Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an opportunity for a Chief Risk Officer to join the IFI team.
The chief risk officer is responsible for ensuring the effective roll-out and ongoing implementation of the risk management policy and framework within Inland Fisheries Ireland, the promotion of a ‘fit for purpose’ risk culture, the provision of expert guidance, assurance and support to the CEO, senior management, staff and will act as key contact point for the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board. Ensure IFI’s significant compliance obligations are met, within deadlines and to appropriate standards.
ABOUT US
Inland Fisheries Ireland are the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
More information can be found by visiting our website.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximize their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
We work collaboratively with professionalism
We are open, transparent and accountable
We act with respect and integrity
We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
The purpose of this job description is to focus on the main responsibilities of the role. The list of duties for which the postholder is responsible may, within reason, vary at the discretion of IFI. Due to the re-organisation of portfolios across the Senior Leadership Team, additional responsibility for key business functions may be assigned to this post
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide strategic leadership while proactively identifying and managing risks to ensure effective decision-making, operational resilience, and alignment with IFI’s long-term objectives.
Manage the implementation of all aspects of the risk function, including implementation of processes, tools and systems to identify, assess, measure, manage, monitor and report risks.
Assist in the development of and manage processes to identify and evaluate departmental and business area risks and related risk and control self-assessments, assurance and attestation processes.
Identifying, analysing and mitigating internal and external risks.
Enhance corporate governance by advising on risk across various categories, including technical and regulatory risks, and supporting risk owners in implementing effective mitigation strategies
Collaborate with the Executive & Senior Leadership teams to align risk management strategies with the organisation’s overall objectives.
Lead, facilitate, and support the development and regular updating of unit, departmental, and corporate risk registers in line with the risk management policy.
Manage the process for developing and refreshing risk policies and procedures and ensuring these are effectively communicated across the organisation.
Monitor major and critical risk issues and facilitate reflection within the Agency on lessons learnt and potential areas for improvement in future mitigations.
Oversee the process for elevating risks and control issues within the Agency
Coordinate and oversee the corporate risk and control assessment reporting process, including maintaining the infrastructure for management reporting and supporting updates to senior leadership
Develop and improve risk management reporting including leading in efforts to analyse, quantify, and communicate corporate and departmental risks to Executive Leadership Team and the Board. Ultimately with a view to digitising the reporting process.
Advise River Basin District Directors/Heads of Departments / Functions and assist with the development and monitoring of risk management initiatives in partnership with the business.
Train and support stuff to embed risk management across the organisation
Provide tangible support and guidance where necessary and required in Risk Management
Be a member of the Executive Risk Committee and attend department/district meetings as required.
Lead the development of the organisation’s risk dashboard and coordinate with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) on the design, enhancement, and ongoing monitoring of the organisation’s risk platform
Lead and support the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of risk protocols across the organisation, ensuring alignment with the overall risk management framework
Facilitates the ARC and Board reporting process, including development of reports to advise the Board on current risk levels, emerging risks, and IFI’s risk appetite.
KEY KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
The candidate must, on the latest date for receiving applications for the role, possess
Essential
Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8) level or equivalent professional qualification in risk management
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Organisation Risk Management.
Broad corporate risk management and operations experience at a senior level, operating in a complex setting.
Broad knowledge of Health & Safety including legislative and regulatory requirements
Experience processing, reviewing, and managing multiple demands, with the ability to prioritise as needed.
Experience in the management of stuff
Strong organisation and project management skills.
Ability to influence, negotiate and lead change.
Committed to accountability, process improvement, and excellence.
Proven track record in systems and procedures implementation.
Competent in the use of MS Office and other company IT systems.
Desirable
Master’s degree level or equivalent professional qualification in risk management.
Relevant experience interacting at Board/ Governing Body / Committee levels
Professional Project Management certification
Knowledge of Risk management Information Systems / Reporting systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Leadership & Direction
Develops networks and communications systems to ensure that they are fully informed in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Is an effective leader and a positive driver for change and the embedding of the right culture and tone across the organisation
Understands the challenges of leading a complex system change.
Balances change with continuity – to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking and to maintain focus, intensity, and persistence even under increasingly complex and demanding conditions.
Working With & Through Others - Influencing to Achieve
Demonstrates the ability to work independently as well as work with the wider teams in a complex and changing environment.
Inspires confidence and secures stakeholder engagement through persuasive communication and a compelling articulation of the vision
Sets high standards and puts their work and the work of the organisation into meaningful context.
Has excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
Managing & Delivering Results
Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of professionalism and excellence.
Commits a high degree of energy to well directed activities and looks for and seizes opportunities that is beneficial to achieving organisation goals.
Perseveres and sees tasks through.
Champions measurement on delivery of results and is willing to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.
Critical Analysis & Decision Making
Has the ability to rapidly assimilate and analyse complex information; considers the impact of decisions and anticipates problems.
Recognises when to involve other parties at the appropriate time and level.
Is willing to take calculated risks and exploit opportunities in the interests of furthering the reform agenda.
Building Relationships / Communication
Possesses the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner and actively liaise with individuals and groups internally and externally.
Is committed to building a professional network to remain up to date with and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Is committed to working co-operatively with and influencing senior management colleagues to drive forward the risk management agenda.
Has a strong results focus and ability to achieve results through collaborative working.
Personal Commitment and Motivation
Is personally committed and motivated for this important role.
Demonstrates a strong willingness and ability to operate in the flexible manner that is essential for the effective delivery of the role.
Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous personal development
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Assistant Principal grade. It is a 8-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1€81,515.46, Point 2 €83,250.21; Point 3 €86,297.71, Point 4 €89,347.40, Point 5 €92,399.30, Point 6 €94,150.13, Point 7 €97,230.54(LSI1), Point 8 €100,308.78(LSI2) (IFI AP Grade PayScale as of 01/08/2025)
Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.
LOCATION
This role will be based at IFI’s office in Citywest Business Campus Dublin D24 CK66.
TENURE
This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Monday 8th of September 2025.
Late applications will not be processed.
Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.