Programme Officer

The Programme Officer coordinates designated elements of the Ireland Fellows Programme annual cycle.

Details

  • Paid
  • Full-time
  • Administration
  • Job Type Administration
  • Employer Irish Council for International Students
  • Location Dublin
  • Reporting to Programme Manager
  • HoursFull-time35
  • Duration Fixed-term to 30 June 2028, renewable subject to continued funding and organisational requirements. A six-month probationary period will apply.
  • Salary €40,000
  • Application closes 13 Sep 2026

Summary of the role

Role Summary

The Programme Officer coordinates designated elements of the Ireland Fellows Programme annual cycle, from applications and course placements through travel, arrival, in-country support, events and programme completion. Working closely with the Programme Manager and wider Programme Team, the post holder will liaise with Fellows, Irish Aid missions, higher education institutions and other partners; maintain accurate programme and financial records; coordinate complex logistics; and provide timely and professional information and support to Fellows. The role also contributes to ICOS’ wider work supporting international students, and student and member engagement.

About ICOS

ICOS (Irish Council for International Students) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that advocates for the rights of international students in Ireland and promotes high standards in international education. ICOS also administers the Ireland Fellows Programme on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

About the Ireland Fellows Programme

The Ireland Fellows Programme (Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) provides fully funded master’s-level opportunities in Ireland for early to mid-career professionals from eligible countries. The programme supports capacity building, promotes gender equality and inclusion, and builds long-term relationships with Ireland. Awards cover tuition, travel, accommodation and living costs, with programmes typically running for 10–16 months from August/September. The programme aligns with key Irish Government’s international development and education policy frameworks.

 

Responsibilities of the role

Key Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:

Ireland Fellows Programme Delivery & Administration

  • Coordinate designated programme workstreams and contribute to the timely, accurate and effective delivery of each annual Fellowship cycle.
  • Coordinate travel, accommodation and arrival arrangements for incoming Fellows, anticipating logistical issues, maintaining accurate records and escalating significant risks promptly.
  • Process Fellowship applications and liaise with Irish Aid missions and other stakeholders as required.
  • Support course placements for academic programmes in Ireland, liaising with higher education institutions and relevant partners.
  • Prepare annual course directories and application documentation for each Fellowship cycle.
  • Act as a professional first point of contact for designated Fellows, providing accurate information, maintaining appropriate case records, making referrals and escalating significant welfare or safeguarding concerns in line with ICOS procedures.
  • Analyse numerical data to support programme planning, including forecasting accommodation needs and coordinating bookings.
  • Maintain accurate programme records and databases, supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities.
  • Support the organisation and delivery of Fellowship events, including orientation, seminar days and networking activities.
  • Support programme-related financial administration for the Ireland Fellows Programme, including processing payments and maintaining accurate records.
  • Contribute to financial tracking and reporting for the programme by maintaining accurate data and documentation to support audits and reporting requirements.

Student & Programme Engagement

  • Support ICOS’ student engagement activities, including providing administrative and coordination support for ICOS student and member engagement activities.
  • Contribute to ICOS’s wider arrangements for responding to international-student and member queries. Organisational Contribution
  • Actively contribute to team planning meetings, weekly programme meetings and cross-organisational discussions.
  • Provide administrative and coordination support to other ICOS activities as identified by management, consistent with the role and workload.

ICOS values collaboration, adaptability and shared responsibility across the organisation, and the Programme Officer is expected to contribute flexibly to this way of working. The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may evolve in line with organisational needs, in consultation with the post holder.

Requirements

Essential Criteria

  • A relevant third-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
  • At least two years’ relevant experience in programme or project coordination, education, student support, international development, community work or a comparable people-focused setting.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, manage competing deadlines and take responsibility for accurate and timely delivery.
  • Strong organisational, administrative and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Strong numerical and analytical skills, including confidence using spreadsheets to analyse data, forecast requirements and maintain financial or programme records.
  • Strong IT skills, including experience of databases, CRM systems, spreadsheets and shared digital working environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with people from varied professional, national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Experience handling sensitive queries or individual cases with sound judgement, confidentiality, empathy and appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Experience liaising with external stakeholders such as higher education institutions, government bodies, embassies, community organisations or service providers.
  • Resourcefulness, adaptability and the ability to recognise when an issue should be resolved independently or escalated.

Desirable Criteria

  • Previous experience in higher education, student support, or scholarship/fellowship administration.
  • Knowledge of international development and education, including Ireland’s international development policy and the higher education sector in Ireland and globally.
  • Experience working in the community/voluntary sector, higher education sector or a membership organisation.

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