Role: Controller – PEACEPLUS

Directorate: Social Inclusion and Employment
Unit: European Union Funding Unit
Grade: 4
Reporting to: Head of Operations

Background

The Programme Delivery Unit (PDU) will lead the operational delivery of programmes from the beginning to the end of the programme lifecycle.

Each PDU will contain several programmes, grouped together thematically where possible. These Units will be made up of Manager(s), Development Co-ordinators, Administrators and Support Officers (if relevant) with skillsets and knowledge relevant to the Unit remit and functions to deliver a range of supports and services to organisations on behalf of Government Departments and Pobal.

The PDUs will work together in developing and applying common methods and templates to standardise processes and procedures across the PDU’s. The PDUs will actively collaborate with other SIE Units and Pobal Directorates to deliver on the remit and to input on other relevant programme work that is led out by other Directorates. The PDUs will be committed to continuous service improvement and promoting service excellence.

About PEACEPLUS

PEACEPLUS is a unique cross-border structural funds programme aimed at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous society in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland. It represents the European Union’s commitment to supporting the peace process across the region, with the first PEACE Programme launched in 1995. With an investment of €1.144bn to support projects it will promote peace and reconciliation and contribute to cross-border economic and territorial development.

PEACEPLUS is supported by the European Union, the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the Irish Government. It is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS comprises six themes, which encompass 22 individual investment areas.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Controller to oversee compliance of our EU-funded grant programme. This includes the verification and sign-off on lump sum simplified cost options, financial review of quotations for non-reference costs, and ensuring adherence to EU and national financial regulations. The Controller will play a key role in ensuring that the programme’s budget, based on a Simplified Cost Option (SCO) model, is effectively managed and monitored. The Controller will work closely with project partners, auditors and funding authorities to maintain financial oversight and risk management.

The role will involve supervising an On-the-Spot Verification Visit Officer, ensuring compliance with EU regulations, and providing clear financial oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

The Controller within the EU Unit is to provide Service Excellence to our customers and colleagues by building a deep understanding of their needs, requirements and expectations and consistently meeting, and managing their expectations in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.

The Controller within the EU Unit supports the delivery of high-quality verifications and performance services so that programmer’s resources and requirements are appropriately targeted and supported to deliver Programme objectives and expected outcomes.

Key aspects of the role include supporting the EU Unit PEACEPLUS Manager in co ordinating:

• Funding disbursement in a competent and accountable manner.
• Verification of Milestones/Expenditure in relation to EU Grant Aid to ensure that expenditure reported by grant recipients in each grant report fulfils the grant conditions.
• Reports, profiling, and analysis.
• Verification, Control Function and Assurance on all aspects of payments, governance, and budgets.
• Ensuring adherence to EU Regulations and Directives including (but not limited to)
  • Common Provisions Regulation (EU) No 2021/1060
  • Interreg Regulation (EU) No 2021/1059
  • EU Directives on public procurement

The responsibilities of the Controller outlined in this job description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with business requirements.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification attached below.

Selection Process

A shortlisting exercise will be employed. Eligible applications will be shortlisted according to how well the experience and skills as described by applicants match the needs of Pobal for this post. Those candidates whose applications, in the opinion of the review panel, appear best suited to the position will be short-listed for interview.

The complete job spec, application form and further information can be found on the Pobal website: Pobal Job Vacancies

Deadline for application: May 1st, 2025

Pobal is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society.