The Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Project Lead is responsible for supporting the Technical Director with all matters related to talent development within the country. The TDS Project Lead will lead and coordinate the progress of actions, outcomes, and evaluation of the FIFA TDS, ensuring overall quality assurance and alignment among the different stakeholders involved in talent development. The role will significantly contribute to ensuring talented players in the country are provided with an opportunity to realise their potential and for our national teams to be competitive on the world stage.
Develop and facilitate a long-term talent development plan with clear objectives and timelines, aligned to the overall member association strategy
Implement, review, and iterate the talent development plan on an ongoing basis
Continuously analyse the football landscape to ensure plans remain relevant and impactful
Establish, organise, and lead the talent development project management team to support the realisation of goals and objectives
Support the Technical Director to achieve the stated goals in the member association’s talent development plan
Apply a holistic approach to talent development encompassing: Management and resources, national teams (senior and youth), top-level youth and senior competitions, talent development and identification, education, and a quality control system for academies
Work in close cooperation with the grassroots staff/department, youth department staff to ensure aligned working practices are in place
Collaborate proactively with relevant departments within the member association on all matters related to talent development
Consistently exhibit behaviours internally and externally that align with the member association’s values regarding talent development
Set and maintain high performance standards with a focus on achieving agreed results and outcomes
Establish a positive culture within the talent development project management team that enables members to contribute fully and communicate openly
Build capacity and capability with key staff and stakeholders to enable them to support talent development initiatives and outcomes effectively
Direct point of contact for FIFA TDS assigned consultant, liaising regularly, and supporting during onsite visits
Ongoing mapping, engagement and alignment of key stakeholders involved in talent development
Work collaboratively with the Technical Director to capture and share relevant learnings between departments
Liaise with other national member associations to share knowledge and stay current with global best practice
Provide regular updates on the progress of the talent development plan to the Technical Director and senior leadership
Manage budget effectively and provide regular and accurate reporting on the use of FIFA and other funding
Support the Technical Director in securing additional funding for talent development initiatives to increase sustainability
Ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations (e.g., FIFA, OFC, Olympic committee, etc.)
Requirements
Wide knowledge and understanding of football in the country in general, and the talent development eco system within the country and region in particular
Possesses a current high level coaching qualification
Experience in talent development and identification, (youth) national teams and academies
Experience in coach education
Experience in women’s football*
Existing strong credibility and relationships with relevant football stakeholders
Well-developed leadership and management skills with a track record of contributing to a culture of high performance
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Experience working in high-pressure environments and meeting deadlines
At least 3 years of project management experience in relevant positions*
At least 3 years’ experience in a management position in a member association, regional association, or club*