Having previously worked as a civil servant in the Departments of Transport, Tourism, Trade and Foreign Affairs, Robin Hanan led three organisations working for equality, social justice and peace over a 30-year period.

As Coordinator of Comhlámh, he supported volunteers in education and advocacy work for international solidarity and global justice, and convened the broad-based Asylum Rights Alliance. As Director of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland he trained, informed and supported national and local groups working against poverty to understand and engage with Irish and European policy. Within the broader European network, he chaired the social inclusion policy group and helped build networks and engage with governments and NGOs in most EU member states. As CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, he worked for the rights and interests of refugees and migrants. This continued to be central to his voluntary work, including his involvement with the Glencree Intercultural and Refugee Programme.

Since retirement in 2018, Robin has served on a number of voluntary Boards and advisory committees. He currently serves as Chairperson of Voluntary Service International (VSI) which promotes peace, social justice and sustainable development. He provides support to human rights organisations in a voluntary capacity, especially in planning and facilitation. Always passionate about the mission and work of Glencree, he served as a Director of the Board from 2018 to 2021 before returning to the Board in 2024.

He has lived in Bray all of his life, apart from periods living and working in UK, Italy, Nicaragua, Sweden and Greece.