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Aoife OLoughlin

@aoifeoloughlin

Social equity and sustainability consultant supporting UAE mission-driven enterprises and designing an SDG 12-aligned program for a global conglomerate.

United Arab Emirates

Message

I support mission-driven micro- and small enterprises in the UAE through my consulting work in social equity and sustainable practices. I designed an SDG 12-aligned program for a UAE-owned global conglomerate and developed a business plan for a marketplace focused on local ethical enterprise.

At Luminus Education Group, I served as Chief of Staff and Group Chief People Officer. I supported growth strategy, negotiated operating partner deals across four markets, and initiated the first phase of a digital platform for learners, employers, and impact partners.

At Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, I built operational functions and systems, including a grants methodology for a US$30 million philanthropic fund for refugee education. Earlier, I managed grants at Tostan and served as a diplomat at the Embassy of Ireland to Beijing.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Consultant

Current

Social Equity & Sustainable Practices

Nov 2023 - Present (2 years 11 months)

Supporting mission-driven micro- and small enterprises in the UAE, delivering sustainable products and services, driving efficiencies and growth. Developed and delivered capacity building training focused on fundraising, partnerships and effective aid to UAE Royal foundations.

Sustainability Social Equity Fundraising Partnerships Capacity Building Strategic Advisory Business Planning Workshop Moderation

Chief of Staff & Group Chief People Officer

Luminus Education Group

Sep 2020 - Oct 2023 (3 years 1 month)

Managed daily operations across all functions of the company, supporting the CEO in developing and implementing an ambitious growth strategy. Led group-wide change management and served as Group Chief People & Culture Officer for 900+ staff across four locations.

Director of Operations

Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education

Jan 2017 - Aug 2020 (3 years 7 months)

Built all operational functions and supporting systems and SOPs across finance, HR, grant and scholarship management, IT, and governance. Developed grants methodology and systems to disburse US$30m philanthropic fund for refugee education.

Operations Management Financial Management Grants Management Governance Compliance Strategic Planning Contract Negotiation Audit Management IT Systems Data Security Leadership Partnership Building Program Management Budgeting Procurement Payroll

Operations Coordinator

Dispute Resolution Authority, Dubai International Finance Ce

Apr 2016 - Dec 2016 (8 months)

Coordinated operations at the Dispute Resolution Authority within the Dubai International Finance Centre Courts.

Head of Operations

The Aid to Trade Foundation

Oct 2013 - Sep 2014 (11 months)

Led operations for The Aid to Trade Foundation in South Africa.

Executive Officer

Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Government of

Jan 2013 - Oct 2013 (9 months)

Served as Executive Officer at the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform.

Grants & Finance Manager

Tostan

Oct 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 2 months)

Managed grants to 60k beneficiaries across 8 countries in East & West Africa, adhering to strict contractual obligations and reporting set by major donors. Advised on program design and digitised reporting systems.

Grants Management Financial Management Donor Reporting Program Design Risk Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation Digitalization Contract Management

Immigration Officer / Chancery Manager

Embassy of Ireland

Aug 2002 - Mar 2010 (7 years 7 months)

Served as a diplomat at the Embassy of Ireland to Beijing, China for eight years. Managed chancery, hosted diplomatic community events, and was responsible for government aid.

Diplomacy Chancery Management Event Management Government Aid Protocols State Visits