Funding Lead - Barriers Mitigation Division

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting opportunity for an 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) and as such, this new division has been established with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC).

The aim of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme is to improve river hydromorphology and connectivity in Irish catchments by strategically targeting significant barriers to fish passage and structures degrading river form, flow and function. Iconic species such as Atlantic salmon and the European eel are threatened species and IFI is mandated to protect them under law. Removing barriers will open up habitat to various species in an era where habitat loss is impacting severely on biodiversity both 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 are 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 collaboratively with NBMP’s external partners and stakeholders, and community and voluntary organisations focussed on barrier mitigation initiatives and water quality projects.

• Responsibility for 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 and others as required

• Prepare funding reports for IFI Board and Senior Management, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Climate Energy 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 funding schemes offered by NBMP to ensure effective rollout and operation of schemes that are compliant with good governance practices.

• Reviewing and revising funding guidelines and providing analytical reports in relation to funding schemes.

• Work closely with external oversight and fund steering group governance processes.

• Research opportunities under national funding calls, such as the, 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 the climate action and biodiversity areas, such as National Parks and Wildlife Services, Heritage Council, Government Departments, Local Authorities, etc.

• Research opportunities under national funding calls, such as the, Climate Action Fund, Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund, Shared Island, LIFE to support the delivery of the Water Action Plan.

• Represent NBMP at events and carry out other multi-functional operations as required by the Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division.

• Any other duties relevant to the role which may be identified from time to time by the Head of the Barrier Mitigation Division or nominee.

• 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 guideline

Requirements

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate must, on or before the closing date have the following;

Essential

• A recognised third-level qualification, at a minimum level of NFQ Level 7 in Business/Finance

  OR

  NFQ Level 7 in Civil/Environmental Engineering

• Full Category B driving license that is 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

• A knowledge of public sector governance

• Experience of managing resources i.e, people, finances and budgets

• Strong skills in MS office suite and exceptionally comfortable with web and IT systems

• A willingness to travel nationwide when required

Desirable

• Professional Accreditation e.g. Professional Accountant or Institute of Bankers

• Previous experience working in a large / complex or public sector organisation is desirable.

• Previous experience with utilizing and reporting using Grant Management Systems e.g. SmartSimple or other

• Ability to work closely with senior Management and their teams to devise, design and implement funding aspects of NBMP’s programme.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to network, build relationships and engage effectively with, and influence, stakeholders at all levels.

• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work in a changing environment.

• Ability to think strategically and create a positive working relationship with colleagues and external stakeholders; to work in multidisciplinary teams and to network effectively.

• Have strong leadership, management, interpersonal and communication skills.

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local and regional government.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate must, on or before the closing date have the following;

Essential

• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the post and a willingness to work outside of normal hours where necessary.

• Full proficiency in the MS Office suite and strong IT skills.

• Be capable of providing high quality customer / stakeholder experience.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to build positive and effective relationships.

• Demonstrates flexibility by adapting to the changing nature of the role.

• Consistently delivers on commitments.

• Looks beyond immediate issues, to develop strategies for both the medium and long term.

• Utilises all resources to turn strategies into action.

• Excellent people management, leadership skills and resource management to achieve deliverables.

• Excellent time management skills with an ability to prioritise, to manage own workflow and to use own initiative.

• Be a strong team player who can remain positive during challenging tasks and work under pressur

• A 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

Inland Fisheries Ireland is proud to offer a hybrid working model for this role which will typically consist of 2-days working remotely and 3-days working from the successful candidate's designated office, subject to business requirements and approval from line management.

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Assistant Principal as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €81,475; Point 2 €84,475; Point 3 €87,518; Point 4 €90,569; Point 5 €93,617; Point 6 €95,375; Point 7 €98,449 (LSI 1); Point 8 €101,535 (LSI 2);

(IFI Assistant Principal Grade Pay Scale as of 01/08/2025).

Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.

ANNUAL LEAVE

The annual leave entitlement for this role is 30 days per annum (pro-rata) and is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave as per the Annual Leave policy of Inland Fisheries Ireland.

HOURS OF ATTENDANCE

Hours of attendance will be as fixed from time to time. At present they amount to 35 hours per week (full-time), net of breaks.

The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties, subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

TENURE

This post is offered on Specified Purpose Contract linked to funding which is expected to last until the end of 2030.

APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Monday 3rd of November 2025. 

Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. 

Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV. 

FORMATION OF PANEL

A panel may be created for up to six months to cover vacancies for roles with similar skill sets.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

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