Talent Identification Specialist – Region Americas (Freelancer)

Application Deadline: 18 April 2025

Department: Professional Football

Location: Remote

• To provide bespoke talent identification consultancy services and support directly to Member Associations (MAs) and the wider Talent Development Scheme (TDS) project, involving frequent in-country visits.


• Development of a diagnostic process for assessing capabilities of MAs in the field of talent identification.


• The creation of bespoke talent identification plans and strategies for MAs to implement.


• Delivery of direct and remote support to the TDS Leads within the FIFA TDS.


• Support the implementation of talent identification strategies within MAs, including direct delivery, remote support and mentoring as well as upskilling the TDS field team.


• Effective support for the FIFA Academies programme with support for both MA and FIFA staff as well as the allocation of human resources to support projects.


• The development of online education content to be utilised by both MA staff and FIFA internal staff through the FIFA Training Centre.


• Further creation and delivery of talent identification specific materials to compliment the FIFA TDS Training, Education and Knowledge Exchange programmes.


• Provide regular monitoring and reporting on progress, conducting internal evaluations in collaboration with the full team, and adjusting plans as necessary.


• Support the design of talent identification workshops, education programmes and other educational activities with MAs and other events in close collaboration with the TDS Lead.


• Management of a further talent identification human resource in the form of scouts to deploy into partner MAs.


• Ensure effective internal coordination with FIFA stakeholders with a particular focus on the MA Division as well as FIFA regional offices, Women's Football Division, Confederations, Communications department, Safeguarding department etc. to guarantee alignment with internal policies and ways of working.

• Bachelor in Sports related fields and a strong technical background in football, particularly in the talent identification field, either at a high-level club or member association.


• A coaching qualification at Pro or A Licence Coaching Licence and/or an equivalent talent identification specific qualification.


• Sound knowledge and understanding of football development; experience as a player/coach/technical leader of a football organisation is an asset.


• Minimum 5 years' experience within a high performance talent identification environment, within member associations and/or clubs as a Head of Recruitment, Technical Director or equivalent.


• Proven experience in developing, implementing, and monitoring of talent Identification programmes and strategies.


• Experience of management of remote staff in the form of scouts would be an advantage.


• Experience working with senior leaders in sports, including member association Presidents, General Secretaries and technical staff would be beneficial.


• Excellent administration and organizational skills.


• Experience in managing multiple priorities and administrative coordination with the ability to multitask and work under time constraints and lead teams to this end.


• A professional and highly knowledgeable individual (in the talent identification field) that exhibits high performance personal and working standards, with high respect for the game and for all those that work to support the development and growth of Football globally.


• Authentic and personable, with high emotional intelligence showing genuine care and a desire to seek to understand others and build long term relationships.


• Resilient character who is adaptable and agile with constant change; a proven track record to manage self in complexity and uncertainty, remain optimistic and that has a drive to find solutions.


• Curious to collaborate, actively seeking and receiving support with an open mind, operating from the belief that the team is greater than the individual.


• Strong communicator with a preference for open and honest communication.


• Self-aware and respectful individual with global dexterity; able to work effectively in multicultural environments.


• Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish.


• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project).


• Willingness and appetite for frequent travel.