Wednesday News - Issue 18

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Dóchas News

(1) Dóchas Annual General Meeting - Members Registration Required

Dóchas Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 9th May in The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), 6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Starting at 10am and finishing at 12pm, the AGM will focus on statutory business including elections to the Board, the presentation of our 2023 financial statements, and the presentation of our 2024 budget. The meeting will also discuss a special resolution to amend the Constitution of Dóchas.

Further details and documentation will issue, to those who have registered, prior to the date. Participation at the AGM is open to Dóchas Members only and is free of charge. Please register your attendance, or that of a colleague, by COB 8th May by emailing anna(at)dochas.ie. 

(2) Dóchas Conference and 50th Anniversary Celebration - President Michael D. Higgins Announced as Keynote Speaker

Dóchas’ 2024 Annual Conference; 'Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of Climate Crisis’ will be held on Thursday 9th May at Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. This year we celebrate five decades of collaboration amongst International development and humanitarian organisations in Ireland, and our collective vision for a just, equal and sustainable world. Climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. At this year’s conference, we will explore climate adaptation, anticipatory action, and how we can work together towards a just transition. 

We are delighted to announce that President Higgins will give the opening address for our Conference.  Therefore, all of those who have tickets for the conference must register by 12.30pm on the day, with everyone seated by 12.45pm. We will close registration from 12.30pm – 1.30pm, so anyone arriving after 12.30pm will need to wait until after the President’s address to be admitted. 

Tickets for the conference are sold out. For inquiries about tickets or the event please contact leah(at)dochas.ie. 

(3) UCD Innovation Academy supporting this year’s conference

We are thrilled to announce that the UCD Innovation Academy is supporting this year’s Dóchas conference. The UCD Innovation Academy is currently offering funded places on their MSc in Design Thinking for Sustainability, starting September 2024. This is a unique masters programme that bridges sustainability knowledge and skills, ensuring students are ready to quickly transition to new roles and opportunities upon graduation.Offers are made on a rolling basis until the programme is full but early application is advised. Find out more here, or visit the UCD Innovation Academy stand at the Dóchas conference.

Forthcoming Events

(1) DSAI: Launch of DSAI International Development Studies Course Directory - 8 May 

DSA Ireland is launching an International Development Studies course directory, which it is hoped, will be an invaluable resource for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students throughout the island of Ireland. Please join us for this event which will be followed by a reception at UCD University Club on Wednesday, 8th May from 6-8pm. Register here. 

(2) UCD: Advancing SDG2 with Dr. Olutosin Oterkunrin - 14 May 

On 14 May, Dr Olutosin Otekunrin will speak at UCD on the topic of 'Advancing SDG 2: Agricultural commercialisation, nutritional status, and food insecurity of smallholder cassava farming households in Southwestern Nigeria'. The presentation will examine progress toward SDG 2 in Nigeria, focusing on hunger, agricultural commercialization, and their interrelationships with food insecurity, gender dynamics, and health and environment-related factors of smallholder cassava farming households. Dr Otekunrin is an agricultural economist and Senior Research Associate at the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF), University of Ibadan, Nigeria. For more information contact caitriona.dowd(at)ucd.ie.

(3) National Women’s Council of Ireland: What We Can Do: Towards Feminist Climate Justice - 25 May

Come and join our event for girls and young women aged 16 – 35 to be inspired to take action on climate justice in your school, higher and further education, your community and online. You will hear from young women bringing about change in their specific arenas and sectors, how to take climate action as a young woman and understand the different processes for getting your voice heard. The event will have several excellent contributors, including organisations working within education, in local communities and at all-island levels towards climate action which tackles issues of inequality as well as saving the planet. There will be a mix of panel discussions, presentations, and interactive workshops. Register here.

Meetings, Seminars, Conferences & Workshops

(1) Self Help Africa: Global Science Webinar Series - 14 May

Those interested in tackling global issues through science are invited to attend these webinars which will include contributions from post-primary students who exhibited at the Young Scientist, along with input from an expert in the field who will highlight connections between those projects and their work with communities in rural Africa.The second session in this two part series focuses on Global Soil and will take place on Zoom on 14 May at 2pm. Register here. 

