Chief Executive Officer
Location: Cork City
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (subject to probation period of 6 months)
Salary: €68,000 to €75,000
Reports to: Board of Directors
About Nasc the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre
Nasc is a leading Irish migrant and refugee charity working to realise the rights of migrants, refugees and people seeking international protection. Founded in Cork in 2000, Nasc combines frontline support, advocacy, community engagement, policy development and public campaigning to address the barriers that prevent people from accessing their rights and participating fully in Irish society. Over more than two decades, Nasc has supported thousands of individuals and families while also helping to shape national conversations and policy on migration, integration, international protection and equality.
Nasc works alongside migrant and refugee communities to promote access to justice, challenge discrimination, strengthen inclusion and advance systemic change. Through our advocacy, policy influence, research, community partnerships and public engagement, the organisation seeks to ensure that the voices and experiences of those most affected by immigration and protection systems are reflected in decision-making.
Today, Nasc is recognised as one of Ireland's leading independent voices on migrant and refugee rights, with a strong reputation for evidence-based advocacy, community-centred practice and strategic engagement with government, civil society and public institutions.
As the organisation enters the next phase of delivering its Strategic Plan, the Board is seeking an experienced, values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation, strengthen its impact and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, operational and organisational leadership to Nasc.
The successful candidate will lead the implementation of the organisation's Strategic Plan, support and develop a committed staff team, strengthen relationships with communities and stakeholders, ensure financial sustainability and maintain Nasc's position as a respected and influential voice on migrant and refugee rights.
This is a hands-on leadership role. While responsible for strategic leadership and external representation, the CEO will also be expected to engage directly with operational challenges, support organisational delivery and work collaboratively across all areas of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Organisational Performance
Lead the implementation and delivery of Nasc's Strategic Plan.
Translate strategic priorities into clear organisational objectives and work plans.
Monitor and report on progress against strategic goals and organisational outcomes.
Identify emerging risks, opportunities and policy developments relevant to Nasc's work.
Ensure organisational resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
Promote a culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement.
Leadership and People Management
Lead, support and develop the staff team.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive and values-led organisational culture.
Ensure effective staff management, performance review and professional development processes.
Promote employee wellbeing and positive workplace relationships.
Support managers and staff to address operational challenges and organisational priorities.
Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies.
Advocacy, Policy and External Influence
Lead the implementation of Nasc's advocacy and policy objectives.
Maintain oversight of Nasc's legal advocacy, policy and campaigning work.
Build productive relationships with government departments, elected representatives, public bodies and policymakers.
Support the development of evidence-based policy positions, research and public advocacy.
Represent Nasc at national and international forums, advisory groups and public events.
Act as a credible and influential advocate for migrant and refugee rights.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with migrant and refugee communities.
Strengthen partnerships with refugee- and migrant-led organisations, community groups and civil society organisations.
Promote collaborative approaches to advocacy, service delivery and systems change.
Ensure the voices and experiences of affected communities inform organisational priorities and public positions.
Fundraising and Financial Sustainability
Lead the implementation of Nasc's fundraising and sustainability strategy.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors and philanthropic partners.
Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen organisational income.
Oversee funding applications, grant management and reporting requirements.
Ensure effective financial planning, budgeting and resource allocation.
Support the long-term sustainability and resilience of the organisation.
Governance, Compliance and Risk Management
Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory and funding obligations.
Maintain effective systems of risk management, accountability and internal control.
Provide timely, accurate and transparent reports to the Board.
Ensure the organisation operates in accordance with best practice governance standards.
Communications and Public Representation
Act as the principal spokesperson for Nasc.
Represent the organisation in media interviews and public forums.
Support strategic communications and public awareness activities.
Build Nasc's profile and reputation nationally and internationally.
Promote understanding of migrant, refugee and international protection issues through public engagement and advocacy.
Person Specification
Essential
Significant senior leadership experience in the community, voluntary, public or related sectors.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams in complex and resource-constrained environments.
Experience implementing organisational strategy and delivering measurable outcomes.
Experience working effectively with Boards and governance structures.
Strong understanding of public policy, advocacy, human rights or social justice issues.
Experience managing organisational budgets and financial oversight.
Experience building partnerships and influencing decision-makers.
Excellent communication, public speaking and stakeholder engagement skills.
A strong commitment to equality, human rights and social justice.
Desirable
Knowledge of migration, asylum, integration or refugee protection issues.
Experience of fundraising, grant management and income diversification.
Experience representing an organisation in the media.
Experience managing organisational growth or change.
Understanding of the Irish charity and non-profit sector.
Why Join Nasc?
This is an opportunity to lead one of Ireland's most respected migrant and refugee rights organisations at a time of significant social and policy change.
You will work with a committed staff team, engaged Board, strong national reputation and a clear strategic direction. The role offers the opportunity to influence policy, strengthen rights protections and contribute to lasting systems change for migrants, refugees and people seeking international protection.
Benefits
Employer pension contribution.
25 days annual leave entitlement + 3 days personal leave.
Up to two weeks of approved remote working annually, which may be taken in blocks.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Professional development and learning opportunities.
A supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment
Application Process
Please complete the application questions, add a cover letter (max 750 words) outlining your suitability for the role and your motivation for applying, and upload your CV (max 2 pages).
Closing Date: 10th July 2026 at 1:30pm
Nasc is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of migration, displacement or seeking international protection.
