International Coaching Team

Introduction

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, responsible for driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country.

With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.

We are seeking highly motivated and progressive coaches to join our international pathway in roles as International Lead Coach or International Coach, working within a collaborative pool of national team staff.

Purpose of the Roles

The coaching team plays a key part in delivering and shaping international football across multiple age phases within the FAI player pathway.

• International Lead Coaches provide technical leadership across connected international teams, guiding coaching practice, player development, and programme alignment across the pathway.

• International Coaches support the delivery of international football programmes, contributing specialist coaching expertise and working closely with multidisciplinary staff to support player and team performance.

Both roles contribute to ensuring consistent standards, playing identity, and collaborative coaching practice across international, club, regional, and national environments.

Key Responsibilities

International Team Delivery

• Plan, prepare, and deliver high-quality international training camps, matches, and tournaments.
• Deliver game-centred training aligned with FAI coaching and playing principles.
• Support collaborative decision-making around squad selection, match preparation, opposition analysis, and in-game adjustments.
• Lead teams or camps where required due to programme scheduling.
• Contribute to match analysis, performance review, and post-camp reporting processes.

Lead Coaches will also:

• Lead the technical and tactical direction of connected international teams.
• Ensure alignment of match strategy, session design, and tactical planning across staff teams.

Player Development

• Support player identification, tracking, and selection in collaboration with Talent ID and Performance Support.
• Create, implement, and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for players within the pathway.
• Ensure alignment between club, regional, and international development environments.
• Feed international insights into national and regional player development programmes.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, wellbeing, professionalism, and care for players.

Coach Development

• Support the development and mentoring of support coaches, analysts, and staff within the age-phase environment.
• Contribute to national coach education and CPD delivery.
• Promote reflective practice and collaborative planning across coaching teams.
• Help embed a consistent coaching language, identity, and philosophy across programmes.

Lead Coaches will additionally:

• Provide leadership and guidance to International Coaches across the pathway.
• Model best-practice coaching behaviours and support staff development.

Performance Support & Analysis

• Work closely with multidisciplinary staff including:
  • Performance Analysis
  • Sports Science
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Medical and Physiotherapy
  • Psychology and Nutrition
• Use video, data, and performance insights to support coaching decisions and player feedback.
• Contribute to performance reviews, player monitoring, and programme improvement.

Collaboration & Alignment

• Maintain strong communication with Player & Game Leads and club Heads of Coaching.
• Work collaboratively with Talent ID, Performance Support, and Coach Development staff.
• Support the operational planning and delivery of international activity.
• Represent the FAI professionally at domestic and international fixtures, meetings, and events.
• Attend all technical and international department review meetings.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Ensure all international activity aligns with FAI safeguarding and duty-of-care standards.
• Promote safe, inclusive, and player-centred environments on and off the pitch.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Professionalism, humility, and integrity
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning
• Alignment with the FAI’s coaching identity and player development vision
• The ability to contribute to a positive, inclusive, high-performance culture
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

Experience & Qualifications

International Coach – Essential

• UEFA A Licence (minimum)
• Significant experience coaching elite youth or senior players in international, professional academy, or high-performance environments
• Strong technical and tactical understanding aligned with identity-driven coaching
• Experience working within multidisciplinary performance teams
• Expertise in session delivery, player feedback, and performance review

International Lead Coach – Essential

• UEFA Pro Licence (or currently working towards it)
• Significant experience coaching elite youth or senior players in international or professional environments
• Advanced tactical and technical coaching expertise
• Experience leading staff teams and contributing to player pathway development
• Proven expertise in session design, match preparation, talent identification, and performance analysis

Desirable (Both Roles)

• Specialist expertise in areas such as:
  • Individual development
  • Unit play
  • Set pieces
  • Performance analysis
  • Goalkeeping or athletic development
• Experience contributing to coach education or CPD programmes
• Knowledge of Irish football structures and development pathways
• Experience working across regional or national talent development programmes

Skills & Professional Knowledge

• Tactical and technical coaching expertise
• Game-centred session design and training periodisation
• Player development planning and Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
• Match analysis and performance review
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Stakeholder engagement across the football pathway
• Leadership, teamwork, and professional communication

Core Competencies

Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)

Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.

Drive & Commitment (Passion)

Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.

Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)

Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.

Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)

Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.

Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)

Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI’s vision of continuous progress and excellence.

Our Benefits

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance programs
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
• Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex

plication Details

If you are passionate about developing players, supporting coaches, and shaping the future of Irish international football, we would love to hear from you.

Please indicate in your Cover Letter which is your preferred role for application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Wednesday 01 April 2026. 
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).