IDEA: General Election Candidate Engagement
The general election on Saturday, 8th February is an important opportunity to get key priorities for Development Education onto the political agenda. To support this, we have developed a short guide outlining specific ‘asks’ you can make of the candidates you meet. These include:
- Development Education should be a strategic priority in the next government’s policy agenda and in Irish Aid’s management and strategic approaches, with clear actions associated with this prioritisation.
- Funding increases for Development Education to at least 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA) by 2025, in line with the European benchmark for Development Education funding.
- For a coherent, integrated government approach to Development Education that reaches across relevant departments, including the Department of Education and Skills & the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment.
- For a long-term commitment through multiannual funding approaches and strategic partnerships, as well as the current annual Irish Aid grant system for newer applicants, 'seed funding' and innovative approaches to Development Education to reach new audiences.
- Fulfil Ireland’s international commitments by increasing ODA to 0.7% of Gross National Income by 2025.
- For a ‘whole of government’ approach to implementation of the SDGs, including a specific line in future budgets with dedicated resources for implementation of the SDGs.
Read the full guide here.
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.
