Title: Chief Operations Officer Reporting to: CEO Direct Reports: ICT and Digital Operations Lead (total department headcount is 5) Key relationships: Head of Programmes, Head of Fundraising and Marketing, Team Leads Board, especially Chair of Finance Committee, Plan International Federation Contract Length: Permanent Overview and purpose of role Plan International Ireland is looking for a Chief Operations Officer who will lead the development and strategic direction of the finance, operations and IT functions, ensure strong organisational and operational performance, and strong governance for Plan International Ireland. You will collaborate with the CEO and management team to ensure the delivery of the Plan International Ireland strategic plan. This is an exciting and challenging time to join Plan International as we strive for a just world that advances children's rights and equality for girls and implement the ambitious organisational strategic plan. About Plan International Ireland Founded in 1937, Plan International is a children's organisation that fights for children's rights, particularly girls, who live in the poorest regions of the world. We are an independent organisation with no religious, political, or governmental affiliations. Our vision is a just world that advances children's rights and equality for girls. We work at local, national, and international level across over 75 countries to influence governments to tackle the root causes of child poverty and to create a more equal world for girls. We work with communities to advance education, advocate for an end to child marriage, amplify girls' and women's voices and much more. During emergencies, we save lives and ease suffering by providing humanitarian assistance, while also creating safe spaces to protect and keep children in school. Established in 2003, Plan International Ireland influences and supports Plan International's work worldwide. Plan International Ireland has been certified as one of Ireland's Best Workplaces each year since 2020. We are triple locked through the Charities Institute of Ireland. We hold a Financial Programme Agreement (FPA) with ECHO and a Programme Grant with Irish Aid. Plan Ireland is made up of 25 dedicated and talented staff covering seven nationalities. In the last financial year our turnover was €18m and we worked directly with 19 countries across the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Key roles and responsibilities Major Responsibilities Reporting directly to the CEO and a key member of the senior leadership team (SMT), the Chief Operations Officer will lead the development and strategic direction of the finance, operations and IT function, ensure strong organisational performance, and strong governance for Plan International Ireland. You will collaborate with the CEO and senior management team to ensure the delivery of the Plan International Ireland strategic plan and lead cross organisational initiatives to ensure financial sustainability, good stewardship and the effective governance. Leadership and Strategy Working closely with senior management colleagues in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Plan International Ireland strategic plan. Lead on strategic financial planning that delivers financial sustainability and investment to achieve strategic objectives. Working closely with SMT peers to assess and allocate resources across the organisation and lead on the development of business cases for investment. Lead proactive engagement by the finance team in the development and management of donor programme frameworks. Drive continuous improvement in business processes, systems integration, and cross-team collaboration. Leading and managing the Plan International Ireland Finance, Operations and IT team to the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. Contribute to forging strong positive working relationships between Plan International Ireland and the international Plan federation. Finance Prepare the statutory annual accounts and have overall responsibility for the management of the annual audit and annual report development. Ensure that core financial information is prepared and presented in line with agreed timetables - to our federation's secretariat, the senior management team, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors. Ensure core financial systems and related processes are fit for purpose and are adequately supported. Work with team leads and the senior management team to devise and implement organisational budgets and regular monitoring of budget performance. Oversee payroll and ensure the organisation adheres to tax obligations. Ensuring appropriate and effective internal control systems are in place. Support the Programme Department in ensuring all donor reporting is completed in a timely manner. Support during donor audits. Optimise treasury management and safeguarding of funds. Ensuring the organisation has appropriate insurance policies in place. Risk & Governance Supporting the CEO to best serve and report to the Board, including preparation for, participation in and support to the Finance Committee. Ensuring legal and other regulatory and governance compliance for all aspects of Plan International Ireland's work, including CRO and CRA returns. Identifying, analysing and managing risk and participating in the development and maintenance of robust risk management systems. Develop robust operational policies, procedures, and processes and ensure they are followed. ICT & Operations Support the ICT and Digital Operations Lead to implement the organisational ICT plans, aligned to organisational requirements and strategic objectives. Lead the organisation's digital transformation strategy, promoting the effective use of data and technology to enhance performance and impact. Ensure ICT systems are secure, scalable, and supportive of hybrid and global collaboration within the Plan federation. Champion data-driven decision-making and foster a culture of digital fluency across teams. Support the Fundraising and Communications Dept in terms of Systems to deliver on fundraising programmes including the CRM and website. As well as the delivery of management reporting, campaign reporting and all data analysis requirements. Ensure Plan International Ireland is fully compliant with European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements, has strong cyber controls in place, and that there is a culture of compliance across all of our work. Ensure that operations, procurement, and administrative systems are efficient, secure, and aligned with strategic objectives. Person specification Essential Hold a professional accountancy qualification and be a member of recognised body of accountants. Experience at Finance Director or Deputy Director level. Experience developing long-term financial strategy and plans. Team management experience and ability to motivate a team. Sound leadership skills, able to make difficult decisions. Experience in implementing GDPR. Possess strong ICT skills including proficiency in Excel. Strong organisational, project and time management skills, commercial acumen. Desirable Experience of the international humanitarian and development sector. Experience of finance and IT in the voluntary sector, SAP or equivalent, Power BI. Experience of having worked constructively as part of a senior leadership team. Experience of working with and advising Boards / Trustees. Experience of developing performance measures and KPIs. Salary and benefits The expected salary for this role is between €70,000 and €80,000. The final agreed salary will be dependent on level of experience and fit within the role. Flexible working arrangements are possible for this role. In addition to salary, Plan International Ireland provides a number of employee benefits, some of which include: Private Health Insurance for all employees (from commencement date) Matching company pension contributions up to 5% (once probation is complete) Flexible working hours (core hours of 10am to 4pm daily, minimum of 37 hours per week) Remote Working option on completion of probation to a maximum of two days per week from home. Commitment to training and development. 25 days annual leave, increasing with length of service up to 30 days. Location The Plan International Ireland office is located on Harrington Street, Dublin 8 (across from Brother Hubbard's). We are just a stone's throw away from the bustling and busy Camden Street area, with its many coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and much more! Our nearest LUAS stop is Harcourt Street. As an employee you will also be able to sign up to the Bike-to-Work scheme, or the TaxSaver scheme for DART, LUAS, and Dublin bus users. Work Permit Please note that applicants must have a valid work permit at the time of applying to enable them to work in Ireland. Safeguarding Plan International is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants, and other organisational representatives.. click apply for full job details