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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) 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.
(2) Institute of International and European Affairs: “From Retrenchment to Reimagining: The Future of International and Development Cooperation: Dr Andy Sumner and Dr Stephan Klingebiel at the IIEA” – 30 October
In their presentation, Dr Andy Sumner, King’s College London, and Dr Stephan Klingebiel, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), will reflect on the impact of the fall of almost a quarter of official aid from OECD donors in 2025, the largest annual drop on record. They will take account of the fact that the second Trump administration has torn up the rulebook of development cooperation and that other donors are shifting orientation. Furthermore, they will consider possible futures for development cooperation and explore who will define the new key idea of ‘mutual interest’. The speakers will acknowledge that small coalitions of like-minded countries are already building practical tools where universal agreement is hard to reach. They will close with an analysis of what like-minded donors can do now. This event is part of the IIEA’s 2026 Development Matters Lecture Series, kindly supported by Irish Aid. Register for free here.
(3) 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 the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, and will be addressed by a panel of guest speakers. Register here.
(4) IDEA: Global Citizenship Education in Liberia: A Conversation with Liberian Practitioners – 6 November
Join IDEA and Development Perspectives for an informal conversation with visiting Global Citizenship Education practitioners from Liberia, hosted by IDEA CEO Ruairí McKiernan. Hear directly from Liberian colleagues about their experiences of GCE, adult and community education, grassroots engagement and community-led change. Part of the Global SpACEs programme, this gathering offers an opportunity to exchange learning, explore shared challenges and strengthen international connections and solidarity. Free event, with lunch provided. Registration is essential here.
(5) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): “Bearing Witness on the Frontlines: MSF’s Work in 2026” – 11 November
What does it mean to provide care in crisis settings? Join Médecins Sans Frontières/MSF Ireland at the Royal College of Physicians for an in-person discussion with frontline staff returning from three of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. Drawing on first-hand experiences in highly fragile environments such as Gaza, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this panel will explore the meaning of frontline work and its impact on the lives of communities, patients and humanitarian workers, particularly in 2026, a year defined by major global crises and compounding humanitarian emergencies. Discussion moderated by Richard Chambers. Reserve your spot here.
(6) The Wheel: “Breakfast Club S5E2: Leadership and Trust” – 19 November
Our next episode of the Leadership Series, The Breakfast Club, will be held online, and we will be exploring the very interesting topic of Leadership and Trust. Trust is a BIG word, and it can be a tough one to navigate. With so much talk around psychological safety for employees, the topic of trust is an important one for leaders. Trust comes at different levels: trust in the organisation and its mission for its own people and indeed other stakeholders, fostering a culture of trust amongst colleagues and teams and even developing trust in individuals to help them believe in their own competence. We will be joined on the morning by Austin Campbell (CEO of The Liberties Community), and Aoife O’Brien (founder of Happier at Work). As always, these events are free; you just need to register here.
Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops
(1) 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.
(2) Irish Global Health Network: “Webinar – Celebrating Excellence: Winners of The Dr Anne Merriman Award for Palliative Care in Africa” – 5 November
Access to palliative care may still be very limited in Africa, but there are a lot of green shoots. This webinar celebrates the Dr Anne Merriman Award for excellence in palliative care in Africa, sponsored by Irish Aid. You will hear from: Dr Nahla Gafer (Winner), Dr Michelle Meiring, and Dr. Ephrem Abathun. Find out more and register here.
(3) Centre for Global Education: “Development Education: Learning for Transformation” – 18 November
Centre for Global Education & Comhlámh invite participation in a webinar titled “Development Education: Learning for Transformation”, which will debate the content of Issue 43 of the journal Policy and Practice: A Development Education Review. Speakers are: Benjamin Mallon (Assistant Professor, Dublin City University) (Chair); Marta da Costa (Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University); Anne M. Dolan (Associate Professor, Mary Immaculate College); and Giulia Filippi (Research Fellow, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy). Time: 12.00 – 1.30 pm (online) | 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) Self Help Africa: Education Officer, West Region – 26 October
The WWGS Education Officer (EO) will support WWGS post-primary schools/settings in the West Region to engage with and deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship Education. They will guide schools to engage with the programme through the WWGS Global Passport. This framework helps educators understand, assess, and develop their practice in Global Citizenship Education across the post-primary curriculum and wider school life. The capturing and sharing of data to track the level of GCE engagement at post-primary level is of central importance for this role. The role requires using own initiative and requires excellent facilitation, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills to work with a wide range of school personnel and stakeholders, and to collaborate effectively with other members of the WWGS team. Find out more here.
