-
Job Description
**Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research** A senior management position leading three critical portfolios: Ethics and Integrity, Participation, and Research, Evaluation, and Innovation, requiring a dynamic leader with strategic vision and exceptional management skills.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role is responsible for leading and overseeing three critical portfolios: Ethics and Integrity, Participation, and Research, Evaluation, and Innovation. The position requires a dynamic leader with strategic vision, exceptional management skills, and a deep understanding of the relevant regulatory and policy environment.
**Key Responsibilities** * Provide strategic leadership and direction across the Ethics and Integrity, Participation, and Research, Evaluation, and Innovation units. * Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures within each portfolio to ensure compliance with national regulations and standards. * Manage and coordinate the activities of three directors and their respective teams, ensuring alignment with Sport Ireland's goals and objectives. * Lead and mentor senior managers, developing a collaborative and high-performance culture within Sport Ireland. * Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, non-governmental organisations, and community. * Represent Sport Ireland at national and international forums, advocating for Sport Ireland's interests and policies. * Monitor and report on the performance of each portfolio, providing regular updates to the CEO and relevant oversight bodies. * Identify and address risks and challenges to the operations and strategic initiatives within each portfolio. * Manage unit's budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective allocation of resources across all units. * Promote continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery and operational processes. **Ethics and Integrity** * Ensure Sport Ireland operates with the highest standards of ethics and integrity. * Develop and implement a comprehensive ethics strategy in collaboration with the Ethics and Integrity Unit, aligning it with Sport Ireland's mission, vision, and values. * Establish policies and initiatives that promote ethical conduct, inclusion, gender diversity, anti-doping, safeguarding, and disability within the sports. * Advocate for and enforce ethical conduct, ensuring all stakeholders understand and adhere to established standards. * Promote transparency, overseeing monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and upholding openness in decision-making processes. * Lead the Ethics and Integrity team, developing a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. * Develop partnerships with other sporting bodies, government organisations, and community stakeholders to enhance ethical conduct. * Manage complaints related to ethical matters, ensuring transparency, fairness, and impartiality. * Oversee safeguarding measures to protect athletes, officials, and participants from abuse, harassment, and exploitation. * Ensure fair and consistent conduct and disciplinary procedures are in place. * Prepare and present regular reports on integrity-related matters to senior management, the board, and relevant government bodies. * Communicate the achievements and progress of the Ethics and Integrity Unit's initiatives to stakeholders and the public. * Support the review and consideration of future government policies, international conventions, and other relevant frameworks impacting Sport Ireland. **Participation** * Lead and manage the development and implementation of Sport Ireland's participation strategy in conjunction with Sport Ireland staff and key stakeholders, including National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). * Promote and facilitate increased public participation in sports and physical activities across Ireland. * Develop and implement policies and programmes that encourage inclusive participation, focusing on underserved communities and demographics. * Collaborate with other Sport Ireland directors to ensure participation initiatives are aligned with Sport Ireland's strategic objectives. * Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of participation initiatives, using data-driven approaches to enhance program outcomes. * Establish partnerships with community organisations, schools, and local authorities to promote sports participation at the grassroots level. * Ensure compliance with national and international standards for sports participation and community engagement. * Enhance public engagement with trails and outdoor activities, ensuring these resources are accessible and promoted widely. * Continue to build on the Get Ireland Active website to allow dissemination of information and resources, encouraging a more active lifestyle among citizens. * Align participation initiatives with the National Sports Policy, ensuring a cohesive approach to increasing physical activity nationwide. * Prepare and present regular reports on participation initiatives to senior management, the board, and relevant government bodies. **Research, Evaluation and Innovation** * Lead and manage the development and implementation of Sport Ireland's research strategy in conjunction with Sport Ireland staff and key stakeholders, including National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs). * Facilitate and support the development of strong and structured relationships between policy, practice, and research. * Ensure that all research is delivered to the highest ethical and quality standards. * Lead and manage the communication of all research and evaluation information, including the establishment of an online sports research and data repository. * Develop and implement a systematic approach to evaluation within Sport Ireland and among its key stakeholders. * Incorporate research and evaluation into Sport Ireland's innovation. * Manage the identification, application, and management of EU funding opportunities, and report on activity and status of applications and delivery of funded goals. * Work with other Sport Ireland directors and units to ensure research and evaluation findings inform planning, decision-making, and program development. * Oversee responsibilities for innovation and securing EU funding to support and enhance the agency's initiatives and programmes. * Ensure the Board, Senior Management, and relevant committees are briefed on research, evaluation, innovation, and EU funding activities. * Develop annual budgets and corporate plans in collaboration with the senior management team. * Develop a motivated and focused team to deliver on research, evaluation, innovation, and EU funding priorities. **Person Specification** * Essential: + A third-level qualification in a related field. + A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role (Assistant Principal Officer Grade & Above or Equivalent) within the public sector or a similar environment. + Knowledge of the Irish/International landscape of sports. + Proven track record of strategic planning and policy development. + Extensive experience in managing large teams and complex projects. + Strong knowledge of public administration principles and practices in Ireland. + Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. + Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. + High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service. * Desirable: + Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. + Experience in the specific sectors relevant to Sport Ireland's objectives.