Current Openings
Chief Executive Officer
Title: Chief Executive Officer, International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Location: Based in Dublin, Ireland office-based with hybrid option, frequent travel
Terms: Full-time 3-year fixed term contract.
Salary: Commensurate with seniority of role
Background:
Action 1 of government’s Ireland for Finance Action Plan 2021, Ireland’s Sustainable Finance roadmap consists of 18 actions across five pillars – Talent Development, Industry Readiness, Leveraging Digital, Enabling Environment, and Communication and Promotion.
Central to the roadmap is Action 1 – the establishment of an International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (the Centre).
International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
Focused on the practical acceleration of the sustainable finance agenda at a policy, regulatory and market level, through its activities and partners the Centre will accelerate the development of a best-in-class environment in which sustainable finance can grow and thrive in Ireland and enhances the facilitation of the essential investments required to realise a low carbon transition as per Government’s Climate Action Plan. This will be achieved by means of delivering against Irish roadmap actions, with the Centre leading on:
Research, Policy and Advocacy: conducting leading research with a dedicated team of specialists, bringing together public and private sector expertise, to identify, develop and advocate for solutions that contribute towards an inclusive, net-zero and resilient economy.
Innovation: lead on research and development activities aimed at supporting the design, development and launch of innovative financial mechanisms to facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy, in Ireland, Europe and further afield.
Skills & Talent: contribute to specialist upskilling in the field of sustainable finance and supporting financial institutions as they navigate the organisational and talent development challenge of transforming into climate and SDG aligned financial institutions.
Ideation & Incubation: assist financial institutions to develop practical and scalable solutions to the barriers to climate action and the wider sustainable finance agenda, including accelerated ESG integration and the nature-related & biodiversity financing agenda.
Knowledge Platform: undertaking of cutting-edge market research, data collection and analysis. Development of a world-class online knowledge management resource and data platform for the curation, dissemination, and promotion of such sustainable finance knowledge.
Events: develop and stage a unique programme of events that focus on sustainable finance and responsible investment as well as Ireland’s drive to be a carbon neutral economy.
Publications & Awareness Raising: publish a periodic industry magazine with topical sustainable finance content, news and thought leadership pieces. Use this to promote the Centre’s activities and integrate with social media channels.
Leadership & Partnerships: host and promote domestic and international industry leadership groups in the sustainable finance space, develop partnerships with peer organisations and networks worldwide, while also developing links with national, EU and international bodies.
Monitoring, Measurement & Reporting: act as specialist information & dissemination rapporteur for international ratings, indices, campaigns, and programmes, to ensure that Ireland as a sustainable finance leader is best represented globally on an evidence basis.
As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ISFCOE, the preferred candidate will have the opportunity to lead this successful organisation and to influence the establishment of Ireland as a leading Sustainable Finance hub on a national and an international platform.
ISFCOE is based in Dublin and consists of a team of 10 on a full time, part time and contract basis in various locations around the country. The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is a trading name of the Sustainability Matters Limited, a company limited by guarantee, with an annual turnover of circa €2 million. It is also the promoter of the Sustainable Finance Skillnet, which is funded by Skillnet Ireland, the business support agency of the Government of Ireland.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
The CEO will have responsibility for the overall management, leadership, and administration of the ISFCOE.
Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO’s responsibilities will include:
Leading the organisation to fulfil its role in the development of Ireland as a leader in Sustainable Finance, collaborating with key stakeholders and developing further relationships and opportunities.
Ensuring the Centre has the necessary resources, skills, and competencies to deliver on its mandate, and that systems and procedures are in place for legal, financial, human resource management and corporate governance compliance.
Developing and implementing ISFCOE’s strategy and vision for the future, in conjunction with the senior management team and in line with Board objectives.
Managing staff (directly and indirectly) and working closely with the senior management team to ensure the successful development and delivery of training programmes and research; event delivery; membership development, support and retention; and advocacy and policy; ensuring clear key performance indicators and focus on delivery and results for the organisation.
Developing ISFCOE’s membership growth and retention, fundraising and funding opportunities in order to ensure the organisation is financially self-sustaining in line with its growth objectives;
Acting as the spokesperson and representative for the ISFCOE with key stakeholders in Government, the public arena, the media, and corporate partners, and in the Centre’s international dealings;
Developing and maintaining relationships and engagement with key partners in government and relevant state bodies.
Managing the organisation’s finances in line with approved budgets and policies;
Managing and developing current and future income streams.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Minimum 10 years of senior management experience, with a proven track record of success, in either a non-profit or commercial environment;
A successful track record in building and nurturing stakeholders, key relationships and partnerships with a wide range of diverse collaborators within government and the private sector;
Demonstrated capacity to administer a fast-paced and evolving organisation with a strong understanding of accounts, budgeting, and Human Resources(HR);
Demonstrated ability to plan, to set strategic direction and priorities, and to deliver the required outcomes;
Strong interest in and in-depth knowledge of the ESG agenda and Sustainable Strong leadership qualities and proven track record of building and managing teams;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Preferable Skills and Experience:
Recognised qualification in the area of Sustainable Finance/related subject;
Professional qualification in Accounting and/or Business;
Experience of working with non-governmental organisations, including knowledge of governance and regulatory compliance in Ireland;
Track record in fundraising, fiscal and human resource management;
Experience of building and maintaining relationships with the public and private sectors;
Experience of building and maintaining relationships with the media;
Strong understanding of company regulation and company secretarial matters.
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to forward CV along cover letter
Contact email (for any questions on application process): info@voltedge.ie
Closing date – Applications must be submitted on or before 5pm on Friday 1 September 2023.
