The IABA has been successful in securing Sport Ireland High Performance Coach funding for an Apprenticeship Programme. This targeted investment is for the recruitment of two Developing Performance Coaches for the IABA High Performance Unit (HPU), based at the Sport Ireland Institute in Abbotstown. The recruitment will target coaches currently operating within the Irish high performance system, or former elite athletes who are advanced in transitioning into coaching.
Aligned to the SI funding guidelines, a minimum of one appointee must be a female coach. It has been identified by both Sport Ireland and the IABA that there is a significant deficit in female Boxing coaches progressing to high performance level compared to males. The HPU acknowledges that 30% of coaches in the High Performance Paris Pool Coach upskilling programme are women, however the HPU has never had a full or part time employed female professional coach.
Successful candidates will undertake a minimum 2-year apprenticeship based at the HPU on the Sport Ireland National Sports campus, with some secondments to the Ulster High Performance Unit in Jordanstown, Belfast. Employment will commence in late January, 2024 and subject to a mandatory probation of 6 months and mid-year and annual performance reviews, employment will continue for a minimum of 2 years through to the end of 2025.
To be eligible to apply for the Apprenticeship Programme, coach applicants must demonstrate that they are already working with elite boxers through the High Performance Paris Pool Coach programme, IABA elite and/or sub-elite representative teams and/or have had relevant practical experience operating within either of the two nominated HP daily training environments. Club coaches outside of the Paris Pool, programme, who have a consistent track record of developing and transitioning talented sub-elite Junior and Youth boxers through to the Elite level are also encouraged to apply.
Employment: Minimum 2-year fixed term contract– minimum 30 hours per week and/or full-time
Apprenticeship Period: January 2024 – 31 December, 2025
Based: IABA Boxing HP Unit, National Sports Campus, Abbotstown
Salary: €30,000 – 35,000 per annum, with remuneration dependent on qualifications, experience and nature of employment hours
Apprenticeship benefits
- Professional employment opportunity while undergoing personalised in situ training and targeted development in all aspects of High Performance Boxing
- Individual coach development plan and supported professional development covering sport as a business, programme management, the integration of sport science and medicine into planning, and all aspects of the technical / tactical coaching of Elite boxers to international success
- Observation of and participation in HPU squad training, training camps and targeted international competition events
- Participation in targeted short courses to address skill deficiencies and agreed professional development opportunities including seminars, workshops and conferences
- Assuming targeted project work in the daily training environment and/or athlete pathway adding value to IABA strategic imperatives and HPU operations
Selection Criteria
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- A minimum 1 Star coaching qualification; a higher grade is desirable
- Minimum of 2 years coaching experience with IABA representative teams, Elite or sub-Elite Boxers at Club level and relevant and contemporary experience working within dedicated HPU daily training environments
- Relevant and recent coaching and practical experience operating within either of the two nominated HP daily training environments, HPU Dublin and UB UUJ, Belfast
- Sound understanding of IABA High Performance programmes, operations and ambition
- Good planning and time management skills
- Competent in use of Microsoft Office
- Competent English language skills
- Be Garda Vetted/Access NI checked
- Have undergone a minimum of Safeguarding Level 1 training/Sport NI Safeguarding Children and Young People training
- Have completed Sport Ireland Anti-Doping eLearning
Desirable Qualifications and Attributes
- 2 Star coaching qualification
- Relevant qualifications that enhance coaching ability e.g Strength & Conditioning,
- Performance Analysis, Safeguarding, First Aid etc
- Thorough understanding of Ireland’s High Performance sport system
- Demonstrated commitment to on-going professional development
Application Time Lines
Suitable applicants can apply for this role by submitting the following:
- Cover letter indicating how they meet the essential qualifications, experience pertaining to the role and identifying 2 referees.
- CV that outlines the positions held, experience working with Irish elite and sub-elite representative teams and time spent coaching high performance athletes in dedicated HP training environments and relevant programme activities.
Applications can be submitted electronically to hr@iaba.ie by no later than Monday 1 January, COB.
For further information or if candidates have any questions on the role, please direct these to Tricia Heberle, National Performance Director at trish@iaba.ie
Application closing date: 1 January, 2024 by no later than5.00pm,
Short-listing / Interview Dates: 8 – 12 January, 2024
Commencement date: ASAP from January, 2024
Interviews
Interviews will be conducted on the Sport Ireland National Campus and will comprise a review of the CV and credentials for the role with an IABA recruitment panel, a practical coaching assessment and a discussion with the Performance Director on if successful, what the candidate can bring to the role and HPU environment.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder is required to undergo Safeguarding Training, to be agreed with the Head of Safeguarding.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.