Sports Programme Officer (with responsibility for Boccia)

Location Flexible

IWA is committed to promoting, maintaining and adding to our diverse and inclusive work environment.

To develop, coordinate, promote, and advocate for sport and recreational opportunities for people with a physical disability, enabling participation at every level — from grassroots to elite performance.

This role champions the rights, visibility, and inclusion of athletes with disabilities by advocating for increased access, removing barriers, and promoting equal opportunities in sport.

Programmes cover a range of sports, including but not limited to: Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, and Boccia.

Reporting Line

The post holder will report to the IWA Sport National Operations Manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Delivery

Lead the coordination, delivery, and evaluation of IWA Sport programmes at regional and national levels.

Plan and deliver sports events and programmes from inception through to completion, ensuring opportunities for athletes at all stages — participation, development, and elite performance.

Introduce and develop programmes or club models that support long-term involvement of IWA Sport members.

Support the implementation of the Club Growth & Development programme.

Strengthen and support the sport volunteer network to ensure sustainability of activities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

Build and maintain strong working relationships with:

Support the Hotel/Holiday and Respite Manager in the development of IWA Holiday Services in Hotel locations in the West of Ireland.

IWA staff and volunteers at regional and national level

IWA Sports Clubs and Sports-Specific Sections

National Governing Bodies of Sport

Disability organisations and Local Sports Partnerships

Paralympics Ireland

Erasmus+ programme partners

Mainstream sports organisations and related bodies

Act as a visible advocate for athletes with disabilities, ensuring their voices and needs are represented in decision-making forums.

Promote inclusive policies, practices, and facilities with partner organisations to remove barriers to participation.

High Performance Pathway

Coordinate targeted programmes and events to support elite-level athletes.

Assist in identifying and nurturing talent for progression into competitive and high-performance sport.

Training, Education & Awareness

Provide technical support and raise awareness of disability sport in schools, third-level institutions, sports facilities, and community organisations.

Advocate for disability sport inclusion within education, sport, and community programmes.

Support IWA Sport’s coach development, training, and education pathway.

Deliver sport-specific coach education, training, and related courses.

Implement IWA Sport and relevant national policies and operational directives.

Women in Sport

Lead initiatives to increase sport, recreational, leadership, and advocacy opportunities for females with a physical disability.

Deliver activities under the four pillars of the IWA-Sport Women in Sport Strategy:

Active Participation

Visibility

Leadership & Governance

Coaching & Officiating

Advocate for greater representation, leadership opportunities, and recognition for women and girls in disability sport.

Safeguarding

Ensure safeguarding responsibilities for children and adults at risk are a core aspect of the role.

Follow IWA’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures at all times.

Flexibility & Commitment

Work evenings and/or weekends as required by the sports calendar.

Attend national events and activities as scheduled.

Travel nationally as required (transport provided for work-related activities).

IWA Sport operates a Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy for additional hours worked.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Training, Experience and Qualifications

Degree-level qualification in sports development, leisure management, adapted physical activity, community development, health promotion, or other relevant discipline, and/or equivalent work-based experience in the sports/disability sector.

Excellent planning, organisational, and administrative skills.

Ability to work to deadlines for project delivery and reporting.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent communicator with the ability to build strong relationships in a fast-moving environment.

A demonstrated track record of delivering results through hard work.

Strong influencing and people skills.

Energetic self-starter with the ability to prioritise multiple requests.

Results-driven with a passion for exceeding expectations.

Full, clean driving licence required. Use of personal transport for work-related purposes may be required.

Behaviours

Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Self-starter.

Target-driven.

Flexible Approach to work

Competencies

Planning & organising

Innovation & creativity

Communication & influencing

Leadership

Critical analysis & decision making

Technical expertise & self-development

Motivating & empowering others

Remuneration & Benefits

Salary between €33,993.00 and €51,931.00 (DOE)

Excellent working conditions

Commitment to ongoing training and development for all employees.

25 days annual leave (pro rata).

Group health insurance scheme in operation.

Access to IWA contributory pension scheme after 6 months’ service.

Transport provided for work-related activities.

Laptop and mobile phone provided.

Opportunity to avail of continuous professional development training specific to the role.

Employee Assistance Service