The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes.

Culture of the WDC:

At the WDC, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference. Our culture is defined by teamwork, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. We value diversity, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you are passionate about making a difference in the western region of Ireland and want to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Background

The New Solutions Project in Ireland, delivered through the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund, is co-funded by the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). The project aims to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem by supporting community, voluntary, and social enterprise organisations to develop and scale innovative solutions that address social and environmental challenges, particularly for disadvantaged groups. Through a combination of grants, expert support, capacity-building initiatives, and networking opportunities, the project seeks to enhance employability, promote active inclusion, and foster sustainable, impactful social innovation across local, regional, and national levels.

The WDC’s primary role within this project is to lead out on Case Management within the project in collaboration with other Case Manager’s Rethink Ireland and Údarás Na Gaeltachta.  Over the course of the project there will be approximately 49 grantees participating in the New Solutions Programme (9 Scaling up grantees (first phase) and 40 pilot projects (second phase).  The role may require liaising with grantees and travelling to meet grantees outside of the WDC region as and when required.

This role will also entail assisting the WDC with completing the objectives of Pillar 4 — progressing social enterprise and social innovation in the region, contributing to the wider strategic goal of fostering inclusive and sustainable regional development.

Purpose of position:

The Social Innovation Executive will report to the Social Enterprise & Social Innovation Manager and, working as part of the consortium team, will have key responsibilities that include supporting the delivery of the project’s Case Management Initiatives and assisting with the implementation of the project’s other deliverables. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the effective coordination, monitoring, and reporting of project activities.

Key responsibilities:

The Social Innovation Executive will play a central role in supporting the success of grantees within the New Solutions Project. This includes acting as the primary point of contact, providing tailored guidance, and ensuring grantees are fully engaged with capacity-building activities and available resources. The role also involves close monitoring of progress, reporting on outcomes, and sharing knowledge and best practice across the programme to maximise impact.

Grantee Support and Relationship Management

• Allocate and act as a single point of contact for assigned grantees. Conduct Needs Assessments and develop tailored support plans for each grantee, provide proactive, solution-oriented support to grantees (acting as a “critical friend”).
• Communicate reporting requirements and timelines with grantees.
• Support grantees in navigating services and resources relevant to their social innovation projects.
• Identify and manage risks and implement corrective action when needed.
• Liaise with and work collaboratively with other project partners to ensure appropriate and consistent support is provided to each grantee.
• Ensure full engagement of grantees in capacity-building activities.
• Ensure timely communication and feedback is provided to both grantees and other Case Manager partners.
• Contribute to the achievement of the WDC’s Pillar 4 objectives by supporting the progression of social enterprise and social innovation across the region.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Record progress, identify gaps and blocks, and support necessary plan adaptations
• Prepare and submit financial and activity claims in line with project requirements
• Conduct a minimum of:
  • One monthly check-in with Scaling & Pilot grantees (via phone/online)
  • Two in-person site visits per year for Scale-Up grantees
  • One in-person meeting per year with Pilot grantees
• Submit bi-annual summary reports on case management activities to Pobal
• Alert Pobal of significant plan deviations, challenges, or support needs
• Attend contract management meetings with Pobal as required

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

• Participate in joint training and knowledge-sharing sessions with grantees.
• Support grantees to meet contract compliance and reporting requirements
• Develop and publish case studies of social innovation initiatives on the programme’s Hub website
• Submit selected case studies to the ESF+ Social Innovation Match (SIM) database at project conclusion
• Support the WDC’s broader regional development objectives by promoting learning and awareness of social enterprise and social innovation initiatives that align with Pillar 4.

The above is not, and does not purport to be, a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post.

Eligibility Criteria and Experience:

Essential:

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

• Relevant third-level qualification in social sciences, community development, project management, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in case management, grant management, or community/social enterprise support
• Demonstrated experience in producing impact reports, case studies, or programme evaluations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A self-starter with a proven ability to prioritise workload and deliver on targets both as an individual and as part of a team

Desirable:

The following requirements are desirable:

• Previous experience of working in the public sector is an advantage, familiarity with social innovation or rural development/support programmes preferred
• Proven experience of working remotely is advantageous
• Full driving licence and access to transport
• Proficiency in Irish

Key Competencies:

For effective performance at this level, the candidate will need to demonstrate that they possess the key competencies for effective performance at Higher Executive Officer level:

• Team Leadership
• Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self Development
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Further details on the Civil Service Competency Framework are available here.