programme. Reporting to the Programme Manager for Integration, the Coordinator will be responsible for delivering employment services under IRC’s Ukraine Accommodation Programme funded by the Irish Government, the “EMERge” Programme, funded under the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and under other funding as may arise. The Coordinator will ensure that all project activities are effectively planned, actioned on time, and the expected results are achieved. The role will liaise with relevant internal colleagues and external stakeholders and will have line management responsibility for a team of two to three staff. Find out more here.

(7) Irish Red Cross: Employment Partnerships Officer – 26 June

This role will be responsible for creating pathways to employment for refugees, asylum-seekers and other migrants who are engaged in IRC’s employment services programmes. The role will develop and manage partnerships with businesses, employers and other relevant stakeholders to deliver job placements. Reporting to the Project Co-ordinator – Employment, the Employment Partnerships Officer will support delivery of employment services under IRC’s Ukraine Accommodation Programme funded by the Irish Government, the “EMERge” Programme, funded under the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and under other funding as may arise. Find out more here.

(8) Front Line Defenders: Head of Protection Grants – 1 July

Front Line Defenders is recruiting a Head of Protection Grants to join our team. This is a permanent role based in Dublin, reporting to the Director of Protection Grants and Consortium Engagement. The Head of Protection Grants will be a leader who can balance the urgent needs of human rights defenders with the rigorous demands of donor compliance and financial management. This role will be responsible for financial stewardship, overseeing the protection grants budget, expenditure monitoring, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal integrity and donor compliance. Apply here.

(9) MSF Ireland: Public Engagement Officer – 2 July

The purpose of this function is to execute public engagement, advocacy, event and associative activities and communications, to ensure the MSF’s identity, values, experiences and positioning are successfully communicated to the Irish public, donors and supporters, university groups and general supporters, in line with MSF’s strategic ambitions. The role works within the Communications team and closely with colleagues in other teams/departments/functions, to ensure that public engagement activities and events support and help deliver their objectives. Apply here.

(10) Self Help Africa: ICT Administrator – 3 July

Self Help Africa is seeking an ICT Administrator who supports the delivery, security and continuous improvement of Self-Help Africa’s technology environment. The role helps ensure that systems, devices and digital services are reliable, secure and cost-effective, enabling staff across the organisation to work efficiently and collaboratively. This is a key support role within the ICT team, providing user support, systems administration and operational assistance across global offices. Apply here.

(11) Self Help Africa: Director of International Programmes – 3 July

Self Help Africa is seeking a Director of International Programmes to provide senior leadership across its global programme portfolio. The role is responsible for ensuring that all country programmes are effectively delivered, strategically aligned with the organisation’s global priorities, and supported by strong, sustainable resource mobilisation in a challenging funding environment. The post holder will act as a key integrator across the organisation, coordinating teams and functions to ensure programmes are high-quality, compliant, and efficiently managed. Apply here.

(12) Misean Cara: Finance Officer – 6 July

Are you a methodical and detail-oriented finance professional looking for a role where your work truly matters? Misean Cara is seeking a Finance Officer to play a vital role in supporting their work and ensuring strong accounting practices. As the organisation’s Finance Officer, you will take ownership of day-to-day accounting operations, helping to maintain the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of our accounting systems. Find out more here

(13) Plan International Ireland: Team Lead – Humanitarian Portfolio – 8 July

Plan International Ireland is seeking an experienced humanitarian professional to lead a portfolio of institutional donor-funded programmes in humanitarian and fragile contexts. The Team Lead- Humanitarian Portfolio will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio funded by ECHO, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), UN agencies, humanitarian pooled funds, and private donors. The role will oversee grant management, donor compliance, financial oversight, reporting, and risk management while supporting high-quality programme delivery and portfolio performance. Working closely with Country Offices and cross-functional teams, the postholder will contribute to emergency response, business development, and organisational learning, while leading a small team and strengthening Plan International Ireland’s position as a trusted humanitarian partner. Apply here.

(14) Plan International Ireland: Team Lead – Development Portfolio – 8 July

Plan International Ireland is seeking an experienced development professional to lead a portfolio of institutional donor-funded programmes and grants. The Team Lead- Development Portfolio will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio funded by development-focused donors, including the European Union (e.g. INTPA/Global Gateway Initiative), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UN agencies, and private donors. The role will oversee high-quality grant management, donor compliance, financial oversight, reporting, and risk management while supporting effective programme delivery and portfolio performance. Working closely with Country Offices and cross-functional teams, the postholder will contribute to business development efforts, strengthen donor relationships, and help position Plan International Ireland for future funding opportunities, while leading a small team and fostering collaboration, continuous learning, and excellence across the development portfolio. Apply here

(15) Irish Refugee Council: Caseworker – 9 July

The Irish Refugee Council is looking for a full-time caseworker. The caseworker will provide direct support to individuals and will work under the supervision of our Information and Advocacy Service Manager. This is an exciting and challenging role with an opportunity to work directly with people in the protection process and positively impact their lives. They will provide information and advocacy to people seeking international protection and from a refugee background on a range of issues related to the international protection application process, state-provided accommodation, family reunification, homelessness, and more. Find out more here.

