Gerard O’Brien
Athgarvin
Summary
Information Communication Manager with extensive experience in Crisis Risk Management, specializing in ICT strategy development and team leadership. Proven expertise in data security management and communication, resulting in successful project outcomes. Recognized for process optimization and operational efficiency improvements in high-pressure settings.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Information Communication Manager
Crisis Risk Management
01.2010 - 01.2025
- Key responsibilities involve developing ICT strategies aligned with business goals, managing IT staff and budgets, ensuring data security and system performance, overseeing project implementation, and acting as a point of contact for vendors and other departments.
- The role requires strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to translate business needs into effective technological solutions.
Information Technology Instructor, Military College
Department of Defence
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Organisational level Instructor/Teacher/Accredited Tester in ECDL / Advanced ECDL (European Computer Driver Licence).
- Instructor/Teacher of Oracle based software, creating Oracle user training database.
- Instructor/Teacher in Computer based Hardware / Software.
- Instructor/Teacher in the Organisational Inventory Management System (logistical inventory system).
- Instructor/Teacher in the Organisational Personal Management System (HR Personnel Management Tool).
Overseas Service work experience
Department of Defence
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Customs clearance
- Transport Manager
- Finance Controller
- Procurement
- Finance and Travel
- Warehouse management Inventory controller.
- Security and Operations manager, planning route transport requirement, safety briefing for convoys.
Army Special Forces
Department of Defence
01.1985 - 01.1998
- A former Member of the Army Ranger Wing, (ARW)
- With many years’ experience in security operations both in Ireland and international service which include
- Hostage negotiation, Anti-Terrorist training, Building’s and Plane Rescue Training, Navigation Skills, Security Briefing, Weapons Instructor, Route briefings, lethal and non-lethal rescue training, Firearms training. Escape and Evasion Techniques, Sniper, explosive, Tactical diving and parachuting training.
- Special Operations and Counter-terrorism, and VIP Security.
Logistics Specialist and Organisational Instructor
Department of Defence
01.1998
- Responsible for the procurement of Defence Forces assets in line with Irish and European Procurement Regulations;
- Warehouse and Staff Management in a multinational environment.
- Organisational Budget Management and review both in Ireland and overseas.
- Customs processing and clearance for overseas units.
Education
Masters Science -
Information Technology Management
01.2018
IP Networking and Design -
IT Carlow
01.2016
Business and Supply Chain Management -
Carlow
01.2015
Science and Social Studies -
IFAE
01.2005
Higher Diploma -
Computers Studies Institute of Public Administration (IPA)
Dublin01.2004
Diploma - National University of Ireland (NUI)
Computers
01.2004
Information Technology Teaching Diploma -
JEB
01.2004
Leaving Certificate -
01.2000
Skills
- Supplies Management
- Warehousing Management
- Stock Management
- Oracle database
- Transport Management
- Movement
- Control Planning
- H & S
- Personnel Management
- Fund Management
- Reporting
- MS Office
- Project Management
- Information Technology Management
- Purchaser
- Audits of internal accounts
- Overseeing large military and civilian staff
- Supplier relations
- Goods In /Out Departments
- Stock control
- Security Management and Operations
- ICT strategy development
- Data security management
- Budget management
- Vendor relations
- Team leadership
- Employee training
- Process optimization
- Change management
- Inventory control
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
Driving Licences
- B (B)
- C (C1, C)
- D (D1, D)
- E+ (B, C1, D1)
Other Expertise
- Supplies Management
- Warehousing Management
- Stock Management
- Oracle database
- Transport Management
- Movement
- Control Planning
- H & S
- Personnel Management
- Fund Management
- Reporting
- MS Office
- Project Management
- Information Technology Management
- Purchaser, supervision and monitoring (Oracle database)
- Audits of internal accounts
- Overseeing large military and civilian staff
- Supplier relations
- Goods In /Out Departments
- Stock control using Oracle database i.e. Stocktaking, stock rotation, stock values etc.
- Security Management and Operations
References
Reference supplied on Request.
Hobbies and Interests
- I am an avid reader and love exposure to new areas and theories.
- I have always felt comfortable in overseas environments and have a passion for new cultures and meeting people.
- I enjoy distance running as an outlet and stress management technique.
- I am the webmaster for Childaid.ie also involved in fund raising for the charity.
Instructor Training
- Information & Administration
- Audio Transcription
- Office Administration
- Text Production / Word processing
- CPD
- Language and culture awareness, NATO, Norway, 2010
- Certified internet Webmaster, IPA, Dublin, 2004
- A+ Certified Professional Comp TIA, 2003
- Microsoft Certified Professional PC Technician, 2003
- ECDL accredited Tester, 2002
- ECDL, Irish Computer Society, Dublin Ireland, 2001
- Confidence Training Instructor
- Certificate in Security Studies
Professional Background
I am a highly organised, hardworking and adaptable Manager with over 30 years’ experience working in challenging operating environments all over the world including in the Balkans, Middle East, and Africa. I am adaptive and comfortable in difficult or conflict environments and enjoy meeting goals in challenging situations, in which I have a proven record of accomplishment., I am a natural project/programme leader., I have proven experience in managing extremely complex tasks in challenging environments., I am a team player and have always worked well within both small/specialist teams and larger operational groups., I am a good communicator who can quickly determine requirements and convey the message to co-workers and staff., I have good analytical and research skills, I have the ability to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, propose and decide on a suitable course of action.
Timeline
Information Technology Instructor, Military College
Department of Defence
01.2013 - 01.2015
Information Communication Manager
Crisis Risk Management
01.2010 - 01.2025
Overseas Service work experience
Department of Defence
01.2010 - 01.2015
Logistics Specialist and Organisational Instructor
Department of Defence
01.1998
Army Special Forces
Department of Defence
01.1985 - 01.1998
Masters Science -
Information Technology Management
IP Networking and Design -
IT Carlow
Business and Supply Chain Management -
Carlow
Science and Social Studies -
IFAE
Higher Diploma -
Computers Studies Institute of Public Administration (IPA)
Diploma - National University of Ireland (NUI)
Computers
Information Technology Teaching Diploma -
JEB