Elite Player Development Officer Backs Specialist – Leinster

The Elite Player Development Officer is an integral part of the IRFU rugby operations and the successful applicant will be required to fulfil the following main duties:
 

• Manage and deliver defined areas of the elite player development programmes in Leinster, aligned to the Academy and National Talent Programme as directed by the Academy Manager.
• Profile, develop and manage key performance plans for identified players within the pathway.
• Deliver specific and appropiate technical, tactical and strategic sessions to elite squads/players in the province in-line with agreed performance plans.
• Assisting in the facilitating of coaching courses and player clinics.
• Assist in the delivery and operations of the Regional Development Squads when applicable.

 
The successful candidate will have excellent rugby understanding and credibility together with communication, organisational and teamwork skills. Five years experience coaching/playing at an elite level and a Level 2 coaching qualification are highly desirable.
 
To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter of not more than one page highlighting relevant experience to Eoin Ward (HR Generalist, IRFU) at recruitment@irfu.ie
 
Closing date for applications is strictly 5pm on Friday, 14th of October 2016
 
For further details on the position and a full job description, please see below.
 
The IRFU is an equal opportunties employer

JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
 
POST TITLE:    Elite Rugby Development Officer (EPDO) Backs Specialist, Leinster
 
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION
 
Working within the Academy and Elite Player Development Pathway in Leinster, with particular attention on Backs and  Back Play, to ensure vibrant development programmes exist through which Elite Players are identified and developed for Leinster and Ireland
 
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
 
Operational: Academy Manager, Leinster
Functional: High Performance Manager, IRFU
                                         
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
 
Directly reporting to the Academy Manager, working with officers and administrators of the IRFU, Schools & Club personnel and IRFU staff.
 
KEY QUALITIES
 
Essential: 

• Detailed understanding of the game of rugby in particular Back play with essential knowledge of the individual positional characteristis for each position.
• Proven ability to develop effective rugby players through the delivery of  detailed technical, tactical and strategic competencies in specific formats to players from stage 3 up to stage 5.
• Excellent communication & organisational skills.
• Excellent teamwork skills.          

• Level 2 coaching qualification.
• 5 years experience coaching rugby or playing at an elite level.
• Experienced proven record in developing players through the stages.     
• Understanding of the IRFU Long Term Player Development Model.
• Computer literacy.

 
RESPONSIBILITIES
 
General areas of responsibility include:
 

• Manage and operate the Elite Player Development Programmes in the province as directed by the Academy Manager & High Performance Manager.
• Profile, develop and manage key performance plans for identified players within the pathway.
• Deliver specific and appropiate technical, tactical and strategic sessions to elite squads & individuals within the province in-line with agreed performance plans.
• To coordinate provincial screenings for the respective age grade squads; were appropriate in conjunction with School and Club personnel/management teams. 
• To coordinate and deliver specidic individual, unit and team  skills for all age-grade squads in conjunction with the Academy Manager and other development staff.
• To facilitate technical, tactical and strategic sessions when required to Provincial age-grade squads.
• To deliver at workshops and coaching clinics in areas of personal expertise.
• Assist in the delivery and operations of the Regional Development Squads when applicable
• Complete all administrative duties required by the Academy Manager
• Attend seminars and coaching courses as directed in order to assist the elite officer’s self-development.
• Carry out specific activities as assigned by the High Performance Manager and or Academy Manager that are in keeping with the officer’s experience

 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
 

• Contribute to the attainment of the agreed goals as set out by the Academy Manager and the IRFU.
• Improved proficiency of performance of key identified players within the Academy and Elite Pathway.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision
• Establish efficient and effective work practices.
• Make effective and informed decisions in relation to the role of Elite Rugby Development Officer.
• Portray a competent and professional image of the IRFU
• To be qualitatively assessed by peers and players on an on-going basis.
• To submit monthly reports of activities to the Academy Manager