The Para Talent Inclusion & Female Insights Lead will be responsible for identifying, recruiting, and supporting the development of Para football talent, with a specific emphasis on female players. The role will enhance inclusivity within the Para football pathway, strengthen player recruitment systems, and provide insights to ensure female Para footballers are represented, supported, and able to progress.

Due to schedules including international travel, and the upcoming Christmas break, please be aware that the timelines for the recruitment process will be longer than usual, and interviews will be held on the 20th January 2025. All candidates will be kept updated on timelines.

What will you be doing?

Talent Identification & Recruitment

Deliver and coordinate para talent identification activity in line with the talent strategy.
Build and manage networks across schools, grassroots football, clubs, and community partners to widen the talent pool.
Plan and deliver talent ID events, ensuring dedicated opportunities for female para players.
Monitor, record, and track identified players, providing recommendations to support progression.

Player Development & Progression

Support individualised development and progression plans for identified para players.
Work with coaching and performance staff to ensure appropriate support for football development, education, and wellbeing.
Ensure pathways are inclusive, with specific provision for female para footballers.
Contribute to performance reviews and provide updates on player progression.

Female Insights & Inclusion

Act as the organisational lead on insights related to female para players.
Collect, analyse, and report on data and player feedback to inform programme design and policy.
Champion inclusion, ensuring female para footballers' voices are represented in strategy and planning.
Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff and partners on female para inclusion.
Lead the development and management of female specific Development Squads including the co-ordination of a camp and games programme model (B1 /2/3 female, CP female, Deaf female)

Stakeholder Engagement

Work collaboratively with the Para Talent Manager and internal staff across coaching, performance, and EDI functions.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders including regional and national governing bodies, schools, clubs, and community organisations.
Represent para football at forums, working groups, and external events as required.
Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing can be maintained.
As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Knowledge of para sport and/or football pathways.
Experience of talent identification, recruitment, or athlete development.
Understanding of barriers faced by female players in para sport.
Strong organisational and administrative skills.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Experience of engaging Stakeholders and developing sustainable partnerships.

Beneficial to have:

Coaching qualifications or equivalent experience in player development.
Experience of working directly within para sport (athlete, coach, administrator, or support staff).
Experience of gathering and analysing insight to inform decision-making.
Understanding of safeguarding and welfare practices in sport.

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well-being.
Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
Free private medical cover.
A contributory pension scheme.
An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.)
A hybrid working model offering greater flexibility.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page, https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers

Currently, we are working within a hybrid working model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as and when required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. We will continue to monitor this model, and it may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page.

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

The Football Association

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Para Talent Inclusion & Female Insights Lead