Bobby Mc Cormack is the co-founder and CEO of Development Perspectives. He previously worked as a Senior Lecturer in the Dept of Humanities in Dundalk Institute of Technology from 2006 - 2019. He has an MA in Development Studies and is a qualified mediator. Bobby was a board member of Dóchas from 2021 - 2024 and in 2017 was the recipient of the Dóchas, “Global Citizen of the Year“. Bobby was the co chair of the CONCORD Development Education and Awareness Raising forum for two years and was a civil society representative in the European Commission multi stakeholder forum for Development Education.
Grants Clinic for Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Funding Applications 2025
Date: Tuesday 12 November 2024, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Location: Online via Zoom.
Our first training event on the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grants Round is a Grants Clinic, focusing on the application form that will be facilitated by Bobby McCormack, CEO of Development Perspectives and Chairperson of IDEA National Council, and Elaine Mahon, IDEA. This will take place on Tuesday 12 November, 11.00am – 1.00pm, online via Zoom.
IDEA provides support for members - and spaces for members to support one another - in applying for Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grants. This training and support is free of charge to all.
As in recent years, we are also inviting any other actors who are not yet members of IDEA to these training events.
To make this training as useful as possible for all attending, please make sure that you have a copy of any previous application form you have worked on relating to the Irish Aid GCE grants available to you during the session.
Register below!
Image Credit: Nick Youngson
Attribution: Pix4free.org
Biographies
Elaine Mahon has worked in IDEA since 2013 in a variety of roles focussing on strengthening capacity of IDEA members. Elaine’s strengths lie in the areas of knowledge and understanding of Development Education practice, strengthening quality in educational work, monitoring results and organisational management. Elaine facilitated the development and roll-out of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education, which was led by IDEA members and leads on its implementation in IDEA.
Date: Wednesday 26 November, 10.00am – 3.30pm Location: Richmond Barracks, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 IDEA is looking forward to welcoming all members of the Code of Good Practice for Development Education to our next Code network meeting on Wednesday, 26 November, in Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin. There are places for two representatives (staff, volunteers, etc.) from each Code member. One of the commitments in joining the Code is to contribute to the Community of Practice for this Code, including sharing successes and learning with other Code members and attending at least one of two Code network meetings annually. Register below!
Over the past few months, IDEA and its members co-created a new strategic vision and roadmap for GCE in Ireland for the next five years. This is the successor to Vision 2025 and is called Vision 2030. We are delighted to announce that we will launch the publication of Vision 2030 on Tuesday 21 October 2025 in the Georgian Suite of Buswells Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, 12 noon – 12.45pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please save the date and register below for the event. Please note that there is limited space at this event and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once capacity has been reached, a waiting list will be opened.
We’re Hiring - Capacity Development Programme Manager The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) is looking for a Capacity Development Programme Manager to join our team. This is a unique leadership opportunity to help shape the future of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland and beyond. At IDEA, we work with over 100 members, from large NGOs like Trócaire and Concern to smaller organisations and individual educators, all committed to building a more just, equal, and sustainable world. The Capacity Development Programme Manager role is central to this mission. Key role responsibilities: Lead IDEA’s capacity development programme , ensuring our members and the wider sector have access to high-quality training, workshops, and networking opportunities. Design and deliver flagship events , including our annual conference, webinars, and seminars that strengthen skills, knowledge, and collaboration. Drive innovation and impact , ensuring our programmes respond to members’ needs, emerging challenges, and international best practice. Champion impact measurement and research , supporting our members to demonstrate the transformative power of Development and Global Citizenship Education. Collaborate across IDEA teams on policy, advocacy, and communications, ensuring capacity-building directly contributes to systemic change. Represent IDEA nationally and internationally , ensuring Ireland continues to be seen as a leader in the global conversation on education, equality, and sustainability. The role offers: A permanent contract (subject to funding) Hybrid working based in Dublin city centre Competitive salary, employer pension contribution and 25 days annual leave The opportunity to work at the heart of a dynamic national network with strong international links If you are an experienced leader with a passion for education, social justice, and building the capacity of civil society, this could be the role for you. Deadline for applications is Monday, 13 October, 5.00pm. Interviews: Week commencing 20 October 2025 For the full role description and application process, please download the Job Specification here