(2) Centre for Global Education and Comhlámh: Seminar on Development Education and Migration - 14 May 

The Centre for Global Education and Comhlámh invite participation in an online seminar titled 'Development Education and Migration' which will debate the content of Issue 38 of the journal, Policy and Practice: A Development Education Review. It will be held online on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 from 12.00-1.30pm. This event has been funded by Irish Aid. Find more information on this event here. Register for the event here. 

(3) IDEA Webinar Series: Exploring Contemporary Crises and Issues through GCE - 15 May

The Irish Development Education association (IDEA) is collaborating with Comhlámh to host a webinar on ‘Social Inclusion in times of rising Xenophobia’ #4 on their webinar series : Exploring Contemporary Crises and Issues through Global Citizenship Education on Wednesday, 15 May, 12.30-2.00pm, online via zoom. This webinar will look at an existing gap in Ireland of refugee and migrant integration, resettlement, and community engagement. More specifically speakers will explore how this gap, in a time of austerity and multiplying barriers to overall social inclusion feeds xenophobic, anti-immigration, racist and far-right narrative sentiments. This event will also aim to discuss and explore the ways global citizenship education, the international development and humanitarian sector can become pro-active players in filling that gap. Find out more and register here. 

(4) Global Village: Teach Meet: GCE in the Primary Classroom and Global Voices for Social Justice - 16th May 

Our Teach Meet event will provide educators with valuable insights, resources, and practical strategies for integrating GCE themes into their classrooms. The event will be a blend of workshops and short presentations from a variety of NGOs and GCE practitioners including UNICEF, GOAL, Trócaire, Schools of Sanctuary, Irish Teachers for Palestine, PLAN, Self-Help Africa and Global Action Plan, followed by a resource fair.  This will take place in Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick on May 16th from 9:45-15:00.  This is a free event and the cost of substitute cover is provided. Register here. 

(5) Boardmatch Charity Trustee Speed-dating Event - 23 May 

Boardmatch are hosting their signature Charity Trustee Speed-Dating event in the Clayton Hotel in Cork on 23 May from 5.30-8pm. This event is a unique opportunity for charities with board vacancies to meet face-to-face with enthusiastic candidates who are looking to volunteer their time and skills by serving on a charity or not-for-profit board. Now in its fifth year, Boardmatch’s Trustee Speed-Dating event has facilitated over one hundred successful board matches. Tickets are €120 charities and €20 for candidates. Find out more here. 

(6) The Wheel: Leadership Academy Breakfast Club “Leading with Vulnerability” - 23 May

Please join us at the last Breakfast Club of Series 2 on Leadership and Vulnerability, hosted in McAuley Place in Naas, Co. Kildare.  Vulnerability within leadership refers to leaders who share their emotions with their team in the hope that it will build team trust and resilience. This month’s speakers are Dr Tracey Monson, CEO of the Daughters of Charity Child and Family Services, and John Church, CEO of the ISPCC.. There will be tea, coffee and pastries available. The event is free and open to anyone in the sector, at any stage of their leadership journey. Find out more and register here. 

Situations Vacant-Paid Positions

(1) Oxfam Ireland: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

Oxfam Ireland is currently advertising vacancies for various roles. Find out more about these roles. Various closing dates apply. 

(2) GOAL: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

GOAL is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Full details are available here. Details for current invitations to tender for consultancies can be found here. Various closing dates apply.

(3) Concern Worldwide: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally 

Concern Worldwide is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in Ireland and internationally. Find out more about these roles. Various closing dates apply. 

(4) Irish Red Cross: International Vacancies

The Irish Red Cross is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Find out more about these roles. Various closing dates apply.

(5) Trócaire: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally

Trócaire is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Find out more about these roles. Various closing dates apply.

