Vacancy | Performance Nutritionist, Munster Academy

The IRFU is now inviting applications for the position of Performance Nutritionist, (part-time, 20 hours/week).

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

This position is being offered on a 2 year fixed-term, part time basis and will be based at the Munster Rugby High Performance Centre at the University of Limerick.

TO APPLY:
Please complete the attached application form. Make sure to read Page 1 of the application form in full before completing. Please then send your completed application form to Linda Murphy, HR Business Partner at recruitment@irfu.ie

Please note that CVs will not be accepted as a form of application.

The closing date for applications is strictly 1pm on Friday 13th October 2017.

For a full job description, please see below.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

1. JOB TITLE: Performance Nutritionist, Munster Rugby Academy
(part-time, 20 hours/week)

2. ROLE AND PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
• Develop and deliver a player centred nutrition support service to Munster Rugby Academy, Sub Academy and identified National Talent Squad players to optimise their development and performance in line with IRFU Academy Nutrition Curriculum.
• Work alongside the Performance Nutritionist in Munster Rugby to ensure continuity in nutrition messages across Munster Rugby at all levels.
• Work with the IRFU Performance Nutritionist working in the National Talent Development pathway.

3. REPORTING:
Operational: Academy Manager, Munster Rugby
IRFU Head of Nutrition
Performance Nutritionist, Munster Rugby
Functional: IRFU Head of Nutrition
National High Performance Manager

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
• IRFU Head of Nutrition
• Performance Nutritionist, Munster Rugby
• IRFU Performance Nutritionist, National Talent Development pathway
• Academy Manager, Munster Rugby
• Provincial Talent Coach, Munster Rugby
• Academy S&C staff, Munster Rugby
• Academy Coaching staff, Munster Rugby
• Academy Medical staff, Munster Rugby

5. 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.
• ISAK Level 1 accreditation.
• 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.
• 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 in a profession team or Sports Institute setting
• Experience in academic and/or applied research in the field of performance nutrition
6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop a ‘food-first’ approach in nutrition education to support health and performance in all players.
• Develop and deliver player centered nutrition programmes to Academy, Sub Academy and identified National Talent Squad players in line with IRFU Academy Nutrition Curriculum.
• Work with the IRFU Performance Nutritionist working in the National Talent Development pathway in the implementation of the nutrition curriculum to National Talent Squad players.
• 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, IRFU Performance Nutritionist working with the National Talent Development pathway, and other support staff.
• 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.

7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES
• Deliver an agreed player centred nutrition curriculum in collaboration with the IRFU Head of Nutrition, Senior Provincial Performance Nutritionist and IRFU Performance Nutritionist working with the National Talent Development pathway.
• Contribute to the review of player progress in line with agreed reporting system in Academy structure.
• Maintain records of all nutrition interventions.

8. 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.