Job summary:

The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring that KCYS adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role is essential to safeguarding the organisation's integrity, accountability, and transparency while fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Key Duties & Areas of Responsibility will include:

Regulatory Compliance:

Monitor and ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards applicable to non-profit youth organisations in Ireland
Stay informed about changes in legislation, regulations, and best practices affecting the organisation’s operations
Conduct ongoing audits to ensure adherence and compliance to funder requirements as outlined in Service Level Agreements, contracts, memorandums of understanding, etc.

Policy Development and Implementation:

Regularly review organisational policies and procedures to ensure compliance
Where appropriate develop and implement policies
Provide training and guidance to staff and volunteers on compliance-related matters
Promote a culture of compliance and integrity throughout the organisation.

Risk Management:

Identify, assess, and mitigate potential compliance risks and recommend solutions
Conduct internal audits and assessments to ensure adherence to policies and standards
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive risk management strategy and policies, including a risk register
Perform thorough risk assessments to evaluate potential organisational impact
Continuously evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the organisation's risk management framework
Establish and deliver risk management training and awareness programs to foster a risk-aware culture
Develop and execute an annual audit plan, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely reporting
Support the SMT in crisis management and business continuity planning to ensure operational resilience.

Financial compliance

Work closely with Finance Manager to ensure organisational compliance with financial controls, identify potential financial risk and risk mitigations.

Reporting and Documentation:

Maintain accurate records of compliance activities and prepare reports for CEO, Board of Management and the senior management team as required
Ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory bodies, funders, and stakeholders
Develop and utilise digital systems to support effective and efficient compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Act as the primary point of contact for compliance-related inquiries and investigations
Implement learning and promote a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation
Collaborate with external partners, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed

KCYS Organisation Responsibilities

Actively participate in both internal and external networks, structures, and events relevant to the post
Identify training needs through supervision and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role
Prepare for and attend individual supervision on a regular basis.
Undertake other duties as may be requested. This may include involvement in the organisation’s events, fundraising, research etc.

Special conditions /Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

A relevant qualification in compliance, law, risk management, business administration, community development or relevant field is desirable
Working knowledge of governance and compliance within the charities sector, and associated regulations and regulatory bodies
Evidence of professional development in corporate governance, with a strong understanding of how it translates to a non-governmental organisation in an Irish and European context
Working knowledge of Irish regulatory requirements, including data protection (GDPR) and child safeguarding standards
Experience in Microsoft Office is essential, (knowledge of other applications would be an advantage)
Knowledge of CalqRisk or similar platform is highly desirable
Fluency in English, both written and verbal
Full Driver’s licence.
Eligible to work in Ireland

Contract

12-month Fixed Term Contract.
This contract is for 35 hours per week
Salary scale applies, commiserate with experience, payable monthly

(€38,217, €40,355, €42,316, €44,035, €45,695, €47,938)

26 days Annual Leave per annum pro rata
28 days paid sick leave in a 12-month period pro rata, upon successful completion of probation
The nature of this post requires the holder is flexible in working hours to cover the operational times of the service. This may involve some evening and weekend work, as required
Employment with KCYS is subject to a satisfactory response from the Garda Vetting Unit being received in relation to any candidate under consideration and satisfactory reference checks received
This post is subject to a probationary period.

Skills, competencies & attributes

Clearly understands the role, objectives, and targets and how they fit into the work of the wider organisation
Understanding and/or experience of risk management and compliance in a non-government organisation
Experience of project management, working to multiple deadlines, with attention to detail and accuracy
Strong analytical and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think proactively
Researches thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information applicable to policy development, service development and legislation in a charity/youth service provision
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant IT systems
Experience of developing and maintaining accurate paper and electronic record systems, capable of information retrieval, analysis and dissemination as required
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
A positive attitude and a willingness to learn
Must be flexible and prepared to work outside normal office hours as required
Has the ability to think logically, use initiative and work with minimum supervision
Through leading by example, fosters high standards of ethics and integrity
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Children & Youth jobs

Compliance Officer