(6) Irish League of Credit Unions: Project Manager - Women’s Financial and Economic Empowerment Initiative

We are hiring an interim Project Manager to join our team. The individual’s main responsibility will be to lead the Women’s Financial & Economic Empowerment (WFEE) project in Ethiopia, particularly the first phase termed the “Challenges & Opportunity Mapping” phase. The individual will also be responsible for advance planning and stakeholder engagement for the equivalent “Challenges & Opportunity Mapping” phases for Rwanda and Tanzania. This is an interim position with a duration of 6 months running from May-October 2024. Find out more here. Closing date: 8 May

(7) Irish Rule of Law International: Call for Tender

IRLI is a project-orientated, non-profit rule of law initiative founded in 2007 and incorporated in 2009 by the Law Society of Ireland and the Bar of Ireland. Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) seeks the services of a consultant(s) to undertake an organisational analysis of its Malawi team and programme to assess the structure and practices, and to make recommendations, to better enable IRLI to deliver its important work through its flagship programme. Particular importance is to be placed on the suitability of the current management structure (and any need for diversification and amendment thereof) as an enabler or inhibitor of continued delivery and measured growth. Find out more here. Closing date: 15 May

(8) ActionAid Ireland: Multiple Opportunities 

Supporter Care Executive 

ActionAid Ireland is seeking an organised, caring and friendly Supporter Care Executive to join our team. As Supporter Care Executive you will be the first point of contact for ActionAid supporters and will manage all supporter communications into and out of the organisation. You will also manage the processing of new and existing supporter sign-ups and payments, ensuring our database is up to date and income is processed in an efficient and timely manner. Finally, you work closely with the Retention Manager assisting with campaign set-up for all retention activities including supporter mailings, email communications, telemarketing and tax campaigns. This is a 4 day per week post with a hybrid model of 2 days in the office and 2 days remote. Find out more here. Closing date: 15 May 

Programme and Learning Co-ordinator

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced programme advisor, with a strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) in development and humanitarian programming. You will have experience in working in complex contexts specifically on women’s rights, gender equality and or GBV. You will also have strong experience in ensuring high standards of programme quality and providing support on participatory, feminist, and adaptive MEL practices. You will be responsible for implementing a monitoring, evaluation and learning system for our multi-country Women’s Rights Programme III (2023-2027) in Nepal, Ethiopia and Kenya seeking to address gender-based violence. Please note that the position is subject to Irish Aid funding and will be terminated with one month notice period if the funding is not forthcoming. Find out more here. Closing date: 29 May

(9) CBM Ireland: Fundraising Administration Officer

CBM Ireland, an international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, is seeking a Fundraising Administration Officer.  As part of a small but energetic and enthusiastic team, the Fundraising Administration Officer reports to the Fundraising Manager and is a member of the Fundraising Team, an important role in maintaining CBM Ireland’s fundraising architecture, maintaining our database and ensuring we adhere to best practice in donor engagement. The Fundraising Administration Officer role offers an excellent learning opportunity for a driven and motivated individual with a desire to develop a career in fundraising and the not-for-profit sector. Find out more here. Closing date: 15 May 

(10) Self Help Africa: Compliance Support Officer

This is a fascinating career opportunity to join a dynamic, growing not-for-profit organisation in a new role within the Risk and Compliance team. Working closely with the Risk and Compliance Manager, you will provide support to the Gorta Group entities including country programmes, be a trusted advisor and add value that will assist in key decision making. Critical to success is detail orientation as well as an ability to clearly communicate your message and deliver information in a timely and user friendly manner. Reporting to the Risk and Compliance Manager, you will play a supporting role in risk management, the development and maintenance of organisational policies and procedures and the promotion of a compliance culture and knowledge sharing throughout the organisation. Find out more here. Closing date: 16 May

(11) Misean Cara: Call for Tender

We are looking for a consultant to conduct a review of selected Misean Cara-funded projects providing education to forcibly displaced people. The aim of this review is to identify successful methods of including this growing, and particularly vulnerable, cohort of learners in different education settings. At the end of the review, a thematic learning report should provide a comprehensive overview of challenges in the inclusion of forcibly displaced learners and outline best practice examples of how to overcome these. The review will encompass five projects, implemented by four Misean Cara member organisations across five countries. Find out more here. Closing date: 19 May 

(12) Meath Partnership Familiar Faces: Project Coordinator 

Meath Partnership are currently recruiting for a Project Coordinator to set up and lead a new Befriending Service in County Meath. The service will support the successful integration of new arrivals to the county. The service will be complemented by education and training initiatives.  Find out more here. Closing Date: 20 May 

