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Job Description
The Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research will lead and oversee three critical portfolios: Ethics and Integrity, Participation, and Research, Evaluation, and Innovation, requiring a dynamic leader with strategic vision, exceptional management skills, and a deep understanding of the relevant regulatory and policy environment.
Sport Ireland is seeking a high-calibre individual to fill the role of Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research. This is a senior management position within Sport Ireland, responsible for leading and overseeing three critical portfolios: Ethics and Integrity, Participation, and Research, Evaluation, and Innovation.
**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. • Advise on 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. **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. • Establish partnerships with community organisations, schools, and local authorities to promote sports participation at the grassroots level. **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. • 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. **Person Specification:** • Essential: + Third-level qualification in a related field + Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role 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