Wednesday News Issue 47
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.
26 Nov 2025
Upcoming events and conferences
(1) Irish Health Care Workers for Palestine: Conference - 29 November
The Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine 2025 Conference brings together healthcare professionals and others to build solidarity, deepen understanding, and strengthen capacity to act. Through talks, discussion and networking, it offers tools, connections, and inspiration for those committed to supporting Palestine. Find out more and register here.
(2) Global Village and WorldWise Global Schools: Future-Ready GCE: Aligning Your Practice with Curriculum Change - 4 December
Global Village and WorldWise Global Schools present an opportunity for GCE practitioners to come together to learn about curriculum changes at both Primary and Post Primary level. Find out more here.
(3) DSAI: Annual Conference - 15-16 January
The Development Studies Association of Ireland (DSAI) will host its Annual Conference on the 15th & 16th January 2026, Trinity College Dublin, with the theme ‘Development in the Interregnum: Past, Present, and Future(s)’. Find out more here.
(4) ECO-UNESCO: Earth Gala Youth Summit - 6 December
A lively celebration of youth-led climate action featuring workshops, performances, inspiring projects and panel discussions. Open to young people, policymakers, scholars and NGO partners. Lunch is provided and transport is reimbursed. Find out more here.
Upcoming Meetings, Seminars & Workshops
(1) Development Perspectives: Change the Story, Change the World: Social Justice through Forum Theatre - 29 November
A free workshop in Cavan for youth workers, educators, activists and community workers: Challenge injustice with active participation through innovative Forum Theatre! Find out more here.
(2) Aidlink: Schools as Safe Havens: Education as a Preventative Measure Against Gender-Based Violence in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Regions - 2 December
The session, titled “Schools as Safe Havens: Education as a Preventative Measure Against Gender-Based Violence in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Regions”, will explore how education can serve as a protective tool against GBV and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage. This conversation reflects Aidlink’s ongoing commitment to advancing girls’ education and protection. It will also showcase the impact of our collective efforts, particularly how the schools we support have become safer spaces for girls. Find out more here.
(3) Centre for Global Education and Comhlámh: “Development Education and Hope” Webinar - 14 January
The Centre for Global Education and Comhlámh invite participation in a webinar titled “Development Education and Hope” which will share and debate the content of Issue 41 of Policy and Practice: A Development Education Review. The speakers are: Benedict Arko (University of Education, Winneba, Ghana), Elizabeth Meade (Maynooth University) and Gerard McCann (St. Mary’s University College, Belfast). 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) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Lead - 3 December
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Lead will be responsible for contributing to the development of a sustainable MHPSS strategy and its implementation. The role will lead on the long term integration of mental health and psychosocial support across programmes. Find out more here.
(7) Regular Giving Acquisition Specialist - 3 December
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser. If you love working in a fast-paced environment, and feeling part of a team, then this could be the role for you. The Regular Giving Acquisition Specialist will be focusing on recruiting new regular giving donors via Face-to-Face. Find out more here.
(8) Plan International Ireland: Programme and Finance Support Officer- 28 November
Plan International Ireland is looking for a Programme and Finance Support Officer to support the management of its Irish Aid and Embassy grant portfolio. The role involves grant compliance, financial management, and programme support to ensure the delivery of high-quality, child-focused development work. Candidates should have experience in donor compliance and grant management, strong financial and Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities. French language skills are an advantage. Occasional international travel may be required. The link to the full advertisement can be found here.
(9) Plan International Ireland: Chief Operations Officer - 14 December
Plan International Ireland is looking for a Chief Operations Officer who will lead the development and strategic direction of the finance, operations and IT functions, ensure strong organisational and operational performance, and strong governance for Plan International Ireland. You will collaborate with the CEO and management team to ensure the delivery of the Plan International Ireland strategic plan.This is an exciting and challenging time to join Plan International as we strive for a just world that advances children's rights and equality for girls and implement the ambitious organisational strategic plan. Find out more here.
(10) Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland: Chief Executive Officer - 12 December
Following an organisation-wide review, the Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland have approved the creation of the first Chief Executive Officer position within the organisation, marking a pivotal moment in shaping their future direction. This key role will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic plan to maximise revenue streams and to deliver the faith based and social enterprise goals of the organisation. The CEO will provide the highest level of operational leadership, ensuring robust governance and long-term stability of the organisation. Find out more here.
(11) Vita Impact: Desk Officer for Ethiopia & Eritrea - 12 December
Vita is recruiting a Desk Officer for Ethiopia & Eritrea to join its Dublin HQ team. The role supports country programmes by managing grants, ensuring donor compliance and maintaining strong communication between HQ and field teams. Key duties include overseeing reporting, coordinating monitoring visits, supporting proposal development, managing donor relationships and strengthening programme quality, risk management, and M&E systems. The post contributes to strategic planning and provides mentorship to the Programme Support Officer. Find out more here.
Courses and Training
(1) University of Galway: MA in International Development at University of Galway - 17 July
University of Galway’s new MA in International Development is designed to equip students with the knowledges and skills to tackle the most urgent concerns of international development in the world today. From climate action to food security, from gender equality to environmental justice, the programme engages key overlapping challenges of global development through tailored modules incorporating interdisciplinary expertise from human geography, international relations, international development and political ecology. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity, a core programme aim is to support students in embarking upon a distinct career path in the field that draws upon expert, critical and participatory knowledges in shaping a more sustainable world. For further information, please contact john.morrissey(at)universityofgalway.ie.
Other News
(1) Irish Global Health Network: IGHN Partnerships Programme Grant Round 2025 - 30 December
The IGHN Partnerships Programme Grant Round is now open! The 2025 Impact through Innovative Partnerships Grant Round is a 10-month award from the Irish Global Health Network, funded by Irish Aid. The programme supports partnerships between Irish health institutions and counterparts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems. Grants of up to €10,000 are available, with funding to be spent within 10 months of the award date. For more information, click here.