Head of Function (Fitness & Probity) - Enforcement Investigations

The Central Bank of Ireland is a dynamic, multifaceted organisation at the heart of Ireland's financial system. The organisation incorporates the functions of central banking and financial regulation. We have the responsibility for the regulation of the Irish financial services industry and the safeguarding of Irish financial stability. The Central Bank of Ireland currently has a vacancy for a Head of Function (Fitness & Probity, Credit Union Investigations and Revocations and Refusals) on a specified purpose contract for approx. 12 months in the Enforcement Investigations Division. This role is aligned with the Head of Function (HOF) grade and the HOF salary scale applies.  Please click here for further information on our salary scales. The purpose of this role is to direct, lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team in the progression of the Central Bank's enforcement mandate, to drive completion of the Division's annual work programme and, working with the Director, Heads of Division and other Heads of Function, to lead the shaping and implementation of the Enforcement Strategy, delivering on the Central Bank's commitment to provide a credible threat of enforcement and holding individuals to account. Responsibilities: Direct, lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of highly qualified professionals, through effective challenge, direction, delegation, performance management and coaching, to ensure a high performing, well-motivated and effective team, with staff who are supported in meeting their own job enrichment / development objectives, and deliver the required results for Enforcement and the Central Bank; Specifically lead and direct the team with responsibility for the following functions: Fitness and Probity - advising on the gatekeeper function regarding the appointment of individuals to pre-approval controlled functions and taking part in interviews as appropriate.  This team is also responsible for conducting investigations into the fitness and probity of individuals currently performing controlled (and pre-approval controlled) functions and investigations into regulated entities concerning their compliance with Fitness and Probity Standards; Revocations and Refusals - cases concerning the refusal of an application for authorisation, revocation of a regulated financial service providers authorisation and the opposition to the acquisition of a qualifying holding in a regulated financial service provider, all where certain grounds within the applicable legislation are met; Administrative Sanctions Cases - prioritising and concluding cases within fitness and probity and Credit Union Investigations to settlement and/or Inquiry, directing and leading Enforcement's response to litigation which may arise out of those cases, with support as necessary from the Enforcement Technical Advisory Team. At all times, demonstrate sound judgement to ensure that the right cases are progressed in the most efficient, effective and legally sound manner, within appropriate risk parameters, to deliver on the Central Bank's commitment to provide a credible threat of enforcement and holding individuals to account; Shape and influence the strategic thinking of Enforcement in relation to the various legal and policy issues that arise, both generally and also in the aforementioned enforcement functions, so that the Division can progress its cases and mandate effectively; Liaise with supervisory divisions within the Central Bank in order to facilitate the efficient and effective referral and progression of enforcement functions, and to enhance key Enforcement stakeholder relationships; Working collaboratively with the other Heads of Function and the wider team to support the Director and Heads of Division in their role, ensure continuous knowledge sharing, development of best practice procedure and effective resource allocation across the entire Division; and Working with the other Heads of Functions and the wider team, lead development of the Divisional and Directorate Strategy, making proposals to the Director and Heads of Division, as appropriate.  Monitor and review progress against relevant elements of the Strategic Plan / Divisional Balanced Scorecard, and implement timely remedial action where deviations arise; Working with the other Heads of Function and the wider team, support the Director and Heads of Division in the effective running of the Division, including such things as drafting and presenting Commission presentations, supervisory updates, briefing papers and updates for the Director General; Promote a culture of continuous improvement and development; seek to identify and act on opportunities to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Division and quickly and appropriately identify and remedy efficiency weaknesses which may arise within the Division; and As a senior enforcement expert, participate in relevant domestic or international fora, including participation in working groups, committees and speaking engagements, representing the Central Bank to ensure that a valuable contribution is made by Enforcement and that relevant enforcement issues are identified and/or communicated. Requirements: A high level of relevant academic achievement in the fields of litigation, administrative law, financial services law, risk, compliance, forensic investigation, internal audit or any related professional discipline; Professional legal qualification as practicing Solicitor or professional accounting qualification e.g. ACA, ACCA, CPA; A minimum of 10 years' Post Qualification Experience (PQE), with at least five years at a senior level, managing large teams in a professional environment; Experience of some or all of the following: administrative/regulatory and financial services law and litigation, including application of principles of natural justice; large complex litigation and /or leading large/complex investigations; Highly analytical, able to interpret large volumes of complex information quickly and accurately and the ability to make logical and timely decisions, cutting through complexity and seeing the big picture; High degree of technical excellence in chosen specialism i.e. litigation, investigations, criminal prosecution, regulation; Strong project management skills and proven ability to manage and balance a diverse portfolio of activity; Excellent judgement and the confidence, discipline and intellectual ability to deliver in a demanding environment, prioritising appropriately and demonstrating incisive judgement and problem solving skills at all times; Excellent verbal and written communication with an ability to communicate with, and influence effectively, individuals at all levels from across the organisation and the Financial Services industry as a whole; Excellent relationship management skills and capable of commanding respect and credibility internally and with firms' senior management and their legal representatives; Strong people management, coaching and leadership skills and an ability to monitor and review high and low performance of a team, providing support and guidance to ensure success; Ability to manage a large team of diverse individuals to deliver results within internally and externally mandated deadlines; Ability to deal calmly with unexpected challenges; Act professionally, ethically and with integrity including being an exemplar for the key principles and behaviours of the Central Bank; and Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills. If you would like to learn more about the type of work you would be involved in in the Enforcement Investigations Division, and hear some of our colleague stories, please click here . Application Details: Closing date: 08 October 2017 To apply, please complete the application form attached (via the link below). As the application form plays an important role in the shortlisting and selection process, it is essential that it is completed fully. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an automatic email from us acknowledging receipt. If you do not receive this auto-acknowledgement, please contact Nicola Connolly on 01 224 6780 Cuirfear fáilte roimh chomhfhreagras í nGaeilge. The Central Bank of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.