Director of Legal Affairs - Principal 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

This is an exciting new opportunity for a person to fill a new role as Director of Legal Affairs. This role will be a senior role in the organisation, establishing, developing and overseeing the Legal Affairs Unit.

The Director will provide professional high-quality legal advice, expertise and support to the Board, while also contributing to and supporting governance, decision making and management practice within the AHRRA. In this role, you will take a strategic view on judicial review and other legal cases through a standardised litigation approach and advise the Board and senior management team accordingly at all points of the decision-making process in relation to those cases.

The Director of Legal Affairs will manage the relationships with external legal agents and counsel and oversee the tendering process for external legal support. In addition, the Legal Affairs Unit will have the role of ensuring widespread sharing of legal knowledge within the AHRRA and improvements in decision making and processing where necessary due to legal developments at national and EU level.

The post holder will also be required at a later stage to design and implement processes to investigate complaints received against license holders, submitting investigation reports for consideration by the AHRRA and seeking High Court confirmation of decisions or sanctions as appropriate. The post will involve management of staff and liaison with the AHRRA’s legal agents.

Key Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Have been called to the Bar of Ireland and /or have been enrolled as a solicitor in the State entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate issued by the Incorporated Law Society;

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in a regulatory or quasi-judicial agency, protecting the public interest with a record of professional achievement.

• At least 5 years of post-qualification relevant experience at an appropriate level of seniority as a practicing solicitor, or as a barrister in the area of public and/or regulatory law.

• Significant experience in responding to litigation and judicial review, defending the processes and decisions taken by a state agency.

• Experience in managing a legal unit that provides internal guidance for administrative and ancillary processes such as procurement, contracts and information governance matters.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of providing legal opinions to a high standard and without recourse to external expertise in litigation and judicial review.

• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining professional public service standards and values ensuring that the Legal Affairs Unit has worked in a spirit of collaboration with other directorates in that organisation.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in managing a complaints and investigations function for a statutory body.

• Have undertaken additional qualifications in public or regulatory law, family law and/or quasi-judicial decision making.

• Specialist legal knowledge or experience relating to the work of the AHRRA, above the essential requirements.

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Principal Officer (PO) level. PO is a senior leadership position and the full narrative for the competencies can be found in the candidate 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 citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

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

• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

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

• *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: Wednesday 28th October 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_-_PO_Director_of_Legal_Affairs__-_English.pdf

The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA)

Candidate Information Booklet

Job Title: Director of Legal Affairs Grade: Principal Officer

September 2026

General Information

Job Title: Director of Legal Affairs

Grade: Principal Officer

Salary Range: €108,152 to €133,755 (LSI2) *New entrants will start at the first point of scale

Annual Leave: 30 annual leave days

Tenure: Permanent

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

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: Wednesday 28th October 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 surrogacy by licensing treatment providers, publishing codes of practice, approving surrogacy agreements that comply with the Act, maintaining databases and regi sters to be established under the Act, as well as other functions as required.

Role Purpose This is an exciting new opportunity for a person to fill a new role as Director of Legal Affairs. This role will be a senior role in the organisation, establishing, developing and overseeing the Legal Affairs Unit. The Director will provide professional high -quality legal advice, expertise and support to the Board, while also contributing to and supporting governance, decision making and management practice within the AHRRA. In this role, you will take a strategic vi ew on judicial review and other legal cases through a standardised litigation approach and advise the Board and senior management team accordingly at all points of the decision-making process in relation to those cases.

The Director of Legal Affairs will manage the relationships with external legal agents and counsel and oversee the tendering process for external legal support. In addition, the Legal Affairs Unit will have the role of ensuring widespread sharing of legal knowledge within the AHRRA and improvements in decision making and processing where necessary due to legal developments at national and EU level.

The post holder will also be required at a later stage to design and implement processes to investigate complaints received against license holders, submitting investigation reports for consideration by the AHRRA and seeking High Court confirmation of deci sions or sanctions as appropriate. The post will involve management of staff and liaison with the AHRRA’s legal agents.

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

Establish and Lead the Legal Affairs Unit • Lead and manage the work of the Legal Affairs Unit within the organisation and ensure readiness for commencement of statutory functions and managing litigation, taking a strategic view and advising the Board and senior management team, accordingly, ensuring compliance with the AHRRA’s statutory legal obligations. • Active involvement in the recruitment and professional development of staff within the Legal Affairs unit. • Ensure appropriate delegations to handle all stages of priority and often complex legal casework in compliance with timelines and objectives.

Provision of Legal Advice to Board and Executive • Provide expert legal support/professional advice in relation to specific cases and issues, general legal matters, and policy/development and related issues affecting the AHRRA’s operations. • Provide in -house legal advice and guidance to the Board, Management and other relevant officers of the AHRRA in relation to the exercise of its statutory functions under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act, The Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and other relevant legislation. • Provide up-to-date advice on case law at both national and European levels affecting the statutory functions of the AHRRA, • Analyse and advise on precedent case law for staff and Board members to identify matters for continued improvements. • Develop and deliver programme of briefings/training on legal matters for the AHRRA. • Advise on proposed legislative changes on which the AHRRA may be invited to comment by relevant Government Departments. • Undertake research with regard to the legal issues involved in Surrogacy and AHR areas. • Provide legal advice where necessary for preparation of Board Orders. • Be available for consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, the AHRRA Board, colleagues, both Inspectorate and Administrative staff and staff across the organisation.

Litigation Management • Manage the relationships with external legal agents and counsel and oversee the tendering process for external legal support where required. • Oversee the outward delegation of proceedings to legal firms