Who We Are
UCC Academy is the internal partner for accelerating the delivery of University College Cork’s priorities. We bring targeted professional capabilities and deep institutional knowledge to every engagement, enabling the University to achieve its strategic and operational goals.
We uniquely collaborate, innovate, advise, and operate with flexibility—ensuring our work is aligned with UCC’s evolving needs.
Mission
We harness our talent and best practices to support the delivery of UCC priorities, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. As part of the UCC group, we collaborate and operate flexibly and cost effectively to realise our mutually aligned goals.
Our Values
Delivering Excellence and Value
Success and Growth
Wellbeing and Balance
Trust and Collaboration
Role Overview
The Compliance & Risk Officer supports the organisation in maintaining strong compliance, governance, and risk management practices. The role ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and statutory obligations, while monitoring and updating frameworks to reflect evolving standards. Key responsibilities include managing the Risk Register, supporting internal controls, coordinating audits, and promoting compliance awareness across the organisation. This role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively to uphold integrity and accountability across the business.
Responsibilities
Compliance Management
Support the development and implementation of the organisation’s compliance programme, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, timelines and internal policies.
Coordinate adherence to all statutory requirements e.g. the Code of Governance for Subsidiary Companies of Irish Universities 2021 (the “Code of Governance”), charities regulations etc.
Responsible for the completion of compliance documentation and reporting requirements for assigned areas.
Monitor adherence to legal, regulatory and financial compliance for international entities working with relevant stakeholders to communicate any deviations from organisational obligations.
Risk Management
Maintain and monitor the organisation’s Risk Register, working with risk owners to assess, prioritise, and mitigate risks.
Track and monitor risk mitigation strategies and escalation procedures, ensuring risks are communicated and addressed effectively.
Promote awareness of risk management practices across the organisation through education and engagement.
Internal Controls & Governance
Support the development and maintenance of internal control frameworks in line with the Code of Governance.
Coordinate annual reviews of control effectiveness and supports the implementation of corrective actions.
Draft governance documentation, including the Annual Statement on Internal Control, for Board and auditor review.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure governance activities align with the Academy’s strategic action plan.
Audit & Assurance
Participate in audits or reviews and oversee implementation of corrective actions.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of audit readiness and internal assurance practices.
Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
Support clear and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including the preparation of relevant compliance documentation, meeting materials and work updates
Schedule and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities including meetings and workshops, ensuring agendas, materials and follow-up actions are appropriately managed.
Follow up on actions and decisions to support project momentum and accountability, escalating issues where appropriate.
Assist in gathering stakeholder feedback and summarising input for review by the Head of Finance & Compliance or CEO.
Individual & Team Contribution & Continuous Improvement
Promote a collaborative and inclusive team environment, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared goals and deliverables.
Identify and share feedback or suggestions to support continuous improvement within projects, within the Business Support function and within the wider organisation.
Demonstrate accountability for personal performance and growth, aligning with UCC Academy’s values and contributing positively to team and organisation.
Other Duties
Ensure compliance with data protection, risk management, and other relevant policies across all assigned activities.
Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.
This list is not exhaustive, and the Compliance & Risk Officer will undertake other duties as appropriately requested.
Essential Criteria
2 years’ experience in a compliance, risk, or governance-related role.
A relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Law, Business, Risk Management, Compliance, or related field) or relevant equivalent experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
Familiarity with compliance or risk management tools.
Demonstrated experience supporting internal control processes and compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory requirements.
Experience maintaining or contributing to organisational risk registers and supporting risk mitigation strategies.
Experience supporting internal and/or external audits, including documentation and follow-up on findings.
Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and risk management principles.
Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft policies, reports, and governance documentation.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
Desirable Criteria
Experience working in or with higher education institutions or public sector organisations.
Familiarity with Irish regulatory frameworks, including the Code of Governance for Subsidiary Companies of Irish Universities and Charities Regulator requirements.
Familiarity with international compliance obligations and cross-border regulatory considerations.
Experience contributing to the development of internal control frameworks or quality assurance systems.
Knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR) and their application in compliance contexts.
Familiarity with project management or change management methodologies.
Conditions of Employment
Employment Type: The post is 0.4 FTE, 15 hours per week. A six-month probationary period will apply.
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in Ireland to be considered for the role.
Salary on commencement: €38,000– €52,006 per annum (pro-rated accordingly for 0.4 FTE). New entrants to UCC Academy will likely be appointed onto one of the first three points of the scale, subject to experience.
Term: 12-month fixed term contract on successful completion of a 6-month probationary period
Annual Leave: 25 Days plus up to 5 discretionary Company Days.
Pension: Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme available
Location: Our place of work is the Western Gateway Building, UCC. Onsite presence is required, with opportunities for flexible working when organisation and client needs allow.
How to Apply
In order to be considered for the post, we ask you to submit a 2-page CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements. Deadline for applications is 9am, Tuesday 03 February 2026.
UCC Academy is an equal opportunities employer
By submitting your CV you are deemed to give your consent to UCC Academy to share your CV and personal details with the University and individual departments within the University for the purposes of recruitment.
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