News

Wednesday News 2026 – Issue 36

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) 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.

(4) Irish Network for Education Worldwide: Irish Launch of the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report – 21 September

The Irish Network for Education Worldwide (INEW) and the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report are pleased to invite you to the Irish Launch of the 2026 GEM Report on Access and Equity. The in-person event will take place on 21 September 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Refreshments and lunch will be served. The event will feature a presentation of the report’s key findings by the GEM Report’s Director, Manos Antoninis, an interactive panel discussion led by IDEA’s CEO Ruairí McKiernan with national and international experts sharing insights and lessons from the report, and more. The launch brings together education experts from across Ireland and beyond to engage in discussions on the report’s findings and Ireland’s commitment to achieving SDG 4. Please register here.

(5) Irish Development Education Association: Innovation Showcase Lunch – 23 September

Registration is now open for the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) Innovation Showcase Lunch taking place on 23 September, 12.30 pm – 3.00 pm, at the IDEA offices, 6 Gardiner Row, Dublin 1. Join them for lunch and a sounding board for all your brilliant Global Citizenship Education (GCE) plans for the autumn. IDEA is offering a safe space to try an activity with their peers and talk through something new, old, or an idea they’re not too sure about. Find out more here.

(6) National Disability Authority: NDA 2026 Annual Conference, Disability inclusive responses to natural and man-made emergencies (Article 11 UNCRPD) – 15 October

The National Disability Authority would like to invite you to its 2026 Annual Conference. This year’s event will examine disability inclusive responses to natural and man-made emergencies in line with Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Article 11 of the UNCRPD focuses on situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. It requires measures to be taken to ensure the safety and protection of disabled during situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. The Conference will be a hybrid event, in-person at the Havelock Suite, Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, or online via Zoom. This event will be free of charge. Registration is now open here

Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops

(1) 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) 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.

(7) ILCU International Development Foundation: Part-Time Delivery Manager – 14 September

The Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation is seeking to recruit a part-time Delivery Manager, who will be responsible for supporting Rwanda and Tanzania projects based in Dublin on a fixed-term contract of 12 months. Interviews will take place on 23rd / 24th September, subject to candidate availability. The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. Find out more here.

(8) Irish Red Cross: National Safeguarding Manager – 16 September

The National Safeguarding Manager (NSM) is the staffing role in the Irish Red Cross with primary responsibility for managing and reporting concerns about children and vulnerable persons and for putting into place procedures to safeguard children and vulnerable persons in the Irish Red Cross. Covering the areas of safeguarding, Garda Vetting and protection, as well as volunteer and staff training programmes in safeguarding, the position holder works closely with the National Safeguarding Committee (NSC) and the Senior Management Team to ensure strong adherence to good safeguarding policy and practice across the organisation. This role currently has 3 direct reports. 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) 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: 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.

(2) ECO-UNESCO: ECO-Week 2026, Free Online Sessions on Sustainability for UN Sustainable Development Goals Week – 21-25 September

Get ready to celebrate ECO-Week 2026! Join ECO-UNESCO’s annual celebration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Week. ECO-Week is a week of FREE, online events focused on raising awareness about the SDGs and environmental themes, such as climate action, biodiversity, food waste, and fast fashion. During ECO-Week, we aim to educate and empower young people to take environmental action in their school or community and envision a more sustainable future. These are free daily sessions for two age groups: 8 to 12s and 13 to 18s. You can join on your own, or get your class, youth group, or friends involved too! Register here.

(3) Irish Development Education Association: Training- There Is No Alternative, or Is There? We Need to Talk About Economics in GCE – 14 October

Join the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA), in collaboration with Financial Justice Ireland (FJI) and the Centre for Global Education (CGE), for this autumn training on Wednesday, 14 October, 10.00 am – 4.30 pm at the Carmelite Centre, Dublin 2. Central to Global Citizenship Education is exploring the root causes of social and environmental injustices. One of the biggest root causes of many of the issues explored through GCE is the neoliberal economic model. This training will support participants in giving explicit attention to the economic factors that affect, or are affected by, the social, environmental or political issues being investigated. Find out more here

(4) 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.

(5) 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.

(6) 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) 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

(2) NETLOVE: #PEACEDAY 2026! Screening of “Human” the Movie – 21 September

All are welcome to a special screening of “HUMAN” the Movie on Monday 21 September 2026 at Trinity College Dublin (ARTS BUILDING, SYNGE THEATRE), from 6 to 8 pm. The screening is 45 minutes, followed by a discussion about “What makes us Human?” FREE EVENT. Co-hosted by NETLOVE and the Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin. RSVP here

(3) BoardMatch Ireland: BoardMatch Live: Meet Your Next Board Member – in one evening! – 14 October

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 at Chartered Accountants Ireland offices, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Formerly known as Charity Trustee Speed-Dating, this event connects you directly with skilled professionals who are interested in joining a charity board. If you find a match at the event, your new Board Member qualifies for a Free place on our Governance Training Programme. Find out more here.

(4) 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.

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