Irish Aid Junior Professional Intern Candidate Information Irish Aid, the Government’s official overseas aid programme, launched the Junior Professional Internship (JPI) Scheme in 2009. The scheme is ongoing and we are now renewing our call for applicants for placement in 2015. Interested individuals can apply by completing the application form and posting it to the address provided at the end of the application form. We are looking for individuals with a range of skills, principally in the following areas: public health including HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, governance, economics, public financial management, human rights, humanitarian response, communications including journalism, statistics, accounting, environment/climate change and nutrition. JPIs will gain valuable experience in the business of planning and delivering Ireland’s programme of development cooperation. Successful candidates will be placed at one of the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Ireland or in the field. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Candidates must meet the following requirements:  Have held a post graduate qualification or similar qualification in international relations, development, or one of the following areas for at least two years: o o o o o o o o o o Public Health including HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases Nutrition Governance Economics/Business/Private Sector Statistics Accounting Communications including journalism Development Management/ International Relations Humanitarian Response / Human Rights Environment / Climate Change  Have not previously undertaken an internship with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. and  Be an Irish citizen, or a European Economic Area national with an unrestricted right to reside in Ireland. and  Either Experience of working in the developing world, or  Experience of working in the area of community development either at voluntary or professional level. or  Experience in a sector where candidates believe they can make a strong contribution to the goals of the aid programme and its overall policy “One World, One Future”. Desirable (but not essential) for the job:  A knowledge of global development issues and an understanding of the economic, business, trade and political context in which development interventions are successful;  An understanding and appreciation of the complex environment in which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (including Irish Aid) and its Missions operate;  An interest in international affairs. SELECTION METHOD The methods used to select the successful candidate for this post may include:   Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their application; Preliminary Interview; A final focussed interview. A number of panels will be established after the interview process by reference to the skill sets mentioned above. In the event that a large number of candidates meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the post, Irish Aid may decide to invite a smaller number to interview based on an assessment of qualifications and experience. The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available on the date(s) specified by Irish Aid and to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure that they receive communications sent to them at the contact details specified on their application form. Irish Aid will not be responsible for expenses incurred by candidates in this application process. Completing the Application Form Applications must be made on the official application form and will be treated in strict confidence. All sections of the form must be fully completed. When completing the application form please ensure that the information supplied in all sections is correct as you may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied. The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Irish Aid is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. Confidentiality: Subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003, applications will be treated in strict confidence. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity. It is important to note that canvassing will disqualify applicants automatically. PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE General The positions are for 18 months and are non-established positions in the Civil Service and carry no entitlement to established status. The Scheme is designed solely for the purpose of providing relevant work experience and accordingly will not give rise to contracts of indefinite duration. Successful candidates will serve a probationary period of three months at the end of which performance as regards health, conduct, efficiency and general service will be reviewed and if satisfactory you will be appointed for a further 15 months. Location JPIs will be based at an office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Limerick, Dublin or in the field and will have a unique opportunity to work closely with, and learn from, the staff of the Government’s aid programme. Pay The rate of pay offered will be the first point of the Executive Officer standard scale. Overseas Assignments The additional terms applicable to successful candidates assigned to posts overseas will vary according to location. Hours of attendance Hours of attendance will be as fixed from time to time, but will amount to on average not less than 43 ¼ hours gross, or 37 hours net per week. Where extra attendance is necessary, overtime payments, or time off in lieu, will be allowed in accordance with the Civil Service overtime regulations. Annual Leave Interns will have an annual leave allowance of 23 days per annum, exclusive of public holidays. Leave will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. Enquiries Please send any queries through the ‘Contact Us’ page of www.irishaid.ie You must select 'Junior Professional Internship' from the drop down list. Telephone queries can be made to 061- 774118.