Wednesday News Issue 33
Check out the latest edition of Dóchas' Wednesday News, a weekly newsletter sharing information, updates, and opportunities relating to the Irish international development and humanitarian sector! Each week we share details of upcoming events and workshops, employment and internship opportunities, trainings on offer, and much more.
20 Aug 2025
Upcoming Events and Conferences
(1) Development Perspectives: Change the Story, Change the World - 14 September
Development Perspectives are inviting youth workers, trainers, and volunteers to join us at the beautiful Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre from November 24th to December 1st. Together, we’ll explore how storytelling can be a powerful force to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and climate change. If you're from Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, or Spain, this is an incredible opportunity to develop new skills and connect with like-minded people. Find out more and apply here.
(2) The Wheel: Leadership Academy Breakfast Club - 18 September
Join us for our next Leadership Academy Breakfast Club on the topic of Leadership and Social Mobility. Discussing the topic of Leadership and Social Mobility, we are delighted to be joined by two leaders in their field to share their thoughts on social mobility, Debbie Rooney, CEO of North Dublin Home Care and Claire Dunne, Access Services Manager with TU Dublin. Find out more here.
(3) VSI: Decolonial Walking Tour of Dublin - 24 August
Join VSI at their in person Decolonial walking tour of Dublin on Colonialism and patriarchy in the built environment. It will take place Sunday the 24th of August. It will be hosted by VSI volunteer and past staff member Aine. Find out more and register here.
Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops
(1) Carmichael: Navigating AI and Data Protection in the Non-Profit Sector - 3 October
As part of the National Training Fund (NTF) 2025 Programme, Carmichael is hosting a free webinar “Navigating AI and Data Protection in the Non-Profit Sector.” Join us on 3rd October 2025, from 1:05 PM to 1:55 PM, for an insightful session exploring the vital link between artificial intelligence and privacy compliance. Find out more here.
(2) National Youth Council of Ireland: Youth Climate Consultation 2025 - 26 August
The National Youth Council of Ireland and the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment (DCEE) co-manage the Climate Youth Delegate Programme, and this year we're conducting an online consultation where young people's opinions and perspectives will be shared directly with the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment and feed into its COP30 priorities. The consultation will take place online from 11am – 1pm on Tuesday, August 26th. This year's COP30 (and thus our consultation) is focusing on 5 main topics: Just Transition; Gender; Human Rights; Mitigation; and Adaptation. Register here.
Vacancies
(1) Trócaire: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally
Trócaire is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.
(2) Oxfam Ireland: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally
Oxfam is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.
(3) Concern Worldwide: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally
Concern Worldwide is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in Ireland and internationally. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.
(4) GOAL: Vacancies in Ireland and internationally
GOAL is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.
(5) Irish Red Cross: Vacancies in Ireland and Internationally
The Irish Red Cross is currently advertising vacancies for various roles in a number of countries. Various closing dates apply. Find out more and apply here.
(6) Christian Aid Ireland: Administrative Assistant (Programmes) - 24 August
The post holder will provide effective and efficient administrative support for the International Programmes Department and, when possible, the Policy and Advocacy Unit, acting as the first point of contact for the public through reception and telephone duties plus various other duties. Find out more here.
(7) Plan International: Desk Officer – Irish Aid Unit - 14 September
Plan International Ireland is looking for a Desk Officer to join the Irish Aid Unit, with a focus on managing the humanitarian funding streams within our Irish Aid ICSP programme. The role involves close coordination with Plan Country Offices to ensure effective grant implementation and strong donor compliance. The Desk Officer will also contribute to funding proposals and support strategic country-level planning. Fluency in French is essential to effectively support our work in French-speaking countries. The role requires international travel. Find out more here.
(8) Schools of Sanctuary Ireland: Schools of Sanctuary Coordinator - 26 August
Schools of Sanctuary (SoS) is dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming educational environments for students from diverse backgrounds, especially families seeking International Protection. We are seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to join our team as Schools Coordinator to work with schools in Dublin, Meath & Kildare. The successful applicant ideally will reside in one of the counties above. The Schools Coordinator will play a crucial role in growing participation of new schools in our network and supporting those new and existing schools by directly working with teachers to facilitate, include, and integrate students from diverse backgrounds. Find out more here.
Calls for Tender
(1) Oxfam Ireland: Evaluation of ‘Activists and Advocates’ project with the Irish Refugee Council - 28 August
Invitation to tender for an independent evaluation: The Irish Refugee Council and Oxfam Ireland’s ‘Activists and Advocates’ project aims to enhance the advocacy capacities of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who are or want to be advocates for change in the international protection system and defending access to justice for people on the move. Funded by IHREC, we have organised 7 batches of workshops on a variety of topics proposed by rights holders. We are seeking to engage a researcher to do an evaluation to determine the extent to which project aims have been achieved and to make recommendations related to the next stage of this project. Find out more here.
