Osborne Executive Search is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with the Citizens Information Board (CIB) to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer for the organisation. 

Closing date on 5.30pm on Thursday, 14 November 2024 

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy. CIB funds and supports a range of 22 Service Delivery Companies including; 

• the Citizens Information Services
• the Money Advice and Budgeting Services
• MABS Support
• National Traveller MABS
• the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities
• the Sign Language Interpreting Service 
• the Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters. 

The Citizens Information Board had an annual budget of €61.283m for 2023. 

Of this, over 68% goes directly to the delivery service organisations with the balance used to provide support services such as ICT, training, publications, and other supports.

The Citizens Information Board has a staff of 79 whole time equivalents. These are public sector employees. The network of independent grant aided service delivery organisations has over 590 approved whole time equivalent staff, who are not public sector employees. 

The Role

The Chief Executive is responsible for providing the leadership, direction and overall vision for all staff and management in CIB by implementing the Board of CIB’s strategic plan which sets out the main objectives and targets for the organisation.

Reports to

The CEO is accountable to the Chairperson and the Board of CIB. The performance of the CEO will be reviewed annually in accordance with the process determined by the Board.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of the organisation and ensure its continual improvement in accordance with the priorities and objectives set out in the Citizens Information Board’s Strategic Plan. The CEO is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with a range of stakeholders, both statutory and voluntary, with particular emphasis on overseeing the governance of CIBs funded companies, outlined in service level agreements, to deliver strategic objectives, whilst fostering productive relations with Department of Social Protection.

Candidate Profile: 

Essential Criteria:

• Proven leadership capabilities, including the ability to initiate and direct new developments while motivating and building trust within the organisation.
• Significant senior management experience, including leading large teams and resources and delivering services at a national level.
• Ability to plan strategically for medium- and long-term goals, ensuring CIB remains fit for purpose.
• Experience in project management, budget management, strategic planning, and policy development.
• A third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 minimum).
• Understanding of information, advice, and advocacy's role in civil society and the challenges of delivering customer services through external agents.
• Experience in corporate governance, particularly in statutory and non-statutory bodies funded by the Exchequer.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for managing and representing the organisation in a public and governmental setting.
• Experience with media and political engagement.
• Understanding of crisis and emergency management principles.

Desirable Criteria:

• Proficiency in the Irish language and familiarity with the Official Languages Act.
• Leadership experience across various sectors.
• Experience as a non-executive director or trustee.
• Knowledge of environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility legislation.