News

Wednesday News 2026 – Issue 33

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.

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Dóchas News

(1) The Development Brief Podcast: Worldview Strategic Advisor David Hudson

David Hudson, Worldview Strategic Adviser, sits down with Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna to break down the research, its methodology, and what it tells us about where the Irish public stands on support for overseas development aid, and where it may be going in the future. Worldview creates a shared language for the sector to understand and engage with the Irish public. Listen to the episode here and learn more about the insights here. Reach out to claudia@dochas.ie for more information.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

(1) WorldVision Ireland: The European Union and Enhancing Protection for Children in Crisis – 15 September

Join us for a timely discussion during Ireland’s EU Presidency on how the European Union can better protect and support children affected by conflict and crisis. Featuring children and young people with lived experience alongside Minister Neale Richmond TD, Vanessa Frazier (Under-Secretary General, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict) and Ted Chaiban (UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and UN Assistant Secretary-General), the event will explore how children’s rights, protection and participation can be placed at the heart of the EU’s humanitarian agenda. The event is co-hosted by World Vision, Plan International Ireland, UNICEF Ireland and Save the Children and is an Associated Presidency Event. Register here by the 31st August 2026 (limited places, so early registration encouraged).

(2) The Wheel: The Leadership Academy Breakfast Club – 17 September

The Leadership Academy Breakfast Club is back for Season 5 with a conversation on Leadership & Mentoring. We’re curious to have a discussion on all the different ways leadership and mentoring intersect, and we will be joined by two fantastic speakers: Ann Marie O’Grady is the CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association and Andrew Madden is the Head of Training, Consultancy and Communications at Carmichael. We are delighted to be invited by Kelley Bermingham to the beautiful new venue in the Deanery, at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. This event is free to attend, but registration is required here.

(3) Saolta: “Making SpACE for Community” Conference – 4 November

Hosted by Saolta, Making spACE for Community is a national gathering that celebrates the power of Adult and Community Education to bring people together. Across Ireland, learning happens every day through sport, music, arts, volunteering, culture and community action. This event invites educators, learners, community organisations and partners to share ideas, build connections and celebrate these experiences. With inspiring speakers, interactive workshops and opportunities to connect, we’ll explore how learning strengthens communities, creates a sense of belonging and supports wellbeing. Lunch, tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day. Find out more here.

Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops

(1) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): DSAI Autumn School 2026 – 3 September

The Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) will host its Autumn School 2026, Skills and Methods for Development Studies and Research in Times of Uncertainty, online on Thursday, 3 September, from 10.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. The event will bring together researchers, NGOs, policymakers and academics to consider the skills and approaches needed for development research in an increasingly uncertain and rapidly changing global context. Through facilitated discussions and participatory sessions, attendees will share their experiences and co-develop adaptive research strategies to engage with emerging challenges in the global development sphere. Find out more and register 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) Oxfam Ireland: Research Consultant – 23 August

We are seeking an experienced Research Consultant to lead a qualitative research project exploring the realities of inequality among young people aged 18 to 35 in Ireland. This work forms part of a wider European study spanning six countries and will contribute to understanding how young people experience inequality, view their prospects and engage with democratic institutions. If you are interested in learning more, please click here.

(7) Irish Red Cross: Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator – 25 August

The M&E Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the monitoring and evaluation function across all programmes in the Migration Department. The Coordinator will ensure that M&E is undertaken to the highest technical standard within the Department, that strong analysis is available, and that this analysis contributes to high-quality programming. The role will contribute to the ongoing development of the organisational M&E agenda. Find out more here.

(8) Irish Red Cross: Housing Officer – 25 August

The Housing Officer will be responsible for engaging with all types of property owners and other stakeholders in supporting the onboarding of accommodation pledges in rental and shared accommodation to the IRC Register of Pledges and to accommodate programme refugees to gain sustainable housing across the state. Find out more here.

(9) STAND: Facilitator – Irish Language focus (based in the Irish Aid Centre) – 27 August

Join the STAND team, working in the Irish Aid Centre as a bilingual Facilitator, working through both Irish and English. You’ll help build and strengthen a network of contacts, promote the programme, and deliver engaging workshops to primary, post-primary and third-level students and community groups. You’ll also support outreach events and contribute to the wider work of the team. Is deis iontach í seo chun cur le hoideachas saoranachta domhanda agus feasacht phoiblí go fuinniúil in Éirinn. The role is a fixed-term, part-time contract of up to 12 months, until the end of September 2027, with the possibility of extension. Find out more and apply here.

