Description
Our client, The Irish Football Association, requires A Women’s Pathway Referees’ Officer based in Belfast Hours of work: Circa 15 hours per week – to be reviewed with the successful candidate. The nature of the role will require a high degree of flexibility involving evenings and weekends reflecting the nature of match officiating. Hourly Rate: £15.00 per hour LOCATION OF POST: Belfast Duration: Related to UEFA Referee Convention funding. Initial term to 31st July 2025. Expected opportunity to extend to 31st July 2026. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: To oversee the development of a Women’s Pathway for match officials to serve the elite Women’s game. This will include advising the Senior Referee Manager on appointments to the Women’s Premiership, leading the recruitment of match officials to the Pathway, training and developing those match officials and liaising with Referee Officer to manage all relevant administration. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Implement and meet all relevant targets included in the Association’s Referee Strategy. Supervise the Women’s Premiership match officials in conjunction with the Senior Refereeing Manager to meet the service standards expected by the Competition. Lead the recruitment of match officials for the Women’s Pathway in conjunction with the Referee Development Officer. Design, implement and deliver training programmes and performance evaluations for current and aspiring Women’s Pathway match officials. Create and lead a talents and mentors programme for the Women’s Pathway. Working with the Senior Referee Manager, manage the recruitment and development of the Referee support team for the Women’s Pathway. Co-Ordinate all relevant fitness tests and welfare needs training ensuring officials are meeting the required standards. Represent the IFA Refereeing Department, with emphasis on promoting the work of the Women’s Pathway match officials. Proactively participate in training and development opportunities, staff performance appraisals and reviews as required. Comply with Data Protection Policy with regard to safeguarding sensitive customer information at all times. Perform the job in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures, especially the Equal Opportunities and Harassment Policy and Procedure. Adhere to and actively support at all times all other company policies, procedures, processes and working practices, including adhering to best practice. Perform any other duties as may reasonably be required from time-to-time. This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the business. PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION Education & Qualification Desirable: A relevant qualification, for example in Sport, Business or Development. Experience Essential: Possess at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in the field of sport and ideally in working with match officials. Must have a minimum of 3 years football refereeing experience. Relevant experience in devising and delivering educational material. Desirable: Experience of working in a sports development setting and experience of developing football match officials. Experience of implementing methods of recruitment and retention Experience of leading, managing and developing people, ideally in a sporting environment. Skills, Knowledge & Competencies Essential: An excellent knowledge of Women’s football and the demands and challenges for its match officials in Northern Ireland. Able to manage a group of wide-ranging skills, experience and ambitions Able to inspire the match officials to deliver against performance objectives Able to work on own initiative, under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Able to work as part of a small dynamic team. Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience and demonstrated knowledge of working with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Desirable: Experience of playing or officiating in the Women’s game The ability to work independently and work to tight timescales Other Requirements (Post Job Offer) Proof of eligibility to work in the UK. Completion of a medical questionnaire demonstrating the ability to fulfil the Occupational Health requirements for the post and flag any reasonable adjustment required. Two satisfactory employment references, one of whom should ideally be the current/most recent employer. The Irish Football Association is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications form all sections of the community. All appointments will be made on the basis of merit. To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. If you are interested, please upload your CV to the link provided. Skills: Football Referee Sports Development Leading Managing Team
