Overview
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting opportunity for a Funding Lead to join our Barrier Mitigation Division.
The Barrier Mitigation Division is a newly created team within IFI. IFI has been asked to take on the role of managing a newly established National Barrier Mitigation Programme 2024 - 2027 (NBMP) funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).
The aim of the NBMP is to improve river hydromorphology and connectivity in Irish catchments by strategically targeting significant barriers to fish passage and structures that degrade river form, flow and function. Iconic species such as Atlantic salmon and the European eel are threatened, and IFI is mandated to protect them. Removing barriers will open up habitat to various species in an era where habitat loss is impacting biodiversity nationally and internationally.
The Funding Lead will work closely with the Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division, senior management and their teams to devise, design and implement funding aspects of the NBMP Strategic Plan.
About Us
Inland Fisheries Ireland is the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
More information can be found by visiting our website.
Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
* We work collaboratively with professionalism
* We are open, transparent and accountable
* We act with respect and integrity
* We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
Key Responsibilities
* Development, coordination, implementation and oversight of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme funding schemes.
* Capacity building of staff including working with NBMP’s external partners and stakeholders, and community and voluntary organisations focused on barrier mitigation initiatives and water quality projects.
* Developing and maintaining NBMPs strategic funding relationships.
* Adherence to good governance through coordination of internal and external evaluation processes, ensuring rigorous, impartial procedures to assess applications.
* Adherence to Circular 13/2014 – Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds, Infrastructure Guidelines, IFI policies and procedures.
* Prepare funding reports for IFI Board and Senior Management, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Climate Action and the Environment, and other relevant bodies as required.
* Assess the impact of funding schemes in terms of water quality outcomes to align with the Water Framework Directive objectives.
* Coordination and administration of NBMP funding schemes to ensure effective rollout and governance-compliant operation.
* Reviewing and revising funding guidelines and providing analytical reports related to funding schemes.
* Work closely with external oversight and fund steering group governance processes.
* Research opportunities under national funding calls (e.g., Climate Action Fund, Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund, Shared Island, LIFE) to support the delivery of the Water Action Plan.
* Develop relationships and synergies with other public funding bodies in climate action and biodiversity areas (e.g., National Parks and Wildlife Services, Heritage Council, Government Departments, Local Authorities).
* Represent NBMP at events and perform other duties as required by the Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division.
* Foster collaborative and strategic relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and vendors.
* Engage with procurement activities in line with IFI policies and public sector procurement guidelines.
Key Experience & Qualifications
The ideal candidate must, on or before the closing date, meet the following:
Essential
* A recognised third-level qualification, NFQ Level 7 or higher, in Business/Finance or Civil/Environmental Engineering.
* Full Category B driving license valid in Ireland.
* A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in fund management and funding oversight, and management of people.
* Strong communication skills including people and stakeholder management.
* Proficiency in working with dispersed teams.
* Knowledge of public sector governance.
* Experience in managing resources (people, finances and budgets).
* Strong skills in MS Office and comfort with web and IT systems.
* Willingness to travel nationwide when required.
Desirable
* Professional accreditation (e.g., Professional Accountant or Institute of Bankers).
* Previous experience in a large/complex or public sector organisation is desirable.
* Experience with Grant Management Systems (e.g., SmartSimple).
* Ability to work with senior management to devise, design and implement NBMP funding aspects.
* Excellent interpersonal skills to network, build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
* Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a changing environment.
* Strategic thinking, ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and network effectively.
* Strong leadership, management, interpersonal and communication skills.
* Knowledge of local and regional government structures and functions.
Key Skills & Attributes
Essential
* Willingness to travel and work outside normal hours when necessary.
* Proficiency in MS Office and strong IT skills.
* Ability to provide high-quality customer/stakeholder experience.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to build positive relationships.
* Flexibility to adapt to changing role requirements.
* Delivers on commitments consistently.
* Develops medium- and long-term strategies and turns them into action.
* Utilises resources to achieve strategic goals.
* Excellent people management and leadership capabilities to achieve deliverables.
* Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
* Team player who can stay positive under pressure.
* Passion for the environment and commitment to sustainability.
Location
This role may be based at any of IFI’s regional offices: Citywest, Dublin; Clonmel, Tipperary; Macroom, Cork; Limerick City, Limerick; Ballina, Mayo.
IFI offers a hybrid working model: typically 2 days remote and 3 days in the designated office, subject to business requirements and line management approval.
Remuneration
The salary scale is at Assistant Principal level on a 14-point scale with long-service increments. Points: 1 €81,475; 2 €84,475; 3 €87,518; 4 €90,569; 5 €93,617; 6 €95,375; 7 €98,449 (LSI 1); 8 €101,535 (LSI 2). (IFI Assistant Principal Grade Pay Scale as of 01/08/2025).
Salary is subject to change in line with Government pay policy. New entrants start at point 1, subject to the Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.
Annual Leave
30 days per annum (pro-rata) subject to the Annual Leave policy of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Hours of Attendance
35 hours per week (full-time), net of breaks. Additional hours may be required as reasonable and necessary.
Tenure
Specified Purpose Contract linked to funding expected to last until end of 2030.
Applications & Selection Process
Submit a cover letter and up-to-date CV via the website by 5.00 pm on Monday 3 November 2025. Late applications or those not submitted via the correct channel will not be considered. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. Shortlisting is based on information provided in the cover letter and CV.
Formation of Panel
A panel may be formed for up to six months to cover vacancies with similar skill sets.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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