About The Role
Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance Candidate Information Booklet-download here.docx
Application Form - Head of Governance, Risk Compliance..docx
Exemplary corporate governance is a key priority in the IPA Strategy: Learning for Tomorrow (2026–2030) . Since establishing the Company Secretary Office in 2024, the IPA has embarked on an ambitious programme of governance reform, strengthening its position as a Centre of Excellence and a leader in public sector governance.
Reporting to the Deputy Director General / Company Secretary, the Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance will play a pivotal role in delivering the IPA's governance strategy. This senior leadership position will drive governance, risk and compliance initiatives across the organisation, providing assurance to the Board and key Government stakeholders while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and best practice.
Operating within a complex legal and regulatory environment as a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered Charity and body under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, the successful candidate will lead the continued evolution of the IPA's governance framework.
Key Duties
1. Enterprise Risk Management:
Lead the future evolution of the IPA Enterprise Risk Management System (ERM), acting as a thought leader, delivering stronger risk maturity including, but not limited to:
- The rollout of operational risk systems including supporting risk owners in developing appropriate mitigation measures and identifying risks that require escalation.
- Management and reporting on the IPA Corporate Risk Register and the suite of organisational Risk Reports.
- Migrating both operational and the Corporate Risk Register onto a digital platform.
- The provision of risk expertise for major programmes, capital projects, and transformation initiatives.
- Delivery of training and promotion of a strong risk‑aware culture across the organisation.
- Management of the IPA Risk Appetite Framework and IPA Risk Management Policy.
2. Policy governance framework
- Design and delivery of an Institute-wide policy framework to govern the creation, approval, implementation, monitoring, and review of policies to include:
- Delivery and oversight of a policy development and update model across all functions of the IPA that defines hierarchy, lifecycle, roles and responsibilities and standards for quality
- Oversight and update of the IPA Governance Handbook and other governance policies
3. Internal audit
- Oversee the delivery of the Internal Audit Strategic Plan and support the IPA Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) to include:
- Liaising with the internal audit provider to set up audit assignments, report to ARC and conduct lookback reviews
- Supporting IPA colleagues in meeting their obligations on internal audit including the design and delivery of training
- Managing a digital platform and reporting to ARC on the close out of actions from the platform
4. Compliance with Regulatory Governance Codes and Reporting
Take on responsibility for compliance reporting and returns to IPA regulators to include:
- Maintenance of the compliance monitoring systems for both the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Charities Governance Code.
- Delivery on any current or emerging governance gaps to ensure that the Institute is fully compliant with both Codes
- Ensuing that the IPA meets reporting obligations in a timely manner and acting as the senior point of contact
5. IPA Assurance Framework
- Lead a programme to further strengthen assurances to the IPA Board, its subcommittees and the Executive Leadership Team to include:
- Assurance reporting that incorporates an evidence base where possible.
- Further development of the IPA Internal Control framework to innovate on internal control reporting and evidence thereon.
- Exploration of impact measures in respect of IPA programmes within the public service.
- Supporting the Company Secretary and working collaboratively with the Executive Manager in the Director Generals Office on activities related to Board and Sub Committee functions in line with statutory and governance requirements, including induction and support of Board and Sub Committee Members and co-ordination of internal and external effectiveness reviews.
6. External accreditation/ quality marks
- Lead on the exploration of external quality marks for the IPA to include:
- A full assessment and analysis of the main external validation options including the consequences for IPA management and staff.
- Management of application processes.
- A drive for continuous improvement initiatives across relevant business areas.
- The facilitation of staff engagement with such processes.
7. Legal and Regulatory Obligations
- Manage processes and procedures for all IPA Governance legal and regulatory obligations including, but not limited to:
- Taking on the full set of functions of the Freedom of Information Officer for the Institute. This incorporates the handling of FOI requests, management of the FOI Publication Scheme, and oversight and governance of the IPA policy on FOI
- Acting as the Designated Person under the Protected Disclosures Acts, informing staff on their rights under the legislation, liaising with workers who may wish to make a protected disclosure and oversight and governance of the IPA policy on Protected Disclosures
- Taking on the duties of the Official Languages Officer, championing the Irish language within the Institute, overseeing the Institute’s compliance with the Official Languages Acts across the Institute and reporting thereon to the relevant Government bodies.
8. General
- Regular reporting to the IPA Board and its subcommittees on compliance with Governance Codes and other governance-related matters and initiatives
- Deputise for the Company Secretary as required and represent the department at meetings and events.
- Lead on effective communication with IPA colleagues on governance, compliance and risk matters.
- Develop meaningful relationships both with professional peers and with the IPAs networks of regulatory stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), the IPA’s legal advisors and the IPA’s Internal Auditors.
- Any other duties that arise from time to time as directed by the Company Secretary.
About the Ideal Candidate
Qualifications
- Level 8 on the NFQ in a Legal/Governance/Finance or related discipline - essential
- Supplementary/Postgraduate qualification in a Governance or Legal & Regulatory discipline – desirable
Knowledge
- Strong understanding of Irish public sector governance, including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and Public Spending Code
- Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise risk management principles, methodologies, and tools
- Familiarity with internal controls, compliance frameworks, and audit processes
- Strong understanding of the Legal & Regulatory Space, and Governance structures within which the IPA operates.
Experience
- At least 8 – 10 years of experience in governance, compliance, audit or public administration.
- Proven experience managing risk registers, risk assessments, and control evaluations.
- Experience preparing high quality risk and governance reports for senior leadership and/or oversight bodies.
- Experience operating at Board and Senior Leadership level, including Audit and Risk Committees.
- Experience of developing or maintaining governance frameworks.
- Experience in dealing with requests on FOI/ AIE/ Protected Disclosures.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrate experience in data analysis, trend analysis and provision of actionable recommendations for compliance improvements.
Read more about the ideal candidate profile including the skills and personal attributes, in the candidate booklet.
How to Apply:
Conscia will be managing all aspects of the recruitment process on behalf of The IPA. Applications should be made online through https://consciatalent.com/IPA and by attaching a completed application form, downloadable here.
Application Form - Head of Governance, Risk Compliance..docx
Your application must be submitted on the Conscia website not later than 1pm (Irish time) on Friday 28th August 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in person, in September.
If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 24 hours of applying, please email: ipa@consciatalent.com
