Vacancy: Munster Academy Performance Nutritionist (Part-time)

The IRFU are inviting applications for the position of Performance Nutritionist (part-time) based in the Munster Rugby Academy in Limerick.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver a player centred nutrition support service to the Munster Rugby Academy and identified National Talent Squad players to optimise their development and performance in line with IRFU Academy Nutrition Curriculum. In addition, they will work alongside the Performance Nutritionist in Munster Rugby to ensure continuity in nutrition messages across the province at all levels. They will also support the IRFU Performance Nutritionist working with the National Talent Squad.
 
The successful candidate will have:
 
Essential:

• A qualification at degree level in a relevant/appropriate subject;
• A recognised post-graduate qualification in Nutrition or Sports Nutrition;
• ISAK Level 1 accreditation or willingness to undertake this training;
• Experience of developing and implementing evidence-based innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated multi-disciplinary manner;
• Experience in or evidence of understanding the provision of nutritional support to athletes and coaches to support performance, which should include the planning, implementation and monitoring of specific nutrition programmes in particular in the areas of power, strength and speed team sports;
• Experience in or evidence of understanding the ability to modify nutritional programmes according to assessment data, in conjunction with Fitness, Medical and other support staff;
• Experience in or evidence of understanding the education needs of young athletes, which uses a food-focused approach to health and performance;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; an effective and confident presenter to a range of target audiences including young people;
• Good IT (including dietary analysis), problem-solving and organisational skills;
• A full driving licence and access to a car.

 
Desirable:

• Experience of working with rugby or other collision sports;
• Experience of working in a professional team or Sports Institute setting;
• Experience in academic and/or applied research in the field of performance nutrition

 
TO APPLY:
This position is being offered on a 2 year fixed-term contract basis. The position is based at the Munster Rugby, University of Limerick office. To apply for the above position, please email your CV to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie. The closing date for applications is strictly Tuesday, 19^th January 2016 at 13:00.
 
IMPORTANT:
Interviews for this position will take place on Wednesday, 27^th January 2016 at Munster Rugby’s Limerick office.
 
The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer
 
Further details regarding this position:
                                                                                                                   
REPORTING LINES:   
 
Operational:    Academy Manager, Munster Rugby
                  IRFU Head of Nutrition
                  Performance Nutritionist, Munster Rugby
 
Functional:      IRFU Head of Nutrition
                  National High Performance Manager
 
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• IRFU Head of Nutrition
• Performance Nutritionist, Munster Rugby
• IRFU Performance Nutritionist, National Talent Squad
• Academy Manager, Munster Rugby
• Academy S&C staff, Munster Rugby
• Academy Coaching staff, Munster Rugby
• Academy Medical staff, Munster Rugby

 
KEY QUALITIES
 
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a ‘food-first’ approach in nutrition education to support health and performance in all players.
• Develop and deliver player centred nutrition programmes to Academy and identified National Talent Squad players in line with IRFU Academy Nutrition Curriculum.
• Develop and implement innovative and evidence-based nutrition education sessions and resources to increase nutrition knowledge throughout the Academy levels.
• 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, recovery from surgery etc.
• Support the integration of performance nutrition by working closely with the Nutrition, Fitness, Medical and Coaching staff in Munster Rugby to maximise the effectiveness of players’ training and competitive programmes through appropriate nutrition strategies.
• 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 process on players’ development in conjunction with Academy Manager, IRFU Head of Nutrition and other support staff.
• Support the IRFU Performance Nutritionist working with the National Talent Squad (NTS) in the implementation of the nutrition curriculum to NTS players.
• Keep up-to-date on research relevant to sports nutrition and be willing to participate in research if the opportunity arises.
• Be professionally responsible for all aspects of service delivery.

 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Deliver an agreed player centred nutrition curriculum in collaboration with the IRFU Head of Nutrition and Provincial Performance Nutritionist.
• Contribute to the review of player progress in line with agreed reporting system in Academy structures.
• Maintain records of all nutrition interventions.

 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• KPIs will be agreed with the IRFU Head of Nutrition on specific areas of work outlined in roles and responsibilities.
• Participate in Performance Development Review on an annual basis.