News

Wednesday News 2026 – Issue 40

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) “Together for Global Climate Action” Conference – 3 November

This conference will be a moment for critical, timely discussion between experts, policymakers, and civil society on what is at stake at COP31 for climate finance and what will be needed to realise the global ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement, and to engage with and support the Irish EU Presidency ahead of COP31. Together, we will explore how the EU, and the humanitarian and development sector more broadly, can protect frontline communities, build long-term resilience, and turn climate finance promises into tangible action. Find out more and register here.

Upcoming Events and Conferences

(1) Institute of International and European Affairs: Kirsty McNeill MP, UK Minister of State for International Development – 8 October

UK Minister of State for International Development, Kirsty McNeill MP, will deliver a keynote address on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing international development policy. She will explore the UK’s approach to development cooperation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, including the role of international partnerships, multilateral institutions, and responses to major global crises. The discussion is also expected to consider the growing links between development, climate action, and international security. In her ministerial roles, McNeill has had responsibility for: Africa; development and humanitarian; international finance; and climate and energy security. This important event forms part of the IIEA ‘Development Matters’ Lecture Series, kindly supported by Irish Aid. Find out more and register here.

(2) Plan International Ireland: That’s on period: A Pop-up Global Exhibition – 15 October

That’s on period is an interactive exhibition exploring menstruation as an issue of dignity, equality, education, health and human rights. Developed by Plan International Ireland, the exhibition will bring together stories, artefacts, creative installations and community participation to challenge stigma, spark conversation and inspire action on period justice. Join us at Flux Studios for an unforgettable journey that fosters greater understanding of the barriers many face in managing their periods safely and with dignity, while celebrating the solutions and movements driving positive change. Find out more here.

(3) National Youth Council of Ireland: What does genuine belonging look like for Black young people in Ireland today? – 22 October

Join us, in person, on Thursday 22nd October! As part of Black History Month 2026, NYCI invites youth workers, managers and youth sector practitioners to join us for a day of exploration, reflection and practical learning focused on ethnicity, identity, belonging and power in youth work settings. We know that meaningful inclusion requires more than good intentions. Throughout the day, we will explore questions and topics that help create more inclusive youth work spaces. Through shared learning, reflection, and discussion, participants will gain insights and practical tools to strengthen inclusive practice and support genuine belonging for all young people. Register here.

(4) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): Development Dialogues at Trinity College Dublin – 29 October

The Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) will host Development Dialogues at Trinity College Dublin on Thursday, 29 October, from 2.00 p.m., as part of the Directors’ Meeting of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI). The public lecture and panel sessions will examine the changing face of European Development Cooperation and questions of crisis readiness and preparedness in the context of intersecting global challenges. The event will begin with a keynote address from Mr Barry Andrews, MEP, followed by expert panel discussions. Find out more and register for free here.

(5) Irish Forum for International Agricultural Development (IFIAD): IFIAD Annual Conference – 5 November

The 10th IFIAD Annual Conference will take place on Thursday 5th November at Iveagh House, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dublin. The theme this year will be Innovating Beyond Food Crises. The conference will be opened by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond and will be addressed by a panel of guest speakers. Register here.

Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops

(1) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): Beyond AI for Development: Power, Livelihoods and African Futures – 12 October

The Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) will host an online webinar, Beyond AI for Development: Power, Livelihoods and African Futures, on Monday, 12 October, from 1.00–2.00 p.m. The discussion will examine what AI is doing to development, livelihoods and everyday life across Africa, bringing together perspectives on AI governance, digital economies, development practice, media, gender and lived experience. It will explore whose knowledge is embedded in AI systems, how AI is reshaping labour and inequalities, and who has the power to define Africa’s technological futures. Find out more and register for free here.

(2) Trócaire: Global Solidarity Hub Youth Symposium – 24 October 

The Global Solidarity Hub – Youth for Action event brings together young people aged 18–30 from across Ireland to explore the issues that matter to our generation, from climate justice and gender equality to inclusion, humanitarian action and global solidarity. As part of the Associated EU Presidency Events programme, the symposium will create a space for young people to share experiences, challenge ideas, build connections and explore how we can play an active role in shaping a fairer and more sustainable world. Delivered by the Global Solidarity Hub, with partners Sightsavers Ireland, GOAL, Trócaire and Black and Irish, the event will take a citizen-centred approach to the themes shaping Ireland’s international development agenda. Find out more 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) UCD Volunteers Overseas: UCDVO Programme Assistant, UCD Global – 9 October

UCD Volunteers Overseas is located within UCD Global and provides opportunities for students, staff, faculty and alumni to engage in international volunteering and global citizenship education programmes. Volunteers engage in volunteering overseas/and/or virtually for four weeks each year to work on a broad range of community development projects carried out in partnership with NGOs, academic institutions and community groups. The UCDVO Programme Assistant will provide a high level of administrative and programme quality support for UCDVO’s volunteering and global citizenship programmes and contribute to the success of the new five-year strategic plan. Apply here. 

(7) Self Help Africa: Individual Giving Manager – 9 October

The Individual Giving Manager will lead a programme to secure and increase donated income from individuals in line with Self Help Africa’s fundraising strategy. This role is central to strengthening supporter engagement, driving income growth, and ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across multiple regions. The Individual Giving Manager will lead the digital fundraising programme within Self Help Africa across the website, email, and social channels for Individual Giving. The Individual Giving Manager will also manage a small dedicated team of 4 direct reports who work on hybrid and remote arrangements across Ireland and the UK. Find out more here.

(8) Self Help Africa: ICT Administrator – 9 October

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. Find out more here.

(9) Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation: Grants Lead Role – 16 October

Based in Shannon, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation was established in 2024 to back initiatives that address inequality and create opportunity – improving lives and building lasting change. The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation is looking for a talented and motivated Grants Lead to join the organisation! Working closely with the Grants and Impact Manager, the Grants Lead will be responsible for the development, delivery and effective management of a significant portfolio of grants across the Foundation’s priority programme areas. Full details on the role can be found here.

(10) Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation: Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead – 16 October

Based in Shannon, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation was established in 2024 to back initiatives that address inequality and create opportunity – improving lives and building lasting change. The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation is looking for a talented and motivated Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead to join our team and play a key role in measuring and demonstrating the impact of our work. The purpose of this role is to lead the Foundation’s monitoring, evaluation, and impact function, developing and implementing a robust M&E framework and embedding a culture of learning and continuous improvement. More information can be found here.

(11) Vincentian Lay Missionaries: Part-Time Manager for Volunteering Programmes – 2 November

VLM is seeking a part-time Schools Volunteer Programme Manager to coordinate and develop its Schools Immersion Programme, which enables young people to experience Vincentian mission, culture and partnership overseas. The Programme Manager will take day-to-day operational responsibility for the programme, working with participating schools, students, teachers and VLM’s Vincentian partners. Find out more here.

Courses and Training

(1) STAND: Global Issues Courses at UCD and TU Dublin

STAND’s 6-week, part-time Global Issues Courses return this autumn with the theme Peace and Reconciliation. UCD’s course runs Tuesdays from 29th September to 3rd November, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. TU Dublin’s course runs on Wednesdays from 7th October to 4th November. Free to attend, certified, no experience needed. Find out more here.

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