Communications and Stakeholder Engagement - Executive Officer

About Us

The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is a new, independent Irish statutory authority established under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. The principal function of the AHRRA is to protect, promote and, in so far as is practicable, ensure the health and well-being of children born as a result of AHR, persons undergoing AHR treatment, and intending parents. The AHRRA will regulate AHR and surrogacy by licensing treatment providers, publishing codes of practice, approving surrogacy agreements that comply with the Act, maintaining databases and registers to be established under the Act, as well as other functions as required. ​​

Role Purpose

The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Executive Officer will play a key role in identifying and communicating the AHRRA’s key messages, statements and decisions to the media and to relevant stakeholders.

This is a pivotal role in terms of developing effective relationships with the AHRRA’s key stakeholders, both internal and external, as well as supporting the development and maintenance of AHRRA’s Corporate Communications and Engagement Strategy. This will include the AHRRA’s website, corporate visual identity and relevant social media.

Key Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Third level qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Languages or Journalism.

• A minimum of 1 year experience in communications / media relations, particularly experience engaging with journalists, senior executives and/or senior public sector stakeholders.

• Demonstrated strong digital communications skills, including experience monitoring, updating and creating content through content management systems (e.g. WordPress) and social media channels.

• Excellent understanding of the Irish media, political and public policy environment.

• A proven ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in delivering media relations / public affairs reports.

• Experience in design and desk-top publishing.

• Competency in the Irish language, both written and spoken.

• Fluency in current trends in digital platforms for communication campaigns.

• Relevant experience in a similar role within a regulatory body, State agency, public sector organisation or comparable environment.

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Executive Officer (EO) level. The full narrative for the EO competencies can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet.

Eligibility to Work in Ireland

Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. Candidate must meet one of the following at the time of application:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and

d) Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

e) A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission* or a Stamp 5 permission

f) *Please note that a 50 TEU Visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

How to Apply

Candidates are required to submit an application form and upload a copy of their CV, and a cover letter (maximum two pages) demonstrating how their skills, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria for the role. To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button below. Applications must be submitted before the application closing date.

Closing date: Monday 16th November 2026, 12 noon

Please note that late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.

The AHRRA is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels valued, respected and supported to be their authentic selves.​ ​

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, where required, throughout the recruitment process. ​To discuss or request accommodations in confidence, please contact [email protected]. ​​

Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Candidate_Information_Booklet_-_EO_Communications_and_Stakeholder_Engagement-_English.pdf

The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA)

Candidate Information Booklet

Job Title: Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Officer Grade: Executive Officer

October 2026

General Information

Job Title: Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Grade: Executive Officer

Salary Range: €38,803 – €40,764 – €41,871 – €44,030 – €45,965 – €47,838 – €49,703 – €51,534 – €53,419 – €55,296 – €57,289 – €58,624 – €60,527 LSI1 – €63,227 LSI2 *New entrants will start at the first point of scale

Annual Leave: 30 annual leave days

Tenure: Permanent

Reporting to: Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Employing Authority: The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority

Office Location: 7 Fitzwilliam Street, Lower, Dublin 2 * Operating from a temporary office space with plans to relocate to a long-term premises in the Dublin 1 or 2 areas in early 2027

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working

Closing Date: 16th November 2026, 12 noon

Please note, AHRRA have engaged Cpl as a data processor to assist with this recruitment competition.

About Us The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is a new, independent Irish statutory authority established under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 . The principal function of the AHRRA is to protect, promote and, in so far as is practicable, ensure the health and well-being of children born as a result of AHR, persons undergoing AHR treatment, and intending parents. The AHRRA will regulate AHR and su rrogacy by licensing treatment providers, publishing codes of practice, approving surrogacy agreements that comply with the Act, maintaining databases and registers to be established under the Act, as well as other functions as required.

