Meet the team at Irish Jesuits International

Director – John K. Guiney SJ

John spent more than 20 years working in the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa. While there, he co-founded the Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and held a post as Regional Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Eastern Africa in addition to his formation, pastoral and administrative duties. He is also Global Coordinator of the Society of Jesus ‘Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Child Protection’ programme.

Deputy Director – Emer Kerrigan
Emer has worked in the international development sector for two decades, in missionary, faith-based and secular NGOs. She coordinates the International Development Programme which includes accessing institutional donor funding and supporting our development partners overseas. She holds a Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science.

Roving Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) Advisor – Tim Flynn

Tim is based in Kenya and provides monitoring and evaluation support for our funded project partners. He has lived in East Africa since 1999 and has volunteered and worked with the Volunteer Missionary Movement (VMM) in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda including a year with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) at Radio Kwizera in Tanzania. His professional background is in business teaching, finance and administration.

Marketing and Communications Coordinator – Yanira Romero

Yanira has worked for IJI for more than a decade, leading the marketing and donor processes within our Strategic Framework. Her work includes design and updating newsletters, annual reports and the IJI website, as well as providing IT support to the team. She holds a degree in Marketing in addition to qualifications in International Business and Digital Marketing.

Communications & Research Officer – Joe Munnelly

Joe has a PhD in Humanitarian and Development studies graduating from UCD’s Centre for Humanitarian action. His research background has focused on Europe’s refugee crisis, social inclusion & community engagement. Joe also has years of experience in advocacy & campaigns having worked as Advocacy Officer for Oxfam Ireland & Failte Refugees.

Receptionist – Rosaleen Kenny

Rosaleen is the main contact person between Irish Jesuits overseas and the office. Her work includes providing an efficient, professional and friendly service in reception, administration, events planning, newsletter distribution, communications and logistics for the Director and assisting the IJI team as required.

Receptionist – Amanda Bermingham

Amanda works in reception and administrative support and is a primary point of contact for visitors and phone calls. She plays a key role in coordinating IJI events and in processing donations. She is IJI’s Health and Safety representative, Fire Marshall and First Aider. Her professional background is in administration.

Finance Officer – Jim Allen

Jim is in charge of the financial aspect of IJI. He ensures that our finance processes are compliant with all of the charity regulations. He is a Certified Public Accountant with a Diploma in Governance for Charities. Jim has over 20 years experience in senior financial roles across the hospitality sector.

Projects Officer – Rutsuko Matsumoto

Rutsuko has a MA in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary in the US & MPhil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin. Her research focused on the role of religion in peacebuilding in Palestine-Israel. She has worked in development & humanitarian sectors in a Japanese NGO, interning with UNICEF Ireland & the Community Action Center Al-Quds University, Palestine.