Bobby Mc Cormack is the co-founder and CEO of Development Perspectives. He previously worked as a Senior Lecturer in the Dept of Humanities in Dundalk Institute of Technology from 2006 - 2019. He has an MA in Development Studies and is a qualified mediator. Bobby was a board member of Dóchas from 2021 - 2024 and in 2017 was the recipient of the Dóchas, “Global Citizen of the Year“. Bobby was the co chair of the CONCORD Development Education and Awareness Raising forum for two years and was a civil society representative in the European Commission multi stakeholder forum for Development Education.
Grants Clinic for Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Funding Applications 2026
Date: Thursday, 13 November, 09.30am – 11.30am
Location: Online
Our first training event for the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grants Round is a Grants Clinic, focusing on the application form, to be facilitated by Bobby McCormack, CEO of Development Perspectives and Chairperson of IDEA National Council, and Elaine Mahon, IDEA. This will take place on Thursday, 13 November, 09.30am – 11.30am, online.
IDEA provides support for members - and spaces for members to support one another - in applying for Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grants. This training and support is free of charge to all.
As in recent years, this event is open to those who are not yet members of IDEA.
To make this training as useful as possible for all attending, please make sure that you have a copy of any previous application form you have worked on relating to the Irish Aid GCE grants available to you during the session.
Image Credit: Nick Youngson
Attribution: Pix4free.org
Biographies
Elaine Mahon has worked in IDEA since 2013 in a variety of roles focussing on strengthening capacity of IDEA members. Elaine’s strengths lie in the areas of knowledge and understanding of Development Education practice, strengthening quality in educational work, monitoring results and organisational management. Elaine facilitated the development and roll-out of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education, which was led by IDEA members and leads on its implementation in IDEA.
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).
Applications should be submitted online to recruitment@ideaonline.ie by Thursday, 13 August, 9.00am.
Budget 2027 comes at a time of significant global uncertainty and intensifying global and local challenges.
