EMBARK Programme - Corporate Strategy Planning & Policy

About IDA

As Ireland's inward promotion agency, we partner with established companies, both large and small, working with them every step of the way to achieve a smooth, fast and successful set-up of their operations in Ireland. In other words, our main objective is to encourage investment into Ireland by foreign-owned companies to create jobs and positively impact the Irish economy.

We work with a portfolio of over 1,800 overseas company operations in Ireland across a myriad of industry sectors from Technology, Life Sciences, International Services and Financial services. For every 10 jobs created by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ireland, 8 more jobs are generated in the wider economy. There are over 300,000 people in Ireland working directly in IDA Ireland client companies.

Today 9 of the world’s top 10 Pharmaceutical companies, 14 of the top 15 Medical Technology companies, 8 of the world’s top 10 Financial Services companies and 4 of the global top 5 Technology companies have established strategic operations in Ireland.

In IDA Ireland we value our People, Professionalism, Passion for Performance & Achievement, and Public Service. We embrace a culture of support, respect, equality, collaboration, inclusivity and work-life balance.
And you now have the opportunity to be part of the phenomenal team that makes an impact on the future of Ireland.

The Programme

Do you want to be part of a brand new exciting programme that will provide you with a practical and focused opportunity to kick start your career? Then keep reading!

Our structured EMARK Programme offers a unique opportunity for five individuals to be part of a dynamic and professional organisation and to work within key areas of their specified discipline in Ireland. Applicants to the programme will include degrees specifically relating to Economics, Law, Business & Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Property and Political Science.
The aim of the programme is to develop your potential in key technical, analytical and business skills, and gives the opportunity to offer a significant contribution to the core goal of IDA; attracting Foreign Direct Investment.

This is a three-year programme with successful participants rotating on a 12-month basis internally within their department getting exposure to all key areas of that division. Participants will have the opportunity to work in IDA offices in Dublin HQ with the Property placement taking place in Athlone which is our second biggest office in the country. Participants will have the opportunity to apply for a permanent post in their final 12 months of the programme should an opportunity arise.

You will be assigned to one of the following five departments for the duration of the programme:

• Human Resources & Organisational Development
• Strategic Property Management
• Information Technology
• Financial Management
• Corporate Strategy Planning & Policy

The EMBARK Programme will commence with an induction session where successful graduates will learn about the organisation, including its structure and the services provided to our clients. We are working to make our induction process as inclusive as possible, so if you feel that this may be improved in any way or if you require any reasonable accommodation to take part, please let us know.
IDA ensures that dignity, respect and equality are applied within and outside the organisation and that a work life balance is supported as much as possible in the workplace.

The Role

Our programme is designed to accelerate your professional development and provide you with a comprehensive experience in all key areas of your assigned department. Its purpose is to provide you with a thorough understanding and clear perspective on the key responsibilities, projects and objectives of your particular department and its impact on the organisation.

A summary of rotations and duties for the specified role is outlined below:

Corporate Strategy, Planning & Policy:

As a Policy/Planning EMBARK participant, you will gain first-hand experience within key areas including Strategy, Policy & Planning. Some responsibilities you may undertake include but not limited to:

• To support the Strategic Policy team in providing a high-quality policy analysis, advisory and advocacy service.
• To support the development of key stakeholder relationships both internally and externally and with other relevant bodies in advocating IDA’s policy positions and proposals.
• To apply strong written and oral communication skills to the achievement of the Department’s work programme.
• To support key projects such as IDA strategy implementation, and assist in developing clear IDA messages and positions in relation to the international policy arena including for example State Aid and industrial policy;
• To carry out data analysis and policy research leveraging IDA data sources including analysis on risk and competitor analysis. . .
• To assist the work of monitoring and supporting the implementation of IDA’s strategy and to assist in reporting on progress to the various internal committees Committee and Management teams as appropriate.
• To provide research support to members of the team, on Irish, European and International policy developments that impact on IDA clients and Ireland as a location for FDI.
• To assist in reviewing and updating key documents in conjunction with the Communications Team.
• To co-ordinate, manage and respond to information requests from IDA Executives in a timely manner
• To ensure dignity, respect and equality are applied within and outside the Organisation and that a work life balance is supported as much as possible in the workplace;
• Ensure that IDA's values of People, Professionalism, Passion for Performance and Public Service are upheld at all times;
• To ensure that continuous learning and development is undertaken through informal and formal learning;
• To demonstrate flexibility in undertaking additional tasks as may be assigned.

What benefits are available?

• You will get first-hand experience and training of critical day-to-day responsibilities within your specified department that aligns to your qualifications making a significant contribution to the organisation.
• You will have the opportunity to meet and talk with various members from the IDA Ireland team and hear first-hand the amazing work which our team does on a day-to-day basis as well as a tour of our regional sites.
• We are committed to the progression and career growth of all our employees, and this is demonstrated in the ongoing learning, development and mentoring you will receive and the opportunity to join our Learning academy. This will be line with participation in regular performance management development reviews and organisational/team development initiatives, which are key features of your learning and development on the EMBARK Programme.
• Participants will also have the opportunity to support projects outside of their main role, and will work closely with the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team, Corporate Social Responsibility team, and our Wellbeing team – who aim to implement recognised and practical frameworks to support key pillars around mental, organisational, physical and life stages wellbeing.
• Each EMBARK graduate will be assigned a Mentor on commencement of the programme.

Salary:

• Successful candidates will be offered a starting salary of €30,260 per annum with annual increments of €2078.
• Additional benefits include access to further training and upskilling; exposure to key executives and the opportunity for flexible approach to working – which involves the option to work from home two days a week and the ability to apply to our flexi hours scheme after six months with IDA.

Your qualifications and essential criteria

• You have graduated from College/University with a minimum of a (Level NFQI Level 8) 2.2 Degree in the past 2 years; We accept degrees or equivalent from other countries.
• We will accept Degree disciplines relating to Economics, Law, Business, Political Science and/or similar.
• Eligibility to work under an Irish contract of employment for the three-year duration of the programme is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of computer packages, proficiency and experience in the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are essential.
• You must be available to start the role in March 2025 .