Job Purpose:

Development Education (DE) and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) are core strategies within Self Help Africa to increase public awareness of aid, global justice, and development.

We aim to influence public perception and build a constituency of support for development by communicating messages that bring a greater understanding of the reality of life in rural Africa and our global interdependency. The SHA GCE programme actively engages with schools, teacher training institutes, and communities through a range of interactive teaching methods and curriculum development.

The GCE Manager will oversee the strategic development and implementation of the DE/GCE work plan, leading school visits, major public events, and community engagements. The successful candidate will manage a team across Ireland and oversee a dedicated project budget, ensuring high-quality programme delivery and support portfolio growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme & Proposal Development

Lead the strategic growth of the Dev Ed / GCE programme and portfolio, integrating contemporary global issues such as climate action, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, and ethical trade.
Develop student-centred learning topics and interactive tools that build on SHA’s overseas programmes, good development practice, and human rights.
Take the lead in preparing high-quality funding applications (including to Irish Aid) and proposals to sustain and grow the project as appropriate and opportunities allow.
Engagement with Schools & Communities

Deliver and oversee a comprehensive programme of training, education, and awareness to develop a greater understanding of sustainable development and human rights.
In conjunction with the wider team, develop and manage a robust calendar of school visits and community workshops.
Ensure the database of school networks is maintained, updated, and strategically expanded.
Events Management

Spearhead SHA’s presence at major public events that raise the profile of DE/GCE in Ireland.
Coordinate highly interactive and engaging exhibitions at key events including the Stripe Young Scientist Award, the Global Green area at Electric Picnic, and the Global Solidarity Hub at the National Ploughing Championships.
Project, Financial & Team Management

Manage an annual programme budget of approximately €260,000, ensuring strict financial tracking, budget forecasting, and value for money across all activities.
Manage, mentor, and support the GCE project team (including Development Education Officers), fostering cross-team collaboration and conducting regular performance reviews.
Provide comprehensive updates on programme delivery, impact and financial performance through the submission of regular activity and donor reports.
Undertake any other duties within the scope of the job description as designated by the Programmes Director.
Key Relationships:

Direct Reports: Development Education Officers / GCE Team.
Line Manager: Head of Policy, Impact & Strategy.
Internal Collaborators: Programmes, Business Development, and Communications teams (working in close coordination).
External Collaborators: School networks, individual teachers, community groups, and other DE/GCE service providers.

Knowledge, Experience and Other Requirements

Essential

Primary degree in education, international development, or a related discipline, or a PGCE.
Proven teaching and education experience.
A good working knowledge of development, global citizenship, and human rights.
Demonstrable project and people management experience, with a track record of leading teams and delivering complex initiatives.
Strong financial acumen with direct experience managing project budgets.
Strong ability to prepare timely, high-quality progress reports that accurately measure and communicate achievements against established project targets and key performance indicators.
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills for diverse audiences ranging from students to festivalgoers.
Excellent written English, particularly for proposal and report writing.
Computer literate (particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
Flexibility and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural team.
A strong commitment to working with a value-based organisation.
Desirable

At least 5 years of classroom experience in the primary or post-primary education system is highly desirable.
Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or APM.
Experience in Dev Ed / GCE within Ireland.
Practical experience working or living in developing countries, ideally in sub-Saharan Africa.
Self-motivated with strong interpersonal, communication, organisation, and planning skills.
Clean driving licence and access to transport (costs reimbursable).
Area of Responsibility

Programmes Department: Development Education / Global Citizenship Education, Ireland.
Role Competencies

Strong communication skills
Ability to multi-task
Ability to drive and grow the Dev Ed / GCE programme
Capacity to represent the organisation to external stakeholders and at events, including donors and peer organisations.
Expectations

Act within the operating and process frameworks that apply to the whole Self Help Africa organisation.
Work together with all key stakeholders (line and functional) to ensure organisational objectives, mission, and vision are met.
Exemplify the Self Help Africa Standards of Integrity, Purpose & Values.
Uphold Self Help Africa’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.

Please upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role