Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Strategy 2027 – 2031 Consultation Process

Irish Aid launched the consultation process for the development of the new Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Strategy in May 2026.


The public online consultation is now live: Global Citizenship Education Strategy Public Consultation and the deadline for written submissions is 17.00, 31 July.


Written submissions should not exceed 1,500 words and may be sent to gcestrategyconsultation@dfa.ie

IDEA is inviting our members to have their say by contributing to the IDEA sectoral written submission.


Please refer to the email sent to all members on 03 July. IDEA also encourages our members to have their say via their own organisational submission or by contributing to an IDEA thematic submission (Formal Education, Adult and Community Education, Youth, Higher Education and Quality & Impact).

If you have any questions about any aspect of the process for IDEA members, please contact Leigh at leigh@ideaonline.ie.


The following elements have been part of the consultation process to date:


  • Information Webinar on the GCE Strategy Development and Consultation Process: Monday 08 June at 3.00pm, via Zoom.  Irish Aid presented the details of the strategy development process and the consultation process and answered questions.


  • Consultation meetings between Irish Aid and IDEA Working Groups and Task Groups, at  the Irish Aid offices, Bishops’ Square, Redmond Hill, Dublin 2:


  • Monday 15 June, 11.00am - 1.00pm - Youth Task Force
  • Monday 15 June, 2.00pm - 4.00pm - Adult and Community Education Working Group
  • Tuesday 16 June, 2.00 - 4.00pm - Formal Education Working Group 
  • Thursday 02 July, 11.00am - 1.00pm- Quality and Impact Working Group


An IDEA staff member accompanied IDEA members to these meetings as observers and for general support.


In parallel with a consultation process with external audiences, Irish Aid also conducted a literature review of national policies relevant to GCE and an internal consultation with other Irish Aid units and departments.


The first draft strategy is expected to be finalised by the end of September, and it is hoped that the final version will be published by the end of the year. IDEA is keen to ensure that all members have opportunities to feed into the process - through IDEA, our Working Groups and other fora, and any wider consultation mechanisms outlined by Irish Aid. We will continue to keep members updated as we learn more.


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.