We would like to invite applications for the following full time, permanent position:
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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.
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Reporting Line
The post holder will report to the IWA Sport National Operations Manager.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Behaviours
Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Self-starter.
Target-driven.
Flexible Approach to work
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Competencies
Planning & organising
Innovation & creativity
Communication & influencing
Leadership
Critical analysis & decision making
Technical expertise & self-development
Motivating & empowering others
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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
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The closing date for all applications is 2nd January 2026.
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Documentary evidence of your relevant qualification(s) will be required in advance of or during the recruitment process.