Irish Rural Link is currently recruiting for the following vacancy:
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Irish Rural Link Project Assistant – Full Time
Organisation: Irish Rural Link
Location: Moate, Co. Westmeath
Hours: Full Time
About Irish Rural Link
Irish Rural Link is a national network representing rural communities across Ireland. We work to support sustainable rural development and social inclusion through research, policy advocacy, and community development initiatives.
Irish Rural Link is currently involved in a number of EU-funded Erasmus+ projects and the PEACEPLUS (Cross-Border) projects, supporting marginalised groups, community development, rural social enterprise, and cross-border collaboration.
We are currently seeking a motivated and experienced Project Assistant to support the delivery and administration of these projects. The role will be full-time, with approximately 50% of time dedicated to Erasmus+ projects and 50% to the PEACEPLUS Maximising Community Spaces project.
Current Projects
Beyond NEET 2.0
Beyond NEET 2.0 addresses structural inequalities affecting marginalised young people, particularly those not in education, employment or training (NEETs). These young people often face significant barriers to development opportunities, leading to poverty, exclusion, and social isolation.
The project aims to:
- Create empowerment pathways for young people
- Strengthen digital and interpersonal skills
- Promote intergenerational learning and relationships
- Support young people to train and mentor older people in digital skills
- Break cycles of disadvantage through community-based learning
The project is currently at the design and delivery stage of its training programme.
Rural Social Enterprise Learnings
This project focuses on strengthening rural social enterprises and community organisations through capacity building, shared learning, and skills development initiatives.
PEACEPLUS – Maximising Community Spaces
This project focuses on examining community spaces—such as community centres, halls, parks, and other shared spaces and resources—on both sides of the border and exploring how to improve their use so they can become valuable resources for the community.
Role Overview
The Project Assistant will support the implementation of both Irish Rural Link’s Erasmus+ projects and the PEACEPLUS Maximising Community Spaces project.
For the Erasmus+ projects, the role will include designing and delivering training programmes for young people (particularly NEETs), equipping them with the skills and confidence to support older people in developing digital competencies. The role also includes delivering workshops to community groups and contributing to broader project implementation and reporting.
For the PEACEPLUS project, the role will support the administration, financial management, procurement compliance, and partner coordination required for successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Design
- Design a digital skills training programme for young people, enabling them to deliver digital training to older adults with low digital literacy.
- Develop modules and training materials in line with project objectives.
- Contribute to the design of additional training programmes for community groups and social enterprises.
Training Delivery & Mentoring
- Deliver engaging, inclusive training sessions to NEETs and other target groups.
- Provide mentoring and capacity-building support to participants.
- Support young participants to become confident peer educators for older people.
Workshops & Community Engagement
- Organise and facilitate workshops with young people and community groups.
- Support intergenerational learning initiatives.
Project Coordination
- Attend online meetings with European project partners.
- Assist with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
- Contribute to project documentation and progress reports.
PEACEPLUS Project Management & Administration
- Support the management and administration of the PEACEPLUS Maximising Community Spaces project.
- Implement PEACEPLUS procurement guidelines and ensure compliance with programme requirements.
- Prepare invoices and supporting documentation for payment.
- Prepare and submit project claims through the JEMS system.
- Respond to queries from programme authorities and project partners.
- Work closely with project partners to ensure the successful delivery and monitoring of project activities and budgets.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
- Qualification in rural development, youth work, community development, education, business administration, or a related field (Train-the-Trainer qualification desirable).
- Proven experience designing and delivering training programmes.
- Experience working with young people, particularly marginalised youth or those at risk of being NEET.
- Experience supporting the administration or financial management of funded projects.
- Strong understanding of digital skills development.
- Knowledge of EU or publicly funded project requirements (desirable).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or equivalent.
- Strong planning, organisational, and project management skills.
- Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and report writing.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Full clean driving licence and access to own vehicle.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or unsociable hours as required.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A current CV
- A cover letter clearly outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday 10th April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Candidates will be shortlisted for interview based on the information provided.
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Irish Rural Link’s vision is of vibrant, inclusive, resilient rural settlements, villages and market towns, where essential services are available and contribute to an equitable and just society.
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