Children’s Books Ireland is committed to inclusion of all readers in our work, with a strategic commitment to including children, young people and families who read in Irish. We are seeking an Irish Language Officer to work two days per week, promoting the Irish language internally and overseeing the provision of the organisation’s services through the medium of Irish. The successful candidate will have an interest in and knowledge of children’s literature. They will inform the ongoing development and implementation of the organisation’s Irish Language Strategy and make strategic connections within the sector. They will work with the whole team to raise the profile of the Irish language, within the resources and remit of the organisation.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S BOOKS IRELAND:

Children’s Books Ireland’s vision is simple: every child a reader.

Our mission at Children's Books Ireland is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books. To share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers, and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. To support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work.

Children’s Books Ireland is a registered charity. We deliver numerous projects that bring the joy of reading to children all over the island of Ireland including Laureate na nÓg (the children’s literature laureate), the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, Children’s Books Ireland Book Clinics, a magazine and annual reading guide, an annual conference and various book-gifting schemes which ensure that children and young people in areas of need have access to books. Children’s Books Ireland is the go-to organisation for children’s book coverage across various media. For more information, see www.childrensbooksireland.ie and read our Strategic Plan here.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the Irish Language Officer will:

· Oversee the implementation of Children’s Books Ireland’s Irish Language Strategy to deliver on its objectives, and develop the strategy into the future.

· Assume the role of Irish Language Editor for Children’s Books Ireland’s publications, including Inis magazine, themed reading lists, online reviews and reading guides, working closely with the Publications Manager. This element of the role encompasses book selection for review, managing a database of reviewers and providing training for reviewers, booksellers and librarians where necessary.

· Write content for teacher resource packs as needed, including for books featured in the Léigh Leabhar Gaeilge reading guide and for the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards

· Make and maintain strong publisher connections.

· Support Senior Management to make strategic connections with funding bodies, government and semi-State bodies, Irish language bodies and other organisations that promote children’s books and reading in Irish.

· Support Senior Management to identify opportunities for funding and partnership with sector stakeholders.

· Support Senior Management to manage applications, reporting and relationships with funders to further the aims of the organisation.

· Translate or coordinate translation of copy for print documents, press releases, social media and the Children’s Books Ireland website.

· Represent the organisation at conferences as needed which may involve weekend work.

· Work with the Communications Department to increase social media content, and act as a spokesperson for the organisation for any media conducted through Irish.

· Support the Artist & Programme Department to programme Book Clinics, the Irish Language Showcase and any other panels and artists events as Gaeilge.

· From time to time, administer the Children’s Books Ireland Clinic Leabhair – this may require occasional weekend work.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will:

· Be able to confidently carry out the responsibilities outlined above while working independently and as part of a small, creative, fast-paced team.

· Be a fluent, enthusiastic Irish speaker, comfortable with reading, writing and speaking Irish to a high level and translating accurately into Irish.

· Have a strong knowledge of and interest in current children’s literature in Irish.

· Have excellent digital literacy, with the ability use Slack, Dropbox and other office productivity tools to a high degree of proficiency.

· Have excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with partners on a wide variety of programmes as well as being part of a small, creative and dynamic team.

Reporting To: Deputy CEO

Location: The successful candidate will have the choice of working fully in person or on a hybrid basis, and will be expected to work from the office at least one day a week. Our office is based on the first floor at 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1. Office location may change, but will remain in central Dublin.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Contract duration: Permanent, with a six month probation period.

Hours of work: 2 days per week (16 hours including two paid lunch hours). Working hours are flexible between 8 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu can be taken in accordance with company policy.

Remuneration/benefits: €18,300.63 per annum (€45,751.58 pro rata). 5% matching pension contribution from start date. 10 days’ annual leave. Ability to work flexibly. Mobile phone allowance of €14 per month and work from home allowance of €3.20 per day provided. Mileage will be paid in line with company policy for approved travel, and all staff who drive for work must have appropriate insurance in place at their own expense.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply:Please email a cover letter and CV (preferably in one combined document) to recruit@childrensbooksireland.ie, with 'IRISH LANGUAGE OFFICER' in the subject line, before 4pm on Friday 14th August 2026.Please note, applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Children’s Books Ireland is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds and communities. Please note the position will be subject to reference checks.

Interviews will be held in person in a Dublin City Centre location on Thursday 27th August 2026.

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Irish Language Officer