We now have a vacancy for: Manager, Climate Action

LEVEL 3 

Permanent, full-time 

Fáilte Ireland invites applications for the position of Manager, Climate Action. The role will report to the Head of Climate Action.

The successful candidate will support the Head of Climate Action to accelerate the decarbonisation of the sector through the Fáilte Ireland Climate Action Programme. In addition, a key element of this role will be to support the development and adoption of sustainable tourism certification amongst tourism businesses. This will require working collaboratively and fostering relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, such as industry bodies, government departments, agency partners and other key international stakeholders.

Job Purpose 

This role sits within the Sector Development Directorate in Fáilte Ireland and plays a central role in Fáilte Ireland’s response to supporting the Tourism industry to drive action by supporting the decarbonisation of the sector in line with government targets.

Fáilte Ireland uses the internationally recognised VICE Model for Sustainable Tourism. This focuses on the interaction between Visitors (V), the Industry (I) that serves them, the Community that hosts them © and the impact on the Environment (E). This approach aligns with the UN's World Travel Organisation's (WTO) definition of sustainable tourism as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Head of Climate Action to implement Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action strategy and utilise the accumulated experience, research and insights available to shape practical solutions to support the industry. The Manager will work with wider Fáilte Ireland teams to ensure the development of a sustainable tourism sector that meets the emerging needs of the consumer.

Job Description 

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Head of Climate Action to implement Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action strategy and utilise the accumulated experience, research and insights available to support the Irish tourism sector. Working with key strategic partners, the post holder will work in collaboration with industry to expedite the journey to net zero.

The core objectives include: 

• Support and guide the tourism industry in the adoption of sustainable tourism certification to advance the reputation of Ireland as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

• Develop, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to optimise the operational delivery of Failte Ireland’s climate action initiatives. This may include streamlining processes, enhancing resource efficiency, and driving coordinated efforts to improve the collective performance of the sector.

• Drive the development and implementation of both short- and long-term strategies to ensure compliance with evolving climate change obligations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Green Claims Directive (GCD), etc., enabling tourism businesses to effectively meet regulatory standards.

• Lead on the progression and advancement of best practice sustainability reporting for Fáilte Ireland, including the publication of an annual sustainability report highlighting ongoing industry progress, challenges and opportunities for improvement.

• Support the tourism sector to develop employee skills and capability in sustainability and climate action, ensuring businesses are equipped to proactively implement effective climate action plans that deliver meaningful impact.

• Support the wider Fáilte Ireland climate action team in its ongoing delivery of a one-stop-shop on sustainability for tourism businesses via Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, helping industry to navigate this complex area and signposting them to the appropriate supports provided by government and other agencies.

Stakeholder Management 

• Develop and maintain excellent internal and external stakeholder relationships to achieve the organisation’s objectives

• Central to this role will be managing relationships with industry bodies, state agencies, and other key stakeholders to address shared climate change challenges, including, but not limited to, DTCAGSM, SEAI, EPA, Skillnet Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, LEOs, ZEVI, Tourism Ireland, UNWTO, GSTC, ETC, etc.

• The post holder will also be responsible for identifying new stakeholders that could positively support the delivery of the Fáilte Ireland Climate Action Programme and wider initiatives.

Governance & Reporting 

• Driving Change through Knowledge and Metrics: Analysing data gathered through an internationally recognised carbon calculator to lead and advance best practice sustainability reporting, including the publication of regular reports.

• Benchmark the sustainability performance of Irish tourism against international peers to advance its ambition of being recognised as a global leader.

• Actively support Fáilte Ireland’s role as a key stakeholder in the development of the first climate change national adaptation plan for the Irish tourism sector.

• Comply with all aspects of organisational policy and promote good governance within the team.

• Submit regular status updates to the Fáilte Ireland Executive and Authority, and brief Head of Division and Director on key issues as required.

• Manage the effective planning and spending of annual budgets and ensure compliance with spending policy and procedures, including public procurement regulations.

• Ensure that the expenditure is tightly controlled and operated within agreed budget.

• Be an active member of the management team.

Resource Management 

• Inspire, lead and support direct reports to perform to the best of their ability individually and collectively within teams to meet predetermined objectives.

• Develop accurate resource plans to ensure that all projects within the team are appropriately resourced with the necessary skills.

• Actively coach, mentor, evaluate, develop, motivate, delegate, and monitor the activities of direct reports and conduct Performance Reviews in line with Fáilte Ireland policy.

• Work with cross-functional resources and across the Fáilte Ireland matrix to deliver agreed projects and KPIs.

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Climate Action team by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time.

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

We are looking for an individual who has a desire to actively be involved in driving change and has demonstrated a capability to support the development and implementation of strategy, has developed strong interpersonal skills, while demonstrating an ability to build positive external and internal working relationships.

Additionally, they will have the following skills: 

• Experience of delivery of strategic projects with multiple stakeholders

• Works collaboratively across functions with excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills

• Leadership skills

• Demonstrable ability to identify solutions that impact in short and medium term

• Strong communication skills married to an interest and passion for innovation and best practice

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application  

form the following 

• Minimum of 3 years’ successful experience in a business management role within a related sector (e.g. Public sector, tourism etc.) operating at management level

• Experience of delivering strategic projects in the area of sustainability and climate action that delivered real world impact

• Demonstrable experience implementing strategy and application of actionable insights from data analysis

• The ability to influence and manage a diverse range of stakeholders with quantifiable results

• Demonstrable understanding of climate change and Ireland’s general commitments in this area

Qualifications/Mandatory Training 

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential

Desirable Criteria 

• Knowledge in the area of certification, sustainability standards, and climate change related legislative requirements.

• Possess a 3rd level qualification (Level 8 under the QQI Framework) in a business or related discipline.

Key Competencies 

• Decision Making

• Inspire & Engage

• Flexibility

• Team Work

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LOCATION:  

Blended work model with office location in any of the following:

• Áras Fáilte, 88-95 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, D01 WR86

• 4th Fl, Wallace Hse, Maritana Gate, Canada St, Waterford, X91 PP2R

• 4th Floor Mathew House, Fr. Mathew Street, Street, Cork, T12 TN56

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SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisting will be based on applications and the selection process may involve two competency based interviews. A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the selection process.

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Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@failteireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.