Former Australia and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will take up a 12-month consultancy role with Ulster Rugby.
It is a return to Ireland for the 60-year-old, who spent the past two years coaching the Wallabies but stepped down this month after the conclusion of the first part of the new Nations Championship.
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Schmidt led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, between 2013 and 2019.
"Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Schmidt in a consultancy capacity as coach development advisor, a newly created role focused on strengthening and developing the coaching pathway across the province," Ulster Rugby said on Thursday (AEST).
"Schmidt will support the ongoing development of coaches across the province, helping to strengthen a clear and connected coaching pathway spanning the academy, age-grade programmes, schools and clubs, as well as the professional game."
Schmidt still has family in Ireland as well as New Zealand, working in person and remotely with the Northern Irish team.
Ulster were runners-up to France's Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup final in May but failed to make the United Rugby Championship playoffs, finishing ninth on the 16-team table.
"Ulster has a proud rugby tradition and further developing the coaching pathway in the region is something that we believe can add value," Schmidt said.
"I've worked with Joe on a number of occasions throughout my coaching career and know first-hand the value he brings to an organisation," Ulster head coach Richie Murphy added.
"We're delighted to have someone of Joe's calibre involved with Ulster Rugby. His experience will be hugely beneficial in the development of coaches throughout the entire pathway. The impact of that support will be felt right across the province for years to come."
Schmidt is locked in assist Australia A in October during their two-match tour of the USA.
