The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage manages Ireland's nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law. Whilst this work continues to focus on obligations under the Habitats and Birds Directives, Ireland is a signatory to other International Conventions, including the ‘Ramsar Convention’, which predates the EU Directives. Ireland is one of 168 Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands which first convened in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, and since called the Ramsar Convention. This intergovernmental treaty embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories. The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Ireland on 15 March 1985. Ireland presently has 45 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance. The IRWC members has operated as an advocacy group on the promotion of wetland awareness and conservation since its inception in 2010. It is intended that this contract for administrative, technical and communications support will support the work of IRWC so it can continue to advocate effectively for the protection of wetlands. It is intended that the successful tenderer will provide the core administrative support but also bring focus and clarity in assisting the IRWC in communicating the message of the Ramsar Convention in Ireland. Essential competencies for the communications role will be self-motivation, drive and commitment and excellent interpersonal skills so as to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders. See RfT document for further details