(7) Self Help Africa: Education Officer, East & Southeast – 26 October
The WWGS Education Officer (EO) based in East and Southeast will support WWGS post-primary schools/settings in this region to engage with and deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship Education. They will guide schools to engage with the programme through the WWGS Global Passport. This framework helps educators understand, assess, and develop their practice in Global Citizenship Education across the post-primary curriculum and wider school life. The role requires the ability to work independently and use their own initiative, alongside excellent facilitation, communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. The EO will work with a wide range of schools and stakeholders and collaborate effectively with other members of the WWGS team. Find out more here.
(8) Irish Refugee Council: Youth Worker – 27 October
Our Youth Work programme empowers young people and supports them to build a life in Ireland while navigating the particular challenges they face. We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and innovative Youth Worker who is passionate about making a difference to join our dynamic youth work team and play a key role in supporting young people from a refugee background. The role has three core elements: working with our current Youth Worker to deliver our weekly youth group, support emerging projects, and provide one-to-one support to our youth group members. Find out more here.
(9) Habitat for Humanity Ireland: ReStore Retail Assistant (full-time/permanent) – 30 October
Working as part of the staff team, the ReStore Assistant will assist with day-to-day operations of ReStore. This includes providing excellent customer care, donor recognition, and support/supervision for the volunteer team. Apply here.
(10) Self Help Africa: Development Education Manager – 2 November
Development Education (DE) and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) are core strategies within Self Help Africa to increase public awareness of aid, global justice, and development. We aim to influence public perception and build a constituency of support for development by communicating messages that bring a greater understanding of the reality of life in rural Africa and our global interdependence. The SHA GCE programme actively engages with schools, teacher training institutes, and communities through a range of interactive teaching methods and curriculum development. The GCE Manager will oversee the strategic development and implementation of the DE/GCE work plan, leading school visits, major public events, and community engagements. The successful candidate will manage a team across Ireland and oversee a dedicated project budget, ensuring high-quality programme delivery and support portfolio growth. Find out more 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) United Edge: Workshop on Using the Future to Change the Present – 30 October
Are you going through an organisational change or strategy process? This workshop expands vision while practically exploring themes like the Futures of Aid, Gender, Health, Education, Agriculture, Economy, Governance, Business, Livelihoods, and Environment using tools like STEEP, CLA, Futures Triangle, Scenario Building, North Star, and Backcasting. Guest speakers include futurists Aarathi Krishnan, Katindi Sivi (established Afro-futurist), Michel Maietta (behind the Future of Aid 2040 work), and Ben Holt (formerly IFRC’s lead for Strategic Foresight, now with SOIF), and a cast of local and international leaders all interested in shaping more just futures using the Justice-Based Approach and Strategic Foresight. Find out more here.
(2) Trinity College Dublin: “SoCap Learning Lab: Strengths-based approaches in humanitarian assessment, M&E and research” – 10 November
Join the SoCap research team at Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday 10th Nov, 11 am-1 pm, for an in-person learning lab led by Gwoup Konbit, a community-led social movement in Cité Soleil, Haiti. The session will explore what a strengths-based approach is, how far sector guidance is reflected in practice, and practical recommendations for integrating it into humanitarian MEAL, research and programming. Aimed at MEAL, research, information management and programme staff. Free, but places are limited. More info and registration here.
Other News
(1) IDEA: Invitation to Contribute to Research on Global North-South Partnerships in GCE – 30 October
IDEA, in partnership with Concern Worldwide, is researching good practices in Global North-South partnerships for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) and Development Education. We invite practitioners to contribute through a short survey by 30 October, an interview, or by sharing experiences and examples. No previous partnership experience is necessary, as we also welcome views on barriers, challenges and opportunities for partnership. Survey respondents will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of Sally Hayden’s new book, This Is Also a Love Story. Findings will be shared at a workshop on 25 November. More information here.