Talent Development Scheme: Technical Expert (Freelance)

Job Description

As the organiser of some of the biggest and most iconic sport events in the world, we lead the way in the sport and event industry.

In 2021, FIFA launched the global Talent Development Scheme (TDS) following a 2-year landscape analysis, with the aim of collaborating with its Member Associations (MAs) to enhance the competitiveness of their national teams. The underlying vision is that long-term, sustainable improvement of national team performance can only be achieved by creating the best possible talent development systems. As part of the TDS, Technical Experts provide technical advice, support and guidance to coaches and MAs. This includes delivering workshops, mentoring coaches and supporting a series of individual programmes designed to strengthen and improve holistic talent development journeys.
 
FIFA is now seeking to recruit Technical Experts, on a freelance basis, to undertake a range of tasks, as assigned, in support of the Talent Development Scheme.

THE POSITION

These are your key tasks:
  • Enhance the delivery of the Talent Coach Programme in selected MAs through the upskilling & mentoring of Talent Coaches and the monitoring & quality assurance of programme implementation. This will include 2 to 3 on-site visits per Talent Coach per year and online exchanges as required.
  • Provide coach education to local coaches working within the MA academy environment and to elite youth coaches across the country to build a legacy of the FIFA Talent Academy Programme in MAs.
  • Further develop and iterate supporting materials & tools for MAs based on technical specialisms that support the delivery of the TDS including the FIFA Talent Academies and Academy System Pilot Project.
  • Enhance the delivery of the Academy System Pilot Project in selected MAs and in their academies through workshops and seminars.   
  • Support TDS Leads in the development & implementation of high priority technical projects that are aligned to their strategic direction and focused on ‘finding, training & playing’ top talents.
  • Support the TDS Talent ID Team in finding the best talents in MAs if needed. 
  • Further develop and deliver Learning & Exchange activities of the TDS with a specific focus on Elite Youth Coaches workshops and Youth National Team Coaches workshops. 
  • Participate and facilitate further TDS internal and external training programmes as part of TDS delivery. 
  • Support other initiatives within the TDS if requested by FIFA. 

YOUR PROFILE

We work hard at FIFA.
We are dedicated, ambitious and innovative.


And we respect our values. Always.

For all roles, we seek talented people with an entrepreneurial spirit and a global mindset.

The specific competencies we require for this position are:
  • Minimum 10 years of experience as a Coach Educator, with demonstrable experience delivering elite-level coach education programmes.
  • Strong Elite Youth Coach Development background, including designing and supporting coach development pathways.
  • Hands-on Youth Coaching Experience within national (youth) teams or elite academy environments.
  • Experienced and skilled Mentor with a track record of supporting coaches in their professional development.
  • Highly proficient in Workshop Facilitation, including the preparation, structuring, and delivery of technical workshops for coaches and technical leaders.
  • Additional experience supporting talent pathways, academy structures, or technical projects within national associations or high-performance football environments.
  • Exposure to international football development contexts is an asset.
  • Advanced coaching qualification (e.g., UEFA A Licence, Pro Licence, or equivalent from another confederation).
  • Formal training or specialisation in youth development, talent identification, or technical leadership is a strong asset.
  • Qualifications in coach education, performance analysis, or talent development systems are advantageous.
  • Strong understanding of elite youth development, high-performance environments, and modern talent identification methodologies.
  • Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, capable of delivering workshops to coaches and technical leaders at varying levels.
  • Ability to translate technical football concepts into clear, practical guidance and programme materials.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders across global MAs and act as the face of TDS during visits and workshops.
  • High degree of cultural awareness and adaptability when working across regions and contexts.
  • Structured and analytical approach, with strong problem-solving abilities and a solutions-oriented mindset.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with tight timelines.
  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
  • Commitment to ongoing learning and staying aligned with global best practices in youth development and coach education.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English required.
  • Some roles will require proficiency in French and/or Spanish.
  • Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
  • Experience working with digital reporting platforms.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to new tools, systems, and data-based approaches in technical development.
  • Willingness to travel internationally and work across time zones as required.
  • Ability to represent FIFA professionally in diverse and dynamic environments.
  • Flexibility to adapt to programme needs and evolving MA priorities.

About FIFA

We are FIFA, the global governing body for football.

Our vision is to make football truly global, diverse and inclusive, for the benefit of the entire world. The last FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 attracted more than 5 billion viewers and the last FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 was the greatest-ever FIFA Women's World Cup that inspired millions of girls and women around the globe. The opportunities for growth are exciting.

We are a modern organisation with over 800 passionate employees who are Living Football every day. Our headquarters are based in Zurich, Switzerland, and we have offices in Miami, Paris and Rabat, plus eleven regional offices from New Zealand to India, South Africa, Panama and Paraguay.