Best Buddies International is a non-profit organisation dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ability West currently incorporates the Best Buddies College and Citizens Programmes as part of its well-established Volunteer Programme. This is in line with its organisational policies, procedures and processes.


Ability West currently holds responsibility for a new initiative, to establish the Best Buddies Citizens Programme on a national basis, throughout Ireland.


Ability West provides a wide range of high-quality services to children and adults with intellectual disability and autism across Galway City and County.


The ethos of service provision is underpinned by our Vision, Mission, Core Values and Strategic Plan, which is to empower people with disabilities to live self-directed lives in an equal and inclusive society.


The delivery of the Best Buddies Programmes ensures that people with an intellectual disability have an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy every day social activities. This programme breaks down social barriers and enhances the quality of life for the participant.


Overview of the Role:


The Best Buddies National Development Officer will be responsible for the development of a strategy to deliver the Best Buddies Citizens Programme throughout Ireland, working in partnership with other intellectual disability organisations.


The role is to promote, and project plan the strategic delivery of the Best Buddies Citizens Programme to intellectual disability organisations throughout Ireland over a fixed three-year term.


Essential Criteria:


A third level qualification at minimum Level 7, in Social Sciences, such as, Community Development, Social Care, Health Care or Adult and Community Education is essential.


A minimum of three years post qualified relevant experience, preferably in the area of intellectual disability and/or autism.


A minimum of two years' experience in project management, community development, financial management, project oversight and co-ordination.


Full, current Irish driving licence with access to your own vehicle (mileage will be paid at an appropriate rate).


Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.


Strong people skills, including ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain sustainable effective working relationships both inside and outside the organisation.


Must be self-motivated and work on own initiative as well as work as part of a team.


Due to the nature of the role, unsocial hours including weekends may be required. Accordingly, flexibility to the needs of the business is essential.


For an informal conversation contact Linda Keane - Volunteer Programme Manager on 087 9971558.


Applications close on the 29th of October 2024.