Coordinator for the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO)

The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference wishes to appoint a Coordinator for the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO).

Background

The Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) was established by the Irish Catholic Bishops in 1985 to respond to the significant challenges Irish people face in prison overseas.  It provides information, support and advocacy to over 1,000 Irish prisoners in 36 different countries and their families.

Scope of the position

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, primary responsibilities of the role include:

• Providing leadership, direction and guidance regarding all organisational activities
• Representing the ICPO to statutory and voluntary agencies, the media, general public and funders
• Identifying and responding to the needs of Irish prisoners overseas and their families here in Ireland
• Researching and providing relevant information to prisoners on issues such as deportation, repatriation and transfer
• Focusing public attention on issues affecting Irish prisoners
• Managing a team of staff and volunteers.

Essential criteria

The successful candidate will:

• have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, with a primary degree in Law or Social Work desirable, and appropriate relevant experience
• have strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• be familiar with strategic planning and development, and have demonstrable organisational, administrative, time management and project management skills
• have experience in managing staff
• be prepared to be flexible with regard to hours of work and travel overseas (including to prisons)

Desirable criteria

• have a commitment to social justice and equality
• have knowledge and experience working with marginalised groups
• have media, public relations and social media experience
• have knowledge and experience of working within the voluntary sector, including the submission of grant applications

Personal qualities

• respect for the teaching of the Catholic Church
• a positive disposition and constructive team player
• be an energetic self-starter, with excellent interpersonal, oral, written communication and IT skills

Location

The successful candidate will be located in the offices of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Columba Centre, Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare.  The employer provides a hybrid working policy that allows for three days based in the office in Maynooth and two days working remotely per week.  

A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, will apply to this appointment. A detailed job description is available HERE

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (maximum one page) for the attention of the Chief Operating Officer, Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference at [email protected]

Closing date for receipt of applications:  4.00 pm on Friday, 26 June 2026.