Role Purpose The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Executive Officer will play a key role in identifying and communicating the AHRRA’s key messages, statements and decisions to the media and to relevant stakeholders. This is a pivotal role in terms of developing effective relationships with AHRRA’s key stakeholders, both internal and external, as well as supporting the development and maintenance of AHRRA’s Corporate Communications and Engagement Strategy. This will include AHRRA’s website, corporate visual identity and relevant social media.

Key Responsibilities Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following business areas;

Media, Stakeholder Engagement & Corporate Communications • Supporting the Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement with the coordination of relevant stakeholder engagement on behalf of the organisation. • In conjunction with the Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, handle all press and media queries. • Monitor the media for mentions of AHRRA, and for information relevant to the organisation and wider telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors.  This will also include preparing reports. • Highlight key issues arising in external press and media outlets and manage our media monitoring service provider. • Assisting with the drafting and collating of key documents such as AHRRA’s Annual Report. • Assisting in the production of AHRRA’s internal and external communications. • Delivering and maintaining an internal communications framework.

Digital Communications & Content Management • Maintain AHRRA’s website(s) and services which will include creating content, coordinating the inputs from our network of internal content creators, uploading of regulatory documents, and providing training and upskilling as required. • Liaise with AHRRA website partners and define new and ongoing website development requirements and evolution. • Responsible for defining SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) reporting using Google Analytics in conjunction with AHRRA’s website partners. • Coordinating and managing the AHRRA X and LinkedIn accounts. • Promote AHRRA’s commitment to the Irish language – this will include responsibility for the generation and updating of Irish language content to AHRRA’s website and the approval of content, where relevant, in AHRRA publications.

Operational Support & Service Delivery • Undertake the role of Acting Access Officer when required, with responsibility for implementing the Disability Act and AHRRA’s obligations under the Act. • Develop a strong understanding of the organisation, its regulatory functions, stakeholders, and operational priorities to support the effective delivery of services. • Manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, demonstrating excellent organisational skills, adaptability, and the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines.

Please note that the above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties the successful applicant will be required to undertake. The nature of the role requires flexibility in terms of duties and ho urs of attendance and will be subject to periodic review with the post holder.

Key Requirements Essential Criteria • Third level qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Languages or Journalism. • A m inimum of 1 year experience in communications / media relations , particularly experience engaging with journalists, senior executives and/or senior public sector stakeholders. • Demonstrated strong digital communications skills, including experience monitoring, updating and creating content through content management systems (e.g. WordPress) and social media channels. • Excellent understanding of the Irish media, political and public policy environment. • A proven ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.

Desirable Criteria • Experience in delivering media relations / public affairs reports. • Experience in design and desk-top publishing. • Competency in the Irish language, both written and spoken. • Fluency in current trends in digital platforms for communication campaigns. • Relevant experience in a similar role within a regulatory body, State agency, public sector organisation or comparable environment.

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Executive Officer (EO) level. The full narrative for the EO competencies can be found below.

Eligibility to Work in Ireland Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. Candidate must meet one of the following at the time of application: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and d) Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or e) A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission* or a Stamp 5 permission f) *Please note that a 50 TEU Visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

How to Apply To apply for this role, please submit a completed application form including an up-to-date CV, and a cover letter (maximum two pages). Please note that late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process. All applications must be submitted through the following link before the application closing date: https://landing.cpl.com/AHRRA/careers.html

Closing date: 16th November 2026, 12 noon

Selection Process AHRRA is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels valued, respected and supported to be their authentic selves. Reas onable accommodations will be provided, where required, throughout the recruitment process. To discuss or request accommodations in confidence, please contact [email protected]

The selection process may include some or all of the following stages: • Shortlisting of candidates based on the information provided in their application; • First-round interview

Shortlisting Candidates may be shortlisted based on the information provided in their application. To satisfy the requirements of the shortlisting panel, candidates should clearly demonstrate within their application how their skills, knowledge, and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined for the role. Failure to provide sufficient evidence against these criteria may result in an application not progressing to the next stage of the selection process.

