Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) Committee Member

Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) Committee Member - Role description and person specification

The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) is one of the Irish Government's flagship initiatives, providing vital funding to organisations in Great Britain - and globally - that support vulnerable Irish people and celebrate Irish cultural heritage. From mental health services to cultural festivals, from elder care to youth programmes, ESP makes a real difference to thousands of lives each year. This is an exciting opportunity to influence policy, champion inclusion, and ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

As a member of the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC), you will play a crucial role in shaping how this transformative programme reaches and serves our diverse communities. You can bring your knowledge and experience to shaping Ireland's approach to diaspora support in Great Britain, playing a key role in the allocation of funding to diaspora related projects, advocating for underrepresented communities and contributing to building a more inclusive and equitable Irish community sector.

About the role

Position: Committee Member, Emigrant Services Advisory Committee

Term: Three years (renewable once)

Location: Resident in Great Britain

Time commitment: Approximately 6-8 days per year, including:

• two-day assessment meeting (May/June)
• one-day review meeting (October)
• additional paired review work with fellow Committee members
• occasional virtual meetings, consultations and training

Remuneration: Voluntary position with reasonable expenses covered.

What you'll do

Strategic programme assessment

• review and assess applications to the Emigrant Support Programme
• provide recommendations to the Embassy of Ireland and Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• help shape programme development to better serve underrepresented communities
• champion inclusion and equity
• advocate for the needs of marginalised groups within Ireland's diaspora
• promote awareness of ESP opportunities across diverse communities
• ensure programme selection reflects the full spectrum of diaspora experiences
• Knowledge sharing and networking
• where reasonable, share best practices across funded organisations
• build connections between Irish community groups and broader civil society
• contribute to learning and continuous improvement within the sector.

Community advocacy

• represent the interests of Ireland's diaspora communities
• help develop frameworks to monitor programme accessibility and impact.

Who we're looking for

Essential experience and skills

• understanding of the challenges facing Ireland's diaspora in Great Britain
• experience working with or representing underrepresented communities
• demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
• strong analytical and assessment skills
• ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

Desirable experience

• community development or grassroots organising
• programme evaluation and impact assessment
• governance, finance, or organisational management
• cultural heritage preservation and promotion
• social services and support provision
• policy development and advocacy.

Personal qualities

• commitment to inclusion and equity
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• open to learning and challenging personal assumptions
• resilience and diplomacy when managing competing interests.

What we offer

Professional development

• comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• access to EDIA best practice training
• networking opportunities across the Irish community sector
• insight into Irish Government diaspora policy development.

Support and recognition

• administrative support from Embassy of Ireland staff
• reasonable expenses for all Committee business
• opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community support services.