(13) Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence - Call for Tender 

The Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence is seeking Expressions of Interest to conduct desk-based research to find evidence of established and emerging good practice in Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivor-led accountability initiatives and practices across the prevention, mitigation and response trajectory.  The purpose of the research is to inform policy and practice with evidence of established and emerging good practice in GBV survivor-led accountability initiatives across the prevention, mitigation and response trajectory. Find out more here. Closing date: 22 May

(14) Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Institute of Global Surgery: Education Programme Officer 

"The RCSI Institute of Global Surgery (IGS) works to improve access to high-quality, essential surgical care for underserved populations.” The IGS are excited to advertise the role of Education Programme Officer.This role is an opportunity to get hands-on experience working across a number of different education and training projects that are making a difference worldwide - supporting surgical training institutions in low-resource settings, working on ambitious global open access medical education and simulation projects, and more. Find out more here. Closing date: 26 May 

(15) Brighter Communities Worldwide: Operations Coordinator 

Brighter Communities Worldwide are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to take on the new role of Operations Co-Ordinator in Ireland.  This role is to support the delivery of the activities and responsibilities of Brighter Communities Worldwide in Ireland in line with our strategic plan.  This is an opportunity to join an organisation supporting partnerships that have evolved since 2002 and developed into programmes supporting a population of 910,777 people in North West Kenya. Find out more here. Closing date: Rolling basis

(16) Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders: Digital Marketing Coordinator 

The digital marketing team at MSF Ireland oversees all digital endeavours, including content creation, campaigns, platforms, and initiatives aimed at enhancing user engagement and experiences, ultimately driving increased donations, applications, and awareness. As the Digital Marketing Coordinator, the incumbent is tasked with implementing and refining a dynamic digital marketing strategy to optimise engagement and drive digital conversions aligned with fundraising, communication/advocacy, and HR objectives. With a primary focus on collaborating with the fundraising team, the role involves crafting digital elements to foster positive interactions with potential audiences and nurturing relationships with existing supporters. Given the consistent growth in online revenue in recent years, this position plays a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding this potential. Find out more here. Closing date: 31 May

(17) Christian Aid Ireland: Head of Programmes

Reporting to the CEO, the role is responsible for leading the direction, coordination and oversight of Christian Aid Ireland’s international programme portfolio, working in close collaboration with the Global Head of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. You will manage the Programme Unit (10 staff) and support and oversee the delivery of the International Programme Strategy, working closely with colleagues from country teams and across the organisation. As a member of Christian Aid Ireland’s senior management Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, including developing corporate objectives, setting annual plans and targets, and inputting into decisions on the management and governance of Christian Aid Ireland. Find out more here. Closing date: 31 May

Situations Vacant – Internships and Volunteer Posts

(1) Friends of the Earth: Steering Committee Recruitment 

Dublin Friends of the Earth is the local volunteer arm of Friends of the Earth Ireland. We campaign on environmental and climate issues and our membership comprises students, professionals, parents, and grandparents! We welcome applications to our steering group committee and are especially looking for people interested in using social media! Expected commitment of 2-4hrs/week maximum. To apply please email dublin(at)foe.ie with the subject "Steering Committee Application" answering: Why you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, and What you would like to do or explore with Dublin FOE as a Steering Committee member. We expect no more than 200-300 words total. Feel free to include documents or links if these may support your application. Closing date: Rolling basis

(2) Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders: Major Gifts Intern

MSF Ireland has seen substantial growth, with private income rising annually through emergency appeals and other fundraising efforts. To continue this momentum, MSF plans to expand existing activities like emergency appeals, donor recruitment, major gifts programs, and introduce a mid-level donor program.The Dublin office has 15 full-time staff, supported by volunteers and interns. The seven-member fundraising team includes roles like Head of Fundraising, Major Gifts Manager, and Individual Giving Manager. The Major Gifts Intern can gain valuable experience in our experienced fundraising team, learning about relationship fundraising and the humanitarian sector. Access tailored training and contribute directly to MSF's objectives in Ireland and globally. Find out more here. Closing date: 10 May 