Interview It is anticipated that this competition will comprise of one competency-based interview. Details of the relevant Executive Officer grade competencies are provided on the following page. Interviews are expected to take place during December 2026. Candidates should ensure they are available on the dates specified by AHRRA and that the contact details provided in their application remain accurate and up to date.

Competency Framework During the interview, the AHRRA will conduct competency style interviews based on the Executive Officer competencies below:

Performance Indicators People Management • Consults and encourages the full engagement of the team, encouraging open and constructive discussions around work issues • Gets the best out of individuals and the team, encouraging good performance and addressing any performance issues that may arise • Values and supports the development of others and the team • Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working • Deals with tensions within the team in a constructive fashion • Encourages, listens to and acts on feedback from the team to make improvements • Actively shares information, knowledge and expertise to help the team to meet it’s objectives

Analysis & Decision Making • Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues • Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which s/he works – procedures, divisional objectives etc. • Identifies and understands key issues and trends • Correctly extracts & interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations • Draws accurate conclusions & makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence

Delivery of Results • Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation • Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery • Accurately estimates time parameters for project, making contingencies to overcome obstacles • Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place • Maximises the input of own team in ensuring effective delivery of results • Ensures proper service delivery procedures/protocols/reviews are in place and implemented

Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation/ audience

• Actively listens to the views of others • Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation • Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome • Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner • Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues • Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Displays high levels of skills/ expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues • Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department/ Organisation and can communicate this to the team • Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for self and the team

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values • Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level • Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change • Is resilient and perseveres to obtain objectives despite obstacles or setbacks • Ensures that customer service is at the heart of own/team work • Is personally honest and trustworthy • Acts with integrity and encourages this in others

Additional Information

Please Note Qualifications/eligibility may not be confirmed until the final stage of the process, therefore, those candidates who do not possess the essential requirements, on or by the dates as specified, and proceed with their application are putting themselves to u nnecessary effort/expense and will not be offered a position from this competition. The onus is on the candidate to ensure they fulfil the eligibility requirements as set out.

AHRRA reserves the right to deem an applicant ineligible at any stage if it is apparent that the candidate does not hold the required eligibility/qualifications e.g. from the submitted application form. Candidates who are unable to demonstrate that they hold/wi ll hold the required qualification(s) by the deadline specified may be withdrawn from the competition at any stage. An invitation to interview or any element of the selection process is not acceptance of eligibility. Candidates who are placed on a panel an d come under consideration for a position will be required to provide documentary evidence of their eligibility, including qualifications. Please be aware a transcript of results may be required; therefore, the onus is on candidates to have this information available if requested.

Benefits As well as a rewarding and challenging career, some of the benefits of this role are: • Clearly defined public sector pay scales • Public sector pension scheme and annual leave entitlements • Opportunities to grow and develop your career as the organisation evolves • Hybrid working arrangements and flexible working hours • A collaborative and supportive working environment • A modern Dublin city centre office with excellent public transport links • TaxSaver commuter tickets and the Bike to Work scheme • Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) following its procurement • Professional development opportunities, including employer-supported academic study, paid study leave, and in-house learning and development programmes

Pay The salary for this position is as follows (rates effective from 1st June 2026): €38,803 – €40,764 – €41,871 – €44,030 – €45,965 – €47,838 – €49,703 – €51,534 – €53,419 – €55,296 – €57,289 – €58,624 – €60,527 LSI1 – €63,227 LSI2

Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI1) and 6 (LSI2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale. The PPC pay rate applies when the individual is required to pay a Personal Pension Contribution (otherwise known as a main scheme con tribution) in accordance with the rules of their main/personal superannuation scheme. This is different to a contribution in respect of membership of a Spouses’ and Children’s scheme, or the Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC). A different rate w ill apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy.

Entry will be at the minimum of the scale, and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line will current Government Policy.

Feedback and Queries Candidates may request feedback at any stage of the recruitment process by submitting their request in writing to [email protected]. Any queries, concerns or complaints relating to the recruitment process should also be submitted in writing to the same contact point and will be addressed accordingly.