Standards and Compliance Project and Governance Lead
This is an excellent opportunity to join Trócaire's Standards and Compliance Unit (SCU), part of our Corporate Services division.
About Trócaire
Trócaire is an International NGO. We work with local partners in the world's most at-risk communities and with people in Ireland to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and injustice and respond to the crises they create. Together we bring about positive and lasting change for a just world. Trócaire works in up to 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. We work towards five goals:
• Promote Access to Justice;
• Achieve Climate & Environmental Justice;
• Ensure Women & Girls' Protection, Voice & Influence;
• Save Lives and Protect Human Dignity and
• Mobilise the Public on the island of Ireland to achieve Global Justice.
Our work is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and in our values of Solidarity, Courage, Participation, Perseverance and Accountability.
The Role
This role sits in the Standards and Compliance Unit (SCU), a control and consulting unit established within the Corporate Services division and a key element of Trócaire's governance framework. The Standards and Compliance Unit ensures that Trócaire's core value of Accountability is embedded in all the work that Trócaire does, whilst supporting Trócaire to become a resilient and agile organisation.
As maternity cover, this role will:
1. Lead on designated SCU projects – initially the Risk Management and Business Continuity initiatives, followed by other priority projects as assigned.
2. Ensure delivery of essential governance tasks (Board and Committee support and compliance reporting).
3. Oversee the rollout and monitoring of the Risk Management Framework and embed business continuity practices across the organisation.
4. Provide assurance that Trócaire maintains compliance with regulatory, governance and donor standards.
5. Contribute to strengthening SCU systems, capacity building and organisational resilience.
The role will report to Head of Standards and Compliance. The role is based in Maynooth or Belfast.
Key responsibilities
SCU Project Lead
6. Lead the global rollout of Trócaire's Risk Management Framework (RMF), including tools, templates, training, and global communication.
7. Maintain oversight of risk registers, ensuring consistency and compliance with the RMF.
8. Oversee delivery of the Business Continuity Consultancy Review and embed updated procedures, templates and training.
9. Manage subsequent SCU projects as prioritised by the Head of SCU, ensuring clear plans, stakeholder engagement and delivery of outputs.
10. Provide project reporting, monitoring and updates to senior management.
Governance
11. Support the work of the Assistant Company Secretary (Director of Corporate Services) including Board and Committee recruitments, onboarding and policy compliance.
12. Support Board and Nominations Committee: draft agendas, minute taking, actions, correspondence, governance packs, and AGM documentation.
13. Maintain and update the Governance Compliance databases (Codes of Standards, memberships, regulatory requirements).
14. Coordinate governance and standards reporting: annual Triple Lock certification, Annual Report governance content, and compliance record reviews.
15. Support the maintenance of the Board Handbook.
16. Support regulatory compliance queries and external reviews as required.
Other SCU Support
17. Contribute to SCU meetings, inductions and cross-unit initiatives.
18. To undertake the role of Data Champion within the SCU team to ensure data, including personal data, is kept safe and secure. Responsibilities include attending quarterly Data Champion meetings, acting as an internal point of information and advice on data protection, and assist with any data protection tasks assigned including but not limited to maintaining Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs), Awareness Training, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Cleansing etc.
19. Undertake other duties consistent with the nature of the role.
Essential Requirements
Skills
20. Strong planning, organising, and project management skills.
21. Excellent ability to document processes and create clear, user-friendly tools and templates.
22. Strong communication and facilitation skills for delivering training globally.
23. Ability to collaborate across cultures and functions.
Experience
24. Minimum 3 years' experience in governance, risk, compliance or project management.
25. Proven experience in leading projects and engaging stakeholders across functions.
26. Strong understanding of governance in the charity/INGO sector.
27. Excellent writing and documentation skills; ability to produce clear minutes, governance documents and reports.
28. Training/facilitation skills and strong communication abilities.
29. Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple workstreams.
Qualifications
30. Relevant degree (e.g. Business, Risk, Governance, International Development) OR equivalent experience.
Qualities
31. Culturally sensitive and diplomatic; able to build strong relationships.
32. Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and consistency.
33. Proactive, flexible and adaptable; able to manage shifting priorities.
34. Commitment to Trócaire's values of Solidarity, Courage, Participation, Perseverance and Accountability.
Safeguarding Programme Participants-Children & Adults
Trócaire is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. More information on Trócaire's safeguarding policies available .
Diversity and inclusion
We welcome diverse applicants to join our inclusive workforce.
Trócaire is an equal opportunities employer. We are an organisation that embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to bring their experiences and perspectives to Trócaire.
Diversity and Inclusion statement available