The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is launching a recruitment campaign for the purpose of recommending persons for appointment to the position of Development Specialist. The closing date for applications is Friday 12 noon on 31 July 2020.

The post of Development Specialist (DS) involves the provision of management and technical support to the Government’s international development programme, working in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in Embassies/Missions abroad as part of the delivery of Ireland’s wider Foreign Policy objectives.  The position will offer the opportunity to work as part of a highly motivated and skilled team, in a range of disciplines of relevance to the policy objectives of the international development programme, as stated in the A Better World white paper (2019) and consonant with the strategy statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Development Specialists are required to have a deep appreciation for and have an ability to respond, strategically and operationally under direction, to the complex and evolving environment within which Ireland’s international development programme is situated, both at home and abroad. 

The Development Specialist will support the management of Ireland’s international development programme, ranging from the provision of policy advice and technical support to oversight of individual projects and programmes. Development Specialists may also have responsibility for the management of components of the aid programme.  The role includes staff management, often in a multicultural setting. A good understanding of risk is an advantage.

Essential Requirements for the job:

• Candidates must be citizens of Ireland;
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications – Honours Bachelor Degree level) in a discipline relevant to the Irish Aid Programme;
• A relevant post graduate qualification;
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in development, including a period of time working in a developing country or in a multilateral role with significant exposure to development issues;
• Knowledge and competency in a sector or thematic priority of relevance to the Ireland’s international development programme;
• Proven ability to manage people, budgets and programmes.

For further information and how to apply please see the Candidate Information Booklet below.

Development Specialist Candidate Booklet 2020

Closing Date: Friday 12 noon 31 July 2020

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