VACANCY: FAI National Coach Developer

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI ) is the governing body for Association Football in the Republic of Ireland. The FAI has primary responsibility for all regulatory and footballing aspects of the game in Ireland.

The Position:

The National Coach Developer provides support to the implementation, delivery and on-going monitoring of the FAI/UEFA Coach Development Programme including the delivery of the UEFA License and Grassroots Coach Development where required. The person will work within the Coach Development Team, National Coach Developers, Coach Development Administration and as part of the wider Football Division. The National Coach Developer will take the lead in several key responsibilities including UEFA License courses, mentorship of Grassroots Coach Developers, supporting Coach Development in the LOI Clubs and communication with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with Coach Development Manager, the National Coach Developer will support the delivery of the UEFA License courses.
• The National Coach Developer will support the implementation of the Football Pathways Plan (FPP) and the strategy for coach development, which includes a move from a competency-based approach to an expertise-based approach, developing coaches in their own environments and contexts ensuring they have the expertise to develop the players they are coaching.
• The National Coach Developer will mentor, support and nurture coaches who have completed formal coaching qualifications in the FAI, working with our Alumni coaches who are actively working in the LOI or abroad and/or actively aiming to gain employment in the game.
• The National Coach Developer will mentor and support the Grassroots Coach Developers and the Grassroots game.
• Establishing and sustaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Development and updating of the training and education requirements according to UEFA directives.
• Design, develop, deliver, reflect, and evaluate the delivery of formal coach development through the UEFA coaching licenses and other innovative bespoke programmes of coach development.
• Support the implementation of an innovative Continuous Professional Development (CPD) approach to coach development in the FAI.
• Understanding the role of assessment in coach development with a specific focus on assessment for learning.
• The National Coach developer will contribute strongly to reports and keeping all records up to date and accurate.

The person:

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Understanding of Coach Development
• Have good interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships both with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of UEFA guidelines
• Computer literate and able to build and update databases.
• Proactive, energetic and passionate
• An eagerness for continuous growth and development

Qualifications:

• UEFA A License or equivalent level in other sports (i.e. Level 3)
• 3rd Level Qualification (Level 8) in Sports Coaching, Physical Education, Sports Science, Coach Development or equivalent.

Experience:

• 10 years’ experience in an environment of supporting coach learning.
• Experience in playing, coaching and coach development in football and or other sports.
• Experience in planning, delivering and implementing courses.
• Experience in project management and delivering key performance indicators
• Experience in assessment for learning in formal coach development.

·We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance programs
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, 5th April 2024

Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

Job Title: National Coach Developer

Commencement Date: ASAP

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.