Get involved: Major Irish Aid strategy review

UPDATE: the Formal Education Task Group will hold its first meeting on February 6th. If you would like to participate, please email frank@ideaonline.ie

We've had a great response to our call for the development education sector to get involved in Irish Aid's strategy review – but we're keen to get even more organisations and individuals on board.

Irish Aid has asked the Global Education Network Europe (GENE) to conduct a peer review of its strategy. Here at IDEA, we are coordinating engagement of the development sector as well as participating in the Reference Group on the strategy. We're facilitating three task groups: one on formal education, one on the adult and community education sector and one on the youth sector, with each group considering successes, challenges, opportunities and strategic priorities for development education in their area, before bringing their recommendations to the the GENE team.

If you'd like to a chance to shape the future of development education, please email IDEA Director Frank Geary (frank@ideaonline.ie) with your name, job title, organisation name and contact number. Each of the three groups will meet three times between now and April, before meeting the GENE evaluation team in April. A plenary consultation will be held in April for the entire development education sector to contribute to the review and the Irish Aid strategy.

July 30, 2026
IDEA is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to lead our strategic communications and public engagement work. 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. Development Education /Global Citizenship Education enables people to understand the world around them, think critically about global justice and sustainability, and take informed action to help create a more just and sustainable future. Reporting to the CEO, the Communications Manager will lead the development and delivery of IDEA's communications strategy, strengthen engagement with members and partners, raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the Global Citizenship Education sector, and communicate the value and impact of their work to a wide range of audiences. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Lead IDEA's strategic communications and public engagement work. Develop and deliver communications strategies and annual communications plans. Raise the profile of IDEA, its members and the wider Global Citizenship Education sector. Communicate the impact of IDEA's work and showcase the work, learning and impact of members. Lead digital communications, media relations and organisational communications. Build relationships with members, partners, policymakers, media and other stakeholders. Salary and Benefits Salary: €49,522 - €55,737 per annum, depending on experience Full-time, one-year fixed-term contract. IDEA intends this to be an ongoing role, with the opportunity for the position to become permanent, subject to funding. May consider 4 day arrangement. Applications from candidates seeking a four-day working week will be considered 6.5% employer contribution to a contributory pension scheme Hybrid working arrangements (Dublin city centre office) Opportunities for professional development About You You'll bring: At least five years' relevant communications experience Experience developing and delivering communications strategies Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills Experience managing digital communications, websites and social media Strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills An understanding of, or interest in, Global Citizenship Education, education, international development or the wider not-for-profit sector. How to Apply Please read the Job Description and Application Information PDF before applying. It contains the full role description, person specification, terms and conditions and application instructions. Applications should include: A current CV. A cover letter (maximum two pages). Email applications to recruitment@ideaonline.ie with the subject line Communications role. The deadline for applications is Thursday 17 September, 9.00am (Irish time).
July 17, 2026
Applications should be submitted online to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August, 9.00am.
July 10, 2026
Budget 2027 comes at a time of significant global uncertainty and intensifying global and local challenges.