An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic professional to join EIL/AFS Ireland’s energetic team. This role will support our Study Abroad Department.

ABOUT EIL/AFS IRELAND

EIL/AFS Ireland is an Irish non-profit organisation based in Cork Area. Our mission is to provide intercultural learning opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. We offer a variety of programmes, including study abroad, volunteer abroad, language training, travel awards, and group education programs. As an educational charity, we are dedicated to promoting inclusion, equality, environmental sustainability, and global peace.

Learn more about who we are and what we do About EIL/AFS Ireland here.

ROLE PURPOSE 

We are seeking an experienced, proactive and solutions-focused Senior Programme Coordinator to join our Study Abroad Team. Reporting to the Study Abroad Manager, this is a varied and rewarding role with responsibility for coordinating both inbound and outbound study abroad programmes, ensuring an exceptional experience for participants while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, programme delivery and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will work closely with all members of the Study Abroad Team, the Global Citizenship (Scholarship Department) and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the effective delivery of programmes across the organisation.

This is a key operational role requiring excellent judgement, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. The successful candidate will lead on complex participant support, oversee critical administrative and financial processes, coordinate events and programme logistics, support EIL/AFS Ireland’s volunteer network, and contribute to the continuous improvement and development of new programmes and organisational initiatives.

The role offers opportunities to represent EIL/AFS Ireland both nationally and internationally and to contribute to the delivery of the organisation’s ambitious five-year strategy. It is ideally suited to someone who enjoys working collaboratively, takes initiative and is passionate about intercultural education, youth development and creating positive international learning experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student and Participant Support

• Coordinate and oversee inbound and outbound study abroad programmes from application through to programme completion.
• Provide high-level support to participants, host families, schools and international partners.
• Manage complex participant welfare cases, including mental health concerns, cultural adjustment, homesickness and other programme-related challenges.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and safeguarding concerns.
• Participate in the organisation’s emergency phone rota, including occasional out-of-hours support where required.
• Escalate child protection concerns and disclosures to the Designated Liaison Person in accordance with safeguarding procedures.

Programme Administration

• Coordinate student applications and maintain accurate participant records within the CRM system.
• Manage programme administration, documentation and reporting.
• Monitor hosting capacity and coordinate the allocation of students to host families and communities.
• Process host family applications and coordinate Garda Vetting for host families and volunteers.
• Support the development and implementation of new study abroad programmes and organisational initiatives.

Immigration and Compliance

• Coordinate immigration processes for non-EU participants.
• Prepare and manage immigration documentation.
• Arrange immigration appointments and ensure participants meet all relevant visa and registration requirements.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and external regulatory requirements.

Financial Coordination

• Liaise closely with the Finance Team to ensure the effective administration of all programme finances across inbound and outbound programmes.
• Coordinate payments relating to (but not limited to):
  • Host Families
  • Local Coordinators
  • Schools
  • International Partner Organisations
  • Monitor programme expenditure and ensure accurate financial administration and record keeping.

Events & Programme Delivery

• Coordinate participant arrivals and departures.
• Plan and deliver community-based and online orientation programmes.
• Support programme events throughout the year, ensuring a high-quality participant experience.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with EIL/AFS Ireland’s volunteer network, recognising the vital role volunteers play in programme delivery.
• Support and communicate regularly with Local Coordinators, host families and volunteers throughout the participant journey.
• Assist with the recruitment, onboarding and ongoing engagement of volunteers where required.
• Promote best practice, safeguarding and organisational policies amongst volunteers.
• Foster strong relationships with host communities to ensure participants receive a welcoming, safe and supportive experience.

Other Duties

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with international partner organisations.
• Liaise regularly with overseas partners regarding participant placements, programme delivery and participant support.
• Represent EIL/AFS Ireland at international meetings, conferences, workshops and training events as required.
• Support the onboarding and induction of new members of the Study Abroad Team.
• Share knowledge, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and promote best practice across the team.
• Act as a senior point of contact within the Programme Coordination function and deputise for the Programme Manager in their absence.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the nature and level of the role as reasonably required.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Relevant third-level qualification in Education, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Demonstrated experience coordinating international education, exchange, mobility or study abroad programmes, including managing participant support and welfare.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records using CRM or database systems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with participants, volunteers, schools, host families, international partners and colleagues.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to complex situations while working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A commitment to safeguarding, diversity, equity, inclusion and intercultural understanding.
• Experience in the charity, education or international exchange sector, knowledge of immigration and visa processes, programme finance, volunteer coordination, onboarding or training, and additional language skills would be an advantage.
• Ability to act as a point of escalation for operational issues, safeguarding concerns, and risk management.
• Strong alignment with the mission, values, and commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and intercultural learning of EIL / AFS Ireland and Road Scholar.

BENEFITS

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact through international education.
• A varied and rewarding role within one of Ireland’s leading educational charities.
• A full-time role with a hybrid working model and flexible working arrangements, subject to organisational policy and operational requirements.
• Opportunities for national and international travel, representation, and professional development through international networks, conferences, workshops and training.
• A competitive benefits package including pension contribution, 22 days annual leave, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), company phone and opportunities for career growth.
• A collaborative, supportive and values-driven working environment committed to continuous learning, innovation and professional development.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to  recruitment@eilireland.org by 12:00 on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.

EIL/AFS Ireland is an equal-opportunity employer.