Gasóga na hÉireann / Scouting Ireland No. Issued July 2026
Amended Next Review Date
Category:
Open Call – Terms of Reference – Programme Development Lead
Related Documents Revision Schedule Revision
1 July 26 Initial Release
⚠ ADULT VOLUNTEER ROLE Open to persons aged 18+ only. All appointees must hold valid Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance per Scouting Ireland's Child Safeguarding Policy.
Description
The Programme Development Lead leads the Programme Development Project Team and works with the Programme Core Team, relevant teams and the Programme Development Manager to manage, coordinate and deliver the IGNITE programme development plan. The goal of the programme development plan is to evolve ONE programme to deliver high-quality, youth-centred programme frameworks and supports that align with Scouting Ireland’s educational proposal, underpinned by the Scout Method, the SPICES and the Plan-Do-Review framework. The goal is to evolve to a cohesive, effective and inspiring programme that is in the hands of young people and that supports Scouters to support young people effectively throughout their journey in Scouting.
Eligibility
▪ Aged 18 or over at date of application.
▪ Current Scouting Ireland member
▪ Valid Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance held
▪ Willing to adhere to Scouting Ireland Code of Conduct and all relevant policies.
▪ Relevant adult leadership experience within Scouting Ireland or equivalent voluntary organisation.
▪ Woodbadge holder.
Tenure
Term: 3 years from date of confirmation of appointment. Role review within 4 months of commencement.
Year 1 – Plan, build capacity and teams, establish methodologies. Coordinate implementation, workstreams, pilots and projects. Roll Out as per plan
Year 2 - Coordinate implementation, workstreams and projects. Roll Out as per plan.
Year 3 – Review, revise, consolidate, document, hand off.
Accountability & Support
The Programme Development Lead is accountable to and supported by the Programme Core Team and works in close collaboration with the Programme Development Manager, Programme Team Leads and other staff and team leads as required
The role holder must adhere to the Core Team Code of Conduct and will receive a Letter of Appointment. Approved expenses are reimbursed per the Scouting Ireland Financial Handbook.
Role-specific induction is provided before commencement, with ongoing support from the Programme Team. A debrief will take place at term conclusion to inform future team composition and development.
Person Specification — Essential (E) & Desirable (D) Experience
Deep understanding of Scouting Ireland’s ONE programme and youth-led experiences
Experience managing/delivering national, provincial, or large-scale programme initiatives and teams
Experience and understanding of educational methods
Demonstrated ability to work constructively with volunteer and staff teams
Woodbadge training complete
Experience mentoring or advising volunteers or teams
Project Management experience in the areas of research, design, development
Experience developing programme, initiatives, support materials
Expertise in the areas of project management, research, analysis, design, development or similar
Skills & Abilities
Well-organised and able to coordinate teams and workstreams effectively.
Communicates clearly and positively with volunteers, youth members, and staff.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, and independently
Able to assess proposals, and offer calm, constructive direction and recommendations
Confident using online tools for meetings, communication, and sharing information.
Prepare clear written notes, guidance, and updates as required
Personal Qualities & Safeguarding
Commitment to the values and mission of Scouting Ireland
Acts with honesty, integrity, and reliability at all times.
Self-motivated and willing to take initiative when needed, including dealing confidently with challenges.
Aged 18+ with valid Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance on appointment
Completion Scouting Ireland safeguarding training
Willing to continue learning and developing skills through training and experience.
Experience supporting, mentoring, or encouraging volunteers in their roles.
Responsibilities
▪ Support and facilitate the effective planning and delivery of Scouting Ireland’s youth programme and related supports
▪ Support capacity building for programme development and youth involvement.
▪ Help coordinate communication and alignment between Programme Teams, Training and Volunteer & Group Support
▪ Identify support needs and provide recommendations to the Programme Core Team.
▪ Coordinate research, analysis, idea development, content creation and roll out across workstreams and programme development pilots and projects.
▪ Help develop and keep up to date the IGNITE plan and related tracking/planning tools.
▪ Participate in the interview and selection of development team volunteers and professional expertise where required.
▪ Contribute to the development and ongoing review of relevant policies and procedures, ensuring they match development and are fit for purpose.
▪ Promote consistency, quality, and adherence to Scouting Ireland policies and safeguarding standards.
Role Competencies
▪ Well organised and able to plan, prioritise, and support the timely completion of agreed actions.
▪ Broad experience of national and international scout and youth programmes.
▪ Good understanding of how events are planned and run, including practical considerations such as logistics, budgets, and safeguarding.
▪ Works collaboratively and in a solution-focused way to support Programme Teams and workstreams to deliver successfully.
▪ Takes responsibility for agreed tasks and follows through reliably on commitments.
▪ Builds positive working relationships and demonstrates sound judgement, integrity, and respect in a volunteer-led environment.
▪ Demonstrates good judgement, discretion, and integrity, especially when dealing with sensitive or challenging situations.
▪ Works well within a volunteer-led organisation, showing inclusive, respectful, and accountable behaviour.
▪ Provides practical, hands-on support and guidance to Programme Teams and workstream participants
Assigned Duties
▪ Attend scheduled coordination and planning meetings.
▪ Provide regular updates to the Programme Core Team
▪ Respond to support requests from Programme Team Leads.
▪ Assist in identifying training, resource, or guidance needs.
▪ Other duties that may arise relevant to this role
Attendance & Reviews
▪ Meeting frequency is agreed with the Programme Team and reflecting the agreed programme development plan as it evolves. Regular engagement and updates are expected.
▪ Core Team, Programme Team & planned meetingsquarterly in-person and monthly virtual. If unable to attend, advance notice must be given and a written update submitted prior to the meeting.
▪ Performance in the role will include not only delivery of agreed actions, but also the effectiveness of facilitation and support, quality of collaboration and communication, contribution to consistency and learning, and adherence to safeguarding and organisational standards. Annual reports must be submitted within six weeks of notification, interim reports to be submitted in advance of meetings as notified.
The Programme Development Lead appointment is intended to be the role holder's sole national appointment within Scouting Ireland. The role requires a significant three-year commitment and should be the individual's primary volunteering focus for the duration of the term. Applicants holding other national appointments will be expected to step away from those appointments before taking up this role.
Stepping Down
Where responsibilities are consistently unmet, the role will be reviewed, and the individual may be asked to step down following an initial discussion. An individual may also voluntarily step down at any time with reasonable notice to allow an orderly transition.
How to Apply: Submit via the Scouting Ireland Online Application Form. Demonstrate clearly how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Minimum Age: 18 years at date of application. Vetting: Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance required prior to application