(2) Rosminians (Institute of Charity): Consultancy for developing a system for skills training - 2 September
The Rosminians are an international congregation running parish, educational, health, community and capacity strengthening programmes. These have expanded in our East Africa Province (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda), together with a growth in the number of students for the priesthood. This short consultancy will expand our effectiveness by developing a system for skills training of Rosminian personnel as part of their formation. This will equip them with skills to implement and manage projects benefitting communities in the global south. Find out more here.
Volunteering Opportunities
(1) CBM Ireland: Learning from Ireland’s use of the Disability DAC marker - 4 September
In follow-up to the Dóchas Disability Working Group annual dialogue on the 15th May, CBM Ireland has commissioned Polly Meeks to undertake a case study with Irish INGOs on their use of the Disability DAC marker, its challenges and also its strengths. This research is coming at a time when the Disability DAC marker is evolving in its use, and now more than ever, the need for better data on disability in aid is critical. We are seeking volunteers to be part of this case study. If you volunteer, you will be part of a dialogue for learning and for helping shape a better understanding of the use of the marker in your work and in doing so increase disability inclusion. For more information and sign up by 04 September, contact: mahbubkabir(at)cbm.ie.
Courses and Training
(1) The Wheel: Transformative Leadership Programme - 29 September
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for this year's Transformative Leadership Programme. The Transformative Leadership Programme is accredited at Level 8 through our partners at Maynooth University. The programme focuses on strengthening and deepening your capacity and ambition as a leader in the Irish community and voluntary sector. This year, as part of The Wheel and The Leadership Academy’s commitment to contributing to a diverse and inclusive Leadership pipeline for the sector, we will be making two fully paid bursaries for the Transformative Leadership course available. Find out more here.
(2) DSA Ireland: Indigenous Knowledge and Practice: an optimistic response to the global funding crisis? - 3 September
DSAI will host an Autumn School on the theme of Indigenous Knowledge and Practice: an optimistic response to the global funding crisis. The development community at present is profoundly shaken by the cuts to development aid budgets and the negative implications of these cuts for humanitarian organisations, partner agencies and communities in the Global South. These cuts come at a time of growing need in the face of conflict, food insecurity and displacement. Our sector is perhaps struggling to find ways to respond. Find out more here.
(3) Meath Partnership: Global Citizenship Education Course - 1-2 October
Meath Partnership are offering a free a 2-day course in Global Citizenship Education on the 1st and 2nd of October as part of our Connecting Cultures - Sustaining Our World programme. This free course is suitable for Adult and Community Educators, people who work or volunteer with community or charitable organisations, social justice and human rights activists. This highly interactive course will give you a deep understanding of how and why applying a GCE approach will build strong, value based communities by challenging the root causes of inequality. Find out more here.
(4) IDEA: The ABC of Global Citizenship Education 2025 - 17 September
Register for the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA)’s 2025 edition of the ABC of GCE Training! It will run in three parts, through a mixture of online and in-person sessions. This training is specifically designed for newcomers to Global Citizenship Education but is open to all. It was first run in 2023 in collaboration with Concern Worldwide’s Global Citizenship team, with the intention of supporting newcomers to GCE to deepen their understanding and develop their skills in Global Citizenship Education delivery. It will also be useful for anyone who wishes to refresh their Global Citizenship Education skills. Find out more here.
(5) Eurocheck Security: Hostile Environment Course - 15 September
Our hostile environment courses are suitable for individuals who are currently working in or are going to work in medium to high-risk areas. They will help to ensure that you keep yourself and those you are working with safer. In addition to the normal security subjects covered in the security awareness courses, this course includes sessions on kidnap, landmines, trauma, sexual assault. The course also includes pre-course reading, exercises and role plays. Our main courses are conducted in Kildare but we can also run short bespoke courses at your own location. We also conduct online hostile environment and security awareness courses. All courses are suitable for NGOs, Charities, journalists, students, human rights workers and volunteers. Reduced rates for regular clients and for organisations sending four or more students. Find out more here.
Other News
(1) ECO-UNESCO: Registrations Now Open for the 2026 Young Environmentalist Awards - 7 November
ECO-UNESCO is calling on schools, youth groups, families, and community organisations across Ireland to register for the 27th annual Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA). Open to young people aged 10–18 working in groups of two or more, the free programme supports participants to create and lead environmental action projects in categories such as Biodiversity, Waste, and ECO-Health & Wellbeing. Teachers and youth leaders receive free resources and mentoring from the YEA team, and finalists present their work at national showcase events.Find out more here.
(2) Trócaire: Call for applicants: Apply to join the Climate Collective - 22 August
Are you concerned about the deep injustice of the climate crisis? Do you want to deepen your climate knowledge and activism skills to effectively influence your local politicians? If the answer is yes, apply to join Trócaire new climate activism project - The Climate Collective! This is an exciting new initiative bringing together passionate climate activists to take part in an engaging six-session evening course in the autumn, a national gathering and local constituency actions to put pressure on our politicians to take meaningful action. We want to build a community of campaigners across Ireland working together for climate justice and we want you to be part of it! Find out more here.