Role and Purpose
The successful candidate will work as the dedicated Programme Manager for the Rural Revive project in Ireland. They will oversee the overall coordination, management and delivery of project activities ensuring compliance with EU funding requirements and alignment with project objectives.
This is a senior role requiring excellent organisational, leadership, and communication skills alongside proven experience in programme or project management. The role will be based in Virginia, Co. Cavan with outreach across rural regions in Cavan and Monaghan and regular EU travel.
Rural Revive, is a new initiative funded under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) programme, addressing long-term unemployment in rural areas by creating guaranteed job placements, supporting inclusive employer practices and providing tailored support to jobseekers aged 45+.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as first point of contact for the European Commission, national stakeholders and partner organisations on all Rural Revive matters.
* Coordinate the development and implementation of the internal project management processes ensuring compliance with financial, administrative and reporting requirements.
* Manage day-to-day programme delivery, including work package coordination, risk management, monitoring and reporting.
* Chair and support the Project Management Committee comprising partners from Ireland and Greece and facilitate the Irish Project Implementation Steering Group with local stakeholders.
* Support the work of the Employment Support Officers in Ireland who will work directly with 40 jobseekers in Ireland offering personalised support and in-work training.
* Monitor and evaluate project progress against Key Performance Indicators and ensure timely submission of all reports.
* Coordinate and attend national and transnational partner meetings, mutual learning events and EU-level dissemination activities.
* Ensure compliance with EU values, State Aid rules and Irish labour legislation, particularly in relation to inclusive and age-diverse employment.
* Lead on communication with employers, stakeholders and community partners, ensuring strong engagement with Rural Revive.
* Prepare policy briefings, lessons-learned reports and sustainability strategies in collaboration with project partners.
* Work with the Financial Director within FIP, to administer grant payments to local employers
The above job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties foreseen and consequently, the successful candidate may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time.
Skills and Experience Required:
* A relevant qualification in Project/Programme Management, Community Development, Social Policy, or a related field.
* At least 5 years proven experience in managing large-scale programmes, preferably in employment, education, or social innovation.
* Strong understanding of EU-funded project management (ESF+, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe or similar).
* Demonstrated ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders including employers, policymakers, educators, and community groups.
* Experience in labour market initiatives, social inclusion or employment supports is highly desirable.
* Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to manage budgets, reporting and compliance.
* Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate and guide a small team.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
Terms of Employment
This is a 3-year fixed term full-time contract (39-hours per week) subject to the satisfactory completion of a probation period. The nature of the work may require working unsocial hours i.e. evenings and weekends plus EU travel. Given the outreach nature of the role, you must have access to own transport. Please note that we work a compressed working week of 4 days.
Salary scale: In the region of €42,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
Leave: The annual leave entitlement is twenty-five (25) days per annum, pro-rata for shorter periods. Entitlement to leave for Public Holidays is in accordance with the terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Future in Perspective is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
All documentation received by the company will be processed in accordance with the relevant applicable data protection legislation. The information will only be used in the processing of job applications and for ongoing administrative purposes with job candidates.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter outlining reasons for your suitability for your chosen position to Applications must be clearly marked for the position applied for. Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday, 9th October 2025. Late applications will not be considered, and shortlisting will apply. Candidates from non traditional backgrounds are especially welcome.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €40,000.00-€42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Virginia, Cavan, CO. Cavan: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person