(10) ActionAid Ireland: Individual Giving Manager (Maternity Cover) – 31 August

ActionAid is seeking an experienced and ambitious Individual Giving Manager to lead our Individual Giving and Supporter Care programme during an exciting period of growth and transformation for the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape fundraising strategy, lead an experienced individual giving and supporter care team, and play a key role in growing sustainable income that supports women’s rights around the world. If you’re looking for a role where you can combine strategy, leadership and hands-on fundraising while making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. This role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract for maternity cover. Find out more here.

(11) CBM Ireland: Consultancy Opportunity, Course Design and Facilitation – 31 August

CBM Ireland is seeking an experienced consultant to design and facilitate a learning programme on Transformation, Inclusivity, Gender Equality and Solidarity. This consultancy will support a multi-country climate justice consortium on organisational learning and culture change, helping strengthen inclusive, equitable, and values-driven practice. For application details, enter here.

(12) Development Perspectives: Saolta Programme Manager – 4 September

Development Perspectives is currently recruiting an experienced and inspiring Saolta Programme Manager to lead the strategic development and delivery of the Saolta programme — a partnership supporting Global Citizenship Education (GCE) within Ireland’s Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector. 35 hours per week, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend or evening work. Please send your CV and a letter of motivation to recruitment@developmentperspectives.ie, and find out more here.

(13) Irish Development Education Association (IDEA): Communications Manager – 17 September

IDEA is the national network for Development/Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland. We work with over 100 member organisations and individuals to strengthen the sector through collaboration, professional learning, research, policy engagement and advocacy. IDEA is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications and public engagement work. Find out more here.

(14) Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation: Board Members – 18 September

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors. As Glencree expands its work across Ireland and internationally, we are looking for leaders who can bring strategic insight, expertise, and diverse perspectives to support our mission. We particularly welcome applications from younger leaders, women from diverse backgrounds, people from Northern Ireland, and those with experience in fundraising, communications, governance, or leadership. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of Ireland’s leading peacebuilding organisations and make a lasting contribution to building peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities. Find out more here.

Courses and Training

(1) ECO-UNESCO: QQI Level 6 Ecology and the Environment Course by ECO-UNESCO (Part-Time Courses Open for Enrolment) – 9 September

Looking for a career change? Or have a special interest in the natural world and its systems? ECO-UNESCO is offering a QQI-Accredited Level 6 Minor Award in Ecology and the Environment for part-time learners, providing a thorough introduction to ecological systems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. This course is open to all learners, whether you’re looking to upskill your current ecological and environmental knowledge or step into a developing field. Participants will explore habitat management, biodiversity protection, and environmental policy, while building practical field skills in species identification, habitat surveying, water quality assessment, and invasive species management across a range of Irish ecosystems. You can register or find out more here.

(2) Eurocheck: Security, Hostile Environment Course – 27 to 29 October

Our hostile environment courses are suitable for individuals who are currently working in or are going to work in medium to high-risk areas. They will help to ensure that you keep yourself and those you are working with safer. In addition to the normal security subjects covered in the security awareness courses, this course includes sessions on kidnapping, landmines, trauma, and sexual assault. The course also includes pre-course reading, exercises and role plays. Our main courses are conducted in Kildare, but we can also run short bespoke courses at your own location. We also conduct online hostile environment and security awareness courses. All courses are suitable for NGOs, Charities, journalists, students, human rights workers and volunteers. Reduced rates for regular clients and for organisations sending four or more students. Find out more here.

Other News

(1) The Wheel Bursary: NCI Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management – 31 August

The Leadership Academy is delighted to be offering a Bursary to one lucky applicant for the upcoming September intake of NCI Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Developed in partnership with Quality Matters and The Wheel, this Level 9 Certificate has been running for over ten years and is hugely popular in the sector. We are once again offering one fully funded place, worth €1,575, for someone within our membership from a small or medium-sized organisation (organisations with annual income of less than €1 million). This will cover the full cost of the fee for the Autumn 2026 NCI Non-Profit Leadership and Management course. The course commences on Monday 14 September 2026. Email ciarapower@wheel.ie for the bursary application form.

(2) Centre for Global Education: Policy and Practice Issue 44, Call for Contributors – 4 September

The Centre for Global Education is inviting contributions to Issue 44 of our bi-annual, open access and peer-reviewed journal, Policy and Practice: A Development Education on the theme “Development Education and the Uses and Abuses of Knowledge”. Authors interested in submitting to this issue should send the editor an abstract submission form on or before 5.00 pm on Friday, 4 September 2026. Commissioned articles will have a submission deadline of Friday, 11 December 2026. The full call for contributors is available here.

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