The Sport Inclusion Lead will support the further development and roll out of the National Xcessible Programme and Xcessible Club Toolkit to Local Sports Partnerships, National Governing Bodies of Sport and community clubs as well as the further promotion of the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter and national ‘I’m In Too’ campaign. 

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated, driven individual to contribute to our vision of ‘An Ireland where people with disabilities have equal opportunity to be active’ and play a key role within a dynamic team operating in a rapidly evolving national pan disability sport and physical activity organisation.

As the Sport Inclusion Lead, you will be responsible for the implementation of key objectives specific to increasing sustainable community sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities. A key priority is to guide and support the national network of Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of sport through collaboration with Sport Irelands’ Participation Unit and the national network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support, and advice on key aspects of inclusive sport and physical activity to the Local Sport Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport 

Work with our Insights Officer and key partners to develop a greater understanding of local provision of sport and physical activity for people with disabilities to enable collaboration, partnerships, shared knowledge, and synergies across various partners within the sector 

Work closely with Sport Irelands’ Participation Unit in supporting the Local Sports Partnerships to develop and enhance local sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities though increased awareness of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter and the Xcessible Programme 

Organise an annual programme of support for the national network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers, providing training/upskilling coordination of national networking days and the development of support resources and best practice guidelines 

Work closely with Sport Irelands’ NGB Unit in coordinating and supporting National Governing Bodies of Sport to develop and enhance an inclusive culture to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in their sport 

Increase awareness amongst National Governing Bodies of Sport in adopting the principles of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter and availing of the Xcessible Programme to support and enhance an inclusive culture across their organisations 

Work closely with Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport in the promotion of the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter, Xcessible Club toolkit and upskilling training & education opportunities to all community clubs 

Support the Training and Education Framework to develop a coordinated approach to the promotion and delivery of standardised inclusive training across the network of NGB’s and LSP’s to enhance awareness and build capacity at national and community level 

Engage with the Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport and in heightening awareness of people with disabilities experiences in sport and physical activity through the Active Disability Ireland ‘I’m In Too’ campaign 

Provide guidance and support to local and national organisations with our organisational campaigns through resource development, training and awareness campaigns 

Support national organisations to adopt a culture of inclusion to further enhance the role of all agencies in enhancing sport and physical and activity opportunities for people with disabilities 

Maintain partnerships and connections with local/regional and national organisations and agencies who also support people with disabilities in becoming more physically active 

Monitor and report on programme outcomes and participation impact Assist with Active Disability Ireland’s annual flagship events and campaigns such as the National Inclusion Awards, National Conference and I’m In Too campaign

Manage related programme areas finances, budgets, and reporting

Person specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience: 

Minimum 3+ year experience in programme management, preferable in sport development, community development and disability sport 

Inclusive Sport knowledge: In-depth understanding of inclusive sport and physical activity practices 

Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines effectively 

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present to and engage with diverse audiences 

Collaboration and Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and in partnership with a range of stakeholders

Leadership: Proactive, confident, and capable of taking initiative and leading on key areas of work 

IT Proficiency: Strong computer literacy, including experience with MS Office, online collaboration tools, learning Management Systems, and data reporting systems. 

Monitoring and Evaluation: Competency in evaluating programme outcomes and producing clear reports on impact and participation 

Capacity Building: Experience developing and delivering training or educational supports that build inclusive practice 

Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to foster and manage relationships with national and local partners, including LSPs, NGBs, and disability organisations 

Knowledge of Policy and Strategy: Familiarity with the National Sports Policy 2018–2027 and relevant national frameworks 

Financial Control: Experience managing budgets, fundraising, programme monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

Key Skills & Competencies

Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills 

Capable and comfortable with managing a busy workload, able to prioritise tasks effectively, and meeting tight deadlines 

Strong strategic thinking, organisational, and project management capabilities 

Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) Ability to work independently, flexibly, and as part of a multidisciplinary team 

Skilled in data-informed decision-making and impact reporting 

Strong leadership and teamwork capabilities 

Ability to manage multiple projects independently and as part of a team.