Vacancy: IRFU Performance Nutritionist – Women’s & Sevens

29th February 2016 By Munster Rugby

The IRFU would like to invite applications for the position of Performance Nutritionist, Women’s and Men’s Sevens (Part-Time).

This position is being offered on a 2 year fixed-term contract basis. The position is based at 62 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4. To apply for the above position, please forward a covering letter and your Curriculum Vitae by email to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie. Your application should show clearly how you meet the qualifications and the amount of experience required. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 15^th March 2016 at 13:00. Please note that the interviews will take place on Wednesday, 30^th March 2016.

Applicants must hold a valid Work Permit for the Republic of Ireland.

JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

POST TITLE: Performance Nutritionist, Women’s Rugby and Men’s Sevens (part-time, 24 hours/week)

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION

Develop and implement a player centred curriculum for nutrition services for the Women’s Sevens, Men’s Sevens and National Women’s 15s squads.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Operational: IRFU Head of Nutrition

Functional: IRFU Head of Nutrition
                              IRFU Director of Sevens and Women’s Rugby
                              IRFU Head of Medical Services

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

IRFU Head of Nutrition
Head of Fitness, Sevens and Women’s Rugby
Doctor, Women’s Rugby programmes
IRFU Director of Sevens and Women’s Rugby
Women’s Rugby National Team Manager
Head Coach, National Women’s 15s Team
S&C Coach, National Women’s 15s Team
Sevens Development Coach

KEY QUALITIES

Essential:

An undergraduate degree in nutrition or dietetics with a recognised post-graduate qualification in a Sport and Exercise related subject (eg sports nutrition, exercise physiology, sports science) OR an undergraduate degree in a Sport Science related subject with a recognised post-graduate qualification in nutrition or sports nutrition.
A minimum of 2 years’ full-time post-graduate experience in the provision of nutritional support to athletes and coaches to improve performance, which includes working in the areas of power, strength and speed team sports.
ISAK Level 1 accreditation.
Demonstrated ability in all areas of planning, implementation, modification and monitoring of specific nutrition programmes to support high performance.
Demonstrated competence in the education of athletes, which uses a food-focused approach to health and performance.
Experience of developing and implementing evidence-based innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated multi-disciplinary manner.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Good IT (including dietary analysis), problem-solving and organisational skills.
Full driving licence and access to a car.
Eligibility to work in the EU.

Desirable:

Experience of working with rugby or other collision sports.
Experience of working with female athletes.
Experience of working in a profession team or Sports Institute setting.
Experience in academic and/or applied research in the field of sports nutrition.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, deliver and manage a player centred nutrition programme to the Women’s Sevens squad as part of their pathway for Olympic qualification.
Develop, deliver and manage a player centred nutrition programme to the National Women’s 15s squad.
Provide nutrition support to the National Men’s 7s squad, in particular when in National assembly and competition.
Develop a ‘food-first’ approach in nutrition education to support health and performance in all players.
Develop and implement innovative and evidence-based nutrition education sessions and resources to increase nutrition knowledge and application.
Support the integration of performance nutrition by working closely with the Fitness, Medical and Coaching staff in the programmes to maximise the effectiveness of players’ training and competitive programmes through appropriate nutrition strategies.
Implement strategies to support players’ training and competitive programmes whilst demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of the science that supports sports nutrition e.g. nutrition to support strength development, recovery, hydration, supplementation, use of ergogenic aids, travel, recovery from surgery etc.
Work closely, in particular, with the fitness staff in each programme to support and meet the physical development targets of players through appropriate nutrition education and interventions.
Liaise with hotels and catering staff at away venues and the catering team at home to ensure appropriate nutrition is provided for players.
Implement, manage and monitor a sports supplement programme that adheres to the IRFU Policy on Sports Supplement provision to IRFU players.
Maintain records of all nutrition interventions and track measureable outcomes.
Contribute to the review processes in each programme with regard to player development.

General areas of responsibility will include:

To be professionally responsibility for all aspects of service delivery.
To engage in continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to sports nutrition and be willing to participate in research if the opportunity arises.
To adhere to IRFU policies in relation to best practice and ethical behaviour.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Deliver a nutrition curriculum to the Women’s Sevens, Men’s Sevens and Women’s 15s squads incorporating nutrition education programmes and individual interventions.
Set and meet specific nutrition player development targets in collaboration with key service providers in the Women’s Sevens, Men’s Sevens, and Women’s 15s programmes.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

KPIs will be agreed with the IRFU Head of Nutrition and the Director of Sevens and Women’s rugby on specific areas of work outlined in roles and responsibilities.
Participate in Performance Development Review on an annual basis.