Finance Evaluation Officer

Background to Requirement

BIM is the Irish State agency responsible for developing the Irish seafood industry. It supports the Irish seafood industry and communities in ensuring that aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably. Ireland has secured funding under the EMFAF (European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) to support the implementation of EMFAF which will lead to:

• Healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans

• Food security through the supply of seafood products

• Growth of a sustainable blue economy

BIM implements a wide range of grant schemes under the EMFAF programme on behalf of DAFM. Many grants include financial assessment criteria and BIM is committed to meeting the highest governance standards in ensuring that these are appropriately assessed and reported on. The organisation also intends to demonstrate the impact of grant awards through tangible impacts and outcomes in respect of the grants awarded under the EMFAF programmes, including financial impact. BIM is seeking an appropriately skilled, Finance Evaluation Officer to provide financial expertise in both assessing grant applications and advising the organisation on best practice in this area.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the financial eligibility of grant applications and projects under the EMFAF programme, ensuring full compliance with programme rules and funding requirements.

• Attend and contribute to evaluation and grant approval meetings, providing financial analysis and insight to support robust decision-making.

• Prepare reports on grant expenditure, collating, analysing, and interpreting financial data, statistics, and key performance indicators.

• Monitor and report on grant expenditure by comparing committed and actual spend, identifying variances, and supporting effective financial control and budget management.

• Prepare and maintain EMFAF audit documentation and act as a key liaison during audits with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), EU bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of grant payments in accordance with established procedures and controls.

• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and implement process improvements across the grants administration and financial management process.

• Provide flexible support across the team, including deputising for colleagues and undertaking additional duties as required to support business objectives.

• Other duties as required within the Department.

Personal Attributes Required for the Position

• Good personal organisational and priority-setting skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Capable of working independently as well as being an effective team player, with initiative and accuracy.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

• Values the sharing of information and continuous improvement in a cooperative atmosphere of constructive evaluation and learning.

• Excellent facilitation and team-building capacity.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• A relevant third-level degree in accounting/finance or a relevant field or actively pursuing same.

• Demonstrated understanding of financial assessment of projects or programmes.

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a financial or audit role.

• Excellent analytical skills including advanced MS Excel and Power BI.

• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work with and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

• Effective organisation and administration skills.

• Good time management and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

• The ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team.

• Good written and verbal communication skills in addition to effective numeracy skills.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Understanding of the EU funding environment.

• Experience of financial assessment of projects or programmes.

• Public sector experience.

Salary

Remuneration is in accordance with the Public Sector, Department of Finance approved Salary Scale for Higher Executive Officer with a salary range €60,029 to €76,546 (as of 1st June 2026) per annum pro-rated with time worked.

Appointment will be at the first point of the pay scale unless the candidate is currently employed within the public services.

You will become a member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme if you are not currently a member of a public sector pension scheme (or have not been a member in the past six months). Salary and Pension Scheme are subject to public sector approved norms and take account of recent service in the public sector in line with relevant circulars and rules.