Nóirín O Sullivan is the United Nations Assistant General Secretary for Safety and Security, based in New York. The Department is responsible for the safety and security of United Nations staff members and their dependents across the world, this includes complex high-risk environments, and provides trusted security leadership and risk-based solutions to enable UN system wide global operations and delivery of programs. The Department works in partnership and collaboration with Member States, Regional Groups, Host Government Authorities and Senior UN Leaders including Agencies, Funds and Programs.

Nóirín is also responsible for providing leadership and overseeing the governance and internal management of the Department, including the design and implementation of specific initiatives for Operational Excellence and Knowledge Management. She oversees for the integration of strategies and key priorities to support the broader UN system and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Secretary Generals Reform agenda. Nóirín also leads on the Gender and Inclusion strategy and is a champion and role model for diversity. 

Prior to joining the United Nations, Nóirín enjoyed a 36 year career in An Garda Síochána (Irelands National Police and Security Service). Throughout her career she worked her way progressively through each rank, working in both operational and strategic leadership positions. She gained extensive experience in the International Law enforcement and Security environment and is a recognized leader in the areas of international security, crisis and risk management, strategic and institutional leadership, managing complexity, resilience, transformational change and partnership building. 

In 2014 Nóirín was appointed the first ever female Commissioner in the almost 100-year history of the An Garda Síochána, she had dual responsibility as both Chief of Police and Head of National Security Service.  She was responsible for advising the Minister for Justice and the Government of Ireland on all matters relating to national and international policing, security and intelligence. She represented Ireland on several international policing and security fora. She served on the Management Board of EUROPOL, was Regional Chair for Europe with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, (IACP), Virginia, and a member of the Police executive Research Forum (PERF), Washington. 

Nóirín is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI National Executive Institute. She holds a Master of Business Studies MBS in Strategic management and Planning, from the Michael Smurfit School of Business, University College Dublin. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) from the University of Ulster for distinguished Public Service. 

Nóirín is a Board Member on the North American Advisory Board for the UCD College of Business.

‍

In week 4of the challenge, we focus on the theme of Leadership & Inspiration. Join Alan Ennis in conversation with Noirín O’Sullivan & Conor O’Shea as they take an in-depth look at leadership styles and authenticity, with a firm focus on leadership in challenging environments. Hear from Noirín during the w/cMonday March 8th.