(3) Christian Aid: Board Recruitment 

Christian Aid Ireland is seeking individuals to join three of its Board Committees: the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee (IFRA); the Fundraising and Communications Committee; and the International Programmes Committee. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in Human Resources, Finance, Legal matters, fundraising, preferably acquired in the voluntary/community sector, and experience relevant to advising on international program policy and strategy. Committee members will serve terms of 3-4 years starting in November 2024. To express your interest, please submit a CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to Dr. Nicola Brady, Chair of the Nominations and Procedures Committee, via jdonaldson(at)christian-aid.org. Closing date: 31 May 

Courses and Training

(1) Boardmatch Ireland: Board Culture Training - 9 May

Boardmatch are running a special offer on an upcoming short course. The Board Culture training session is aimed at established trustees and senior staff focusing on the board's responsibility at setting the culture of the organisation. This will take place on 9 May from 5.30-8.30pm. This course is delivered by Boardmatch’s expert trainer Gráinne Madden. To reserve your spot please email paula(at)boardmatch.ie. 

(2) Transformative Education: A Pathway to Climate Action Course – May 2024

Meath Partnership are running our Transformative Education: A Pathway to Climate Action course for those working with young people. This course focuses on enhancing climate awareness, fostering emotional connection, inspiring behavioural change, and promoting youth empowerment to cultivate informed advocates capable of driving sustainable change globally. The course conducted in May includes four online evening sessions and one full day in person session. Participants will have the opportunity to attend further training in Porto, Portugal in July 2024 free of charge. Find out more here and register here. 

(3) Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI): Summer School - 30 & 31 May 

In collaboration with the European Association of Development Research & Training Institutes (EADI), DSA Ireland’s annual summer school will be hosted by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The theme is ‘Reflecting on Decolonial Development through an Indigenous and a Feminist Critical Lens’. It will be held over 2-days: 30 May online and 31 May in-person in Thurles. Connecting research, policy and practice, the programme will bring together international experts through interactive sessions to enhance the professional development of participants. Sharanya Nayak, an indigenous community activist from India will provide the keynote address. The summer school will adopt a field studies approach, with workshops taking place at a range of venues which resonate with the theme. Find out more and register here. 

(4) Centre for Global Health: Leadership Essentials in Global Health Summer Programme - 19 - 24 August 

The Irish Global Health Network is proud to announce the launch of "Leadership Essentials in Global Health," a five-day intensive summer programme designed to equip participants with practical skills for leading global health programmes. Hosted by the IGHN at the Centre for Global Health in Trinity College Dublin from August 19-24. With a focus on addressing the training needs of aspiring professionals in the global health sector, this programme offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership capabilities, broaden their technical expertise, and contribute to positive change in global health practice. Find out more here. Closing date for scholarship applications: 15 May

Other Information

(1) Divest Ireland: Call for signatures

Divest Ireland, a grassroots campaign group focused on divestment of Irish pensions from fossil fuels and the arms industry. This Wednesday, 8th May, at 5.30pm, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands will discuss the Bill establishing the pension scheme at committee stage, and an amendment will be tabled that the investment funds be prohibited from investing in fossil fuels or the arms industry. Divest Ireland have called for Dóchas members’ support - which they already have from some members. Find out more and sign the petition here. 

(2) WaterAid: Call for signatures 

Along with WASH partner NGOs, we are launching a small action next week to target European election candidates to sign a pledge towards SDG6/ WASH in the next European Parliament, particularly in the context of climate change. As you may know, elections are June 6-9. To find out more on the WaterAid Manifesto for Water 2024 click here. To sign the pledge follow this link. 

(3) The Wheel: Grants Available for Training Networks

The Wheel is delighted to launch Training Links 2024 – 2026. Training Links funds community and voluntary organisations to form Training Networks — groups of organisations who come together to undertake training that they may not have the opportunity to do individually. Training Networks must have a minimum of ten members, and over the course of the programme, members will work together to address a specific workforce training goal. Training Networks are invited to apply for grants ranging from €10,000.00 to €50,000.00. Applications are welcome from new, existing, previously funded networks who have completed their programme or previously unsuccessful networks. Find out more here. Closing date: 17 May

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