Salary: :€35,000 depending on experience
Reports to: Schools Programme Manager
Overall Job Purpose:
This is a key role on the HOPE Schools Programme team with the Coordinator collaborating closely with other team members and providing support to the Schools Programme Manager. The post-holder will be responsible for supporting the delivery, growth and development of HOPE's Schools Programme across Munster.
HOPE's Schools Programme is an education and awareness-raising programme for Irish schools that also raises funds for the charity's projects working with street and slum-connected children in Kolkata, India. The Programme is comprised of multiple elements including: school talks on the work of HOPE as an overseas NGO; education and cultural immersion trips to India for second level students, and Global Citizenship Education (GCE).
This role requires an energetic, motivated and values-driven individual with strong organisational and people skills and a particular interest in working with young people through education and global citizenship.
Location:
Based in HOPE's Head Office, Ballinlough, Cork City. Full-time, Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm, office-based role (1-day WFH negotiable). Frequent travel across Munster and some international travel to Kolkata, India (approx. 2 trips per year).
Responsibilities:
1. Schools Immersion Programme Coordination
• Support the operation, development, and growth of the Schools Immersion Trip Programme across Munster.
• Act as a key point of contact for schools, teachers, parents, and students participating in the Immersion Programme.
• Coordinate programme timelines, documentation, and orientation processes.
• Assist with and deliver school talks / information sessions, student and parent orientation meetings and trip chaperone training evenings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and databases relating to schools and participants.
• Work closely with trip participants and supporters involved in schools fundraising.
• Take on delegated tasks and responsibilities from the Schools Programme Manager.
• Act as a designated HOPE group leader accompanying groups of students and teachers visiting Kolkata India (average 2 trips per year).
2. Global Citizenship Education (GCE)
• Support and deliver Global Citizenship Education workshops in schools.
• Engage young people and educators on issues such as gender inequality, unconscious bias, and global justice.
• Keep up to date with current affairs, global development issues, and best practice in GCE.
• Contribute to the growth, quality, and impact of the GCE programme.
· Liaising with GCE organisations such as WorldWise Global Schools (WWGS) and the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) including attendance at relevant events and conferences and provide support to the Schools Programme Manager in relation to WWGS grants and compliance with the IDEA Code of Good Conduct.
3. Representation & Public Engagement
• Proactively engage with primary and secondary schools to build relationships and support participation in HOPE's Schools Programme.
• Represent the organisation at school visits, events, and external engagements.
• Deliver presentations confidently to students, parents, teachers, and supporters.
• Travel regularly throughout Munster.
• Act as a Garda Vetting Officer for HOPE in support of HOPE's Designated Garda Vetting Officer.
4. Administration & Team Support
• Oversee and manage programme administration to a high standard.
• Maintain and improve digital and paper-based filing systems.
• Coordinate calendars, schedule meetings, and take minutes as required.
• Provide administrative and operational support to fundraising, accounts, and senior management teams.
• Prepare regular updates and reports for the Schools Programme Manager.
Person Specification for this Role
Essential:
· Confidence and professionalism in public speaking and external representation.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust-based relationships.
· Organised and with strong attention to detail.
· Strong IT skills, in particular MS Word and Excel.
· Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently to schools throughout Munster.
· Flexibility to carry out out-of-hours work as needed eg. evening meetings to accommodate parents and teachers (Time in Lieu given).
· Willingness and flexibility to travel to India (approx. twice a year) as a group leader with school groups.
· Own car and full, clean driving licence.
Desirable:
· Experience working with schools, young people, or education programmes.
· Experience delivering workshops or training sessions.
· Experience in Global Citizenship Education, development education, or related fields.
· Experience in fundraising or NGO/charity sector work.
· Strong interest in global justice, equality, and social change.
· Familiarity with MS 365 Co-Pilot or other cloud-based systems.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Employment in this role will also be subject to Garda Vetting.