(16) MSF Ireland: Digital Marketing Officer – 9 July

MSF Ireland is hiring a Digital Marketing Officer to lead day-to-day management of its digital channels, spanning fundraising, communications, and supporter engagement. You’ll create and publish content, manage the website, and oversee digital infrastructure including CRM, Google Ads, email marketing, and analytics platforms. Working closely with fundraising and communications colleagues, you’ll help shape MSF Ireland’s digital presence and grow its online community. The ideal candidate brings 3-5 years of digital marketing or digital fundraising experience, strong copywriting skills, and a commitment to humanitarian values. Apply here

Calls for Tender

(1) Self Help Africa: Self Help Africa ISCP Programme Final Evaluation – 30 June

Self Help Africa is seeking an independent consultant to evaluate its Irish Aid-funded ICSP programme (2023–2027), operating across seven African countries. The evaluation covers two components: long-term development and humanitarian programmes (Component A), and Global Citizenship Education in Ireland (Component B). Consultants may apply for one or both. Using OECD-DAC criteria, the evaluation will assess relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. A minimum of seven years’ international development experience is required. Full details are available here.

(2) Global Action Plan: “Request for Tender: Community Inclusion Support Specialist” – 10 July

Global Action Plan is requesting submissions for tender for a Community Inclusion Support Specialist, based in the GLAS Community Garden at TU Dublin Blanchardstown. Working closely with the garden manager, this contractor will maximise the participation, engagement, and learning of people from marginalised and underserved communities, in particular those with disabilities and from migrant backgrounds. Apply here.

Courses and Training

(1) MU Centre for Global Development: Post-graduate programmes at MU Centre for Global Development – 31 July

Join us at The Centre for Global Development, Department of Anthropology, Maynooth University, on our PG and MA programmes, which start in September 2026 (full- or part-time). These include our PG Cert. in Global Citizenship Education, MA in International Development, and our MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice. Through them, participants will critically engage with important contemporary issues and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others at personal, local and global levels.  Find out more here.

(2) STAND: Changemakers Academy -15 August

Applications are now open for the STAND Changemakers Academy 2026, our award-winning, immersive three-month programme for students and recent graduates exploring this year’s theme: Peace and Reconciliation. Running from 24th August to October 2026, the programme includes: A four-day residential in Knockree, Co. Wicklow, a five-week online Global Issues course, and a cross-border residential weekend in Derry focused on peacebuilding, storytelling, and dialogue. Find out more and apply here.

Watch and Listen

(1) Irish Global Health Network: Burning Questions in Global Health Podcast

In this special interview, Dr Nadine Ferris France speaks with Dr Mike Ryan, former Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, about the changing global health landscape. From conflict, funding cuts, and geopolitical shifts to the future of global cooperation, stigma, leadership, and humanitarian response, this conversation reflects on some of the defining global health challenges of our time, and what comes next. Listen here.

Other News

(1) Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society: 2026 Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award – 10 July

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award. Inspired by Monsignor O’Flaherty, who sheltered an estimated 6,500 people from Nazi persecution in wartime Rome, this award honours outstanding individuals, teams, or organisations providing exceptional humanitarian service at home or abroad. The recipient will receive the O’Flaherty Humanitarian Medal, a Framed Award Scroll presented by the Mayor of Killarney, and a €3,000 bursary. Nominations are welcome from the general public, NGOs, and humanitarian societies. Find out more here

(2) Maynooth University: Dr Sinead McGrath Memorial International Development Scholarship – 1 September

The Centre for Global Development, Department of Anthropology, Maynooth University is pleased to announce the Dr. Sinead McGrath Memorial Scholarship Scheme for the forthcoming academic year, 2026/27. The CGD welcomes applications for a Master’s bursary, which is worth €2500 for the winning student. Applicants must have received a firm or conditional offer of a place on either the MA in International Development, or the MA in International Peacebuilding, Security and Development Practice by 31st July 2026 for their bursary application to be assessed. Deadline for applications is 1st September 2026. For full details of eligibility criteria and T+Cs please see the CGD website.

Share the Post: