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Dóchas News
(1) Future Funding of Sustainable Development: Fragile & Conflict-Affected States – 25 September
A High-Level Forum convened by Dóchas for Ireland’s EU Presidency. This forum aims to examine how the EU Integrated Approach to Fragility can be practically operationalised, scaled, and measured on the ground. It aligns with the priority themes of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, specifically addressing the need to safeguard ODA, advance values-based external action, and deliver on sustainable funding that protects poverty eradication goals. You can register here.
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) Irish Red Cross: International Humanitarian Law Conference: “Championing International Humanitarian Law at the European Union and beyond” – 17 September
Irish Red Cross’ annual International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Conference will use the occasion of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU to examine the role of Ireland and the EU in ensuring respect for IHL. The conference will feature a keynote address by Mr Eamon Gilmore, former EU Special Representative for Human Rights, alongside panel discussions with leading experts from across the humanitarian, legal and policy sectors. The Conference will also launch the forthcoming report “Voices for Humanity in Conflict: Ireland and the EU’s role in upholding International Humanitarian Law“, presenting new evidence on public awareness of IHL, attitudes towards its importance, and perceptions of Ireland’s and the EU’s role in promoting respect for the rules of war. Limited places remain available. For more information and to register, please visit here.
(3) 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 discuss the different ways leadership and mentoring intersect, and we will be joined by two fantastic speakers: Ann Marie O’Grady, CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association, and Andrew Madden, 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.
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.
(2) Irish Network for Education Worldwide: Online Seminar “Education Under Attack: Protecting Education In Protracted Crises” – 9 September
INEW will host an online seminar “Education Under Attack: Protecting Education In Protracted Crises” on Wednesday, 9 September, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Irish Time, marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Attacks on education are a persistent reality in many of the world’s protracted crises. Our distinguished speakers, including Prof Shane Darcy (Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway), Margarita Focas Licht (Chief of Partnerships at GPE), and speakers from ECW and Concern Worldwide’s Syria team, will explore the legal protections for education under attack, examine the particular challenges posed by protracted attacks in crisis and fragile contexts, and spotlight the situation in Syria. The seminar will also feature breakout sessions and a general debate with the speakers, allowing participants to discuss and reflect together. Find out more and register here.
(3) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): Webinar Series. SDG Challenge, 2: Zero Hunger – 17 September
The Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) will host a lunchtime webinar on SDG 2: Zero Hunger on Thursday, 17 September, from 1.00–2.00 p.m., as part of its Research Symposium on Irish-Funded Development Research. The event will feature two projects funded through the SDG Challenge, a partnership between Research Ireland and Irish Aid: SANKOFA, integrating climate-smart agriculture with indigenous knowledge in Malawi, and Solarains, focused on the sustainable processing of climate-resilient cereal grains in Zimbabwe. Find out more and register for free 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) 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.
(7) Irish Red Cross: Grants Manager – 14 September
The Irish Red Cross is looking for a talented Grants Manager to lead in the development of our engagement with statutory and private strategic funders. The successful candidate will generate an increase in strategic grant support for the Irish Red Cross as well as work with internal teams to ensure that grant-supported projects are effectively delivered. The Grants Manager will also be responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing the strategic development of the Irish Red Cross Strategic Grants Programme; leading its operations to support the organisation’s goals; and supporting departments in all aspects of grant acquisition and management – including identifying funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of grant resources. Find out more here.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) STAND: Board Director & Chair of Finance Committee – 25 September
STAND, a not-for-profit mobilising third-level students and graduates for global justice, equality and sustainability, is seeking a new Board Director to Chair its Finance Committee. The role involves leading the board’s financial oversight, reviewing budgets and controls, supporting oversight of funding mix and donor concentration risk, and working with the Executive Director on financial planning. Ideal candidates have a qualified accounting or financial background, strong financial literacy, and a belief in STAND’s mission and values. Time commitment: six board meetings per year, plus Finance Committee meetings. Find out more here.
Calls for Tender
(1) Saolta: Tender – “Food for Thought – An Exploration of the Climate Crisis and Security/Insecurity” – 7 September
Saolta is seeking a consultant to develop “Food for Thought – An Exploration of the Climate Crisis and Security/Insecurity”, a Global Citizenship Education (GCE) resource pack supporting the Level 4 Horticulture Science module (4N0682) in Ireland. The resource will explore the links between climate change, food security and sustainable, regenerative and equitable agriculture, incorporating perspectives from Ireland and the Global South. It will include practical tools, lesson plans, activities, case studies, assessment methods and guidance for educators. The consultancy will run from September to November 2026, with a budget of €4,000. Applications close on 7 September 2026. Find out more here.
(2) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): Tender – Review of the DSAI Study Groups – 9 September
The Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) is inviting tenders to undertake a review of the DSAI Study Groups. The review will consider the objectives, nature, structure and working of the Study Groups, build on their achievements, strengths and perceived opportunities, and identify where and how they might best be strengthened. The work will take place between September and November 2026 and is expected to comprise approximately 10–15 working days. Please submit a CV with an accompanying letter of interest to admin@dsaireland.org by COB on Wednesday, 9 September. View the full details here.
(3) Irish Red Cross: Organisational Readiness Assessment for ICSP Application – 11 September
The Irish Red Cross (IRC) is seeking an experienced consultant to conduct an Organisational Readiness Assessment in preparation for the upcoming Ireland Civil Society Partnership (ICSP) funding round. The assignment will involve reviewing IRC’s policies, governance, systems, and international programme portfolio against anticipated ICSP eligibility criteria to identify strengths, key gaps, and potential strategic niche areas. The work comprises an estimated 10 working days, with all deliverables to be completed by the end of October 2026. Interested candidates should submit a technical proposal, financial proposal, CV, and references to aocarroll@redcross.ie by 17:00 on Friday, 11th September 2026. Find out more here.
Courses and Training
(1) ECO-UNESCO: Register Now for Our Next Part-Time Course Intake, QQI Level 6 Ecology and the Environment Course – 9 September
We’re offering a Level 6 Ecology and the Environment course for learners. This course is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national awarding body for further and higher education and training. Our course provides a thorough introduction to ecological systems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. 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. To apply, visit our website. Unsure if you meet application requirements or if you require fee assistance? Contact Tim Mac at training@ecounesco.ie.
(2) ECO-UNESCO: Youth Climate Justice Programme 2026 – Rolling Registration
We welcome curious young people (14 to 17) to register for our 2026 Youth Climate Justice (YCJ) Programme – an invaluable opportunity for aspiring leaders and advocates for climate action and justice. This after-school programme runs from September to December, providing young people with resources to develop new skills and grow as young climate leaders in a safe and supportive environment. Taking place after-school, participants will engage in games, group discussions and debates, hands-on workshops, listen to guest speakers and expert sessions, and lead community action projects at our youth space located in Dublin 2. Our programme will culminate at the annual Earth Gala Event, hosted by ECO-UNESCO in December, where participants will have the chance to celebrate their achievements throughout the programme. No prior experience is required to participate! To sign up, complete the registration form here.
(3) 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.
(4) United Edge: Strategic Foresight + Futures Thinking Subsidized Workshop – 30 October to 19 November
This interactive online workshop equips humanitarians, development practitioners, activists and changemakers with practical Foresight tools for strategy, programme design, innovation, advocacy and decision-making. Learn alongside inspiring guest speakers, explore real cases, and put the tools you will learn into practice, all through a unique lens rooted in Justice. Find out more here.
(5) Viatores Christi: Venture Training Programme – October 2026 to January 2027
Applications are open for the live, interactive online training programmes starting in October 2026 and January 2027. Designed for NGO professionals, volunteers, practitioners, and students, these courses provide practical skills for international development contexts. Core modules include project planning, MEL, safeguarding, Research methods, community development, mission and development. Gain insights from experienced experts, connect globally, and earn a Certificate of Completion from an organisation with over 65 years of training expertise. For details and registration, email Rose@ViatoresChristi.com. Find out more here.
Other News
(1) 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.
(2) Irish Aid: 2027 Civil Society Fund – 11 September
Minister Neale Richmond launched the 2027 Civil Society Fund. The Civil Society Fund (CSF) supports overseas development projects which have the potential to contribute to the priorities and commitments in A Better World: Ireland’s Policy for International Development (2019). Applications are accepted annually from Irish and invited international civil society organisations to carry out projects of up to five years duration. Further details can be found here.
(3) ECO-UNESCO: Register for ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards 2026-2027 – 4 February 2027
Calling all young changemakers and environmentalists! Registration is now open for ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards (2026-2027). At ECO-UNESCO, we believe change starts with action, and no difference is too small. For over 25 years, we have been proud that our YEA programme has supported the ideas, actions, and solutions of young people by providing a platform to develop practical skills, explore collaborative and holistic approaches, and make meaningful contributions to environmental activism. In the long-term, participants will be equipped to serve as role models, inspire peers and younger generations, and contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and advocacy. This youth programme is free and open to young people aged 10 to 18 across the island of Ireland. We welcome group sizes ranging from 2 to 25 participants. Find out more here.