Board Member with HR/People and Culture Expertise

IDEA is seeking a new Board (National Council) member with significant experience in human resources (HR) and people and culture. This is a voluntary role, and the successful candidate will provide strategic HR insight to support the development of IDEA’s people and culture strategy.


The right candidate will play a key role in contributing to IDEA’s governance, ensuring the organisation has strong HR strategies and policies to support its mission and objectives.


The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is the national network for global citizenship and development education in Ireland. We support and represent members to ensure that everyone in Ireland has access to quality development education to become active global citizens. Our work strengthens global citizenship education by building expertise, fostering collaboration, and influencing policy.


Our values are rooted in social justice, equality, and sustainability, and we work collectively to build a more just, sustainable, and equal world.


Governance

IDEA is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, governed by a voluntary Board (National Council) that provides strategic oversight. The National Council consists of individuals with governance skills relevant to the development education sector. IDEA is committed to the highest standards of governance and complies with the Charities Governance Code.


Key Responsibilities

Chair the Remuneration & Nominations Committee, leading discussions on HR policy, recruitment, and governance matters.

Provide HR expertise and guidance in areas such as organisational culture, workforce planning, and people development.

Support the review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices in the not-for-profit sector.

Advise on staff wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion matters.

Offer guidance on best practice HR management, supporting IDEA’s leadership team in people-related decision-making.

Work collaboratively with other Board members to provide strategic oversight and ensure IDEA meets its governance responsibilities.


Time Commitment

Board meetings: Six times per year, hybrid, typically 5.00pm-7.30pm.

Board development day: One in-person meeting per year, typically in January.

Annual General Meeting (AGM): Attendance required (approx 2.5 hours hybrid or online)

Committee work: This role includes chairing the Remuneration & Nominations Committee, which meets via Zoom 2-4 times per year.

Term of Appointment

Board members serve a three-year term, with the option for reappointment for a second term.


Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from candidates who have:


Experience in HR, People & Culture 

A passion for social justice, education, sustainability

Previous Board experience (desirable but not required)

Knowledge of the not-for-profit or education sector (desirable but not required) 

Experience in modern hybrid work environments


How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please apply via Boardmatch or if you have specific questions, please contact sal@ideaonline.ie. Recruitment will be via a selection committee that includes an external consultant with relevant expertise.


IDEA is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.


The deadline of application is 24 March, 9.00am.


August 25, 2025
The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) has joined a growing coalition of Irish civil society groups in endorsing a critical open letter, urging the Irish government to formally join the Hague Group and push for an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people. The appeal, initiated by IDEA members Comhlámh and Afri, demands that Ireland act decisively ahead of the Hague Group’s 20 September deadline, coinciding with the 80th UN General Assembly. Ireland has already sent a representative to participate in a recent Hague Group meeting, signalling its engagement with this urgent international initiative. However, civil society organisations stress that formal membership and full endorsement of the Group’s six measures is now essential if Ireland is to match its words with action. Halting arms transfers to Israel. Preventing military transit and servicing of vessels carrying such goods. Enforcing shipping controls, including penalties like de‑flagging. Reviewing public contracts to eliminate state support for occupation. Pursuing national or international investigations for serious international crimes. Enabling domestic prosecutions using international jurisdiction. The open letter outlines grave concerns over escalating atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, including settler violence, land dispossession, home demolitions, and forced displacement. It points out that, while UN efforts have been blocked, the Hague Group offers an immediate and tangible path toward justice. For IDEA, the call is also about upholding the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCE). At its core, GCE is an educational process that helps people of all ages understand global interdependence, think critically about injustice, and develop the skills to take meaningful action. It cultivates empathy, solidarity, and responsibility, encouraging learners to connect local and global struggles. Supporting the Hague Group is therefore not only a matter of foreign policy, but also an expression of Ireland’s commitment to educate for justice and to model these values in practice. Ireland has until 20 September to join the 13 countries that have already committed to six concrete pledges at the Hague Group summit. As the deadline approaches, this coalition is calling on all TDs and Senators to publicly back Ireland’s membership, advocate for the six pledges within government ranks, and ensure that formal commitment is secured before the UN General Assembly convenes. Find out more here.
August 11, 2025
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity “Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here . For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world. Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field. But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025: “Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.” Why Now? Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is: Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years. Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain. The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development. Our Key Budget 2026 Asks:  Increase investment in GCE Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030” Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. Increase Ireland’s ODA Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets. Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector. The Opportunity for Ireland Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can: Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society. Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges. Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage. Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments. IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity. _______________________________________________________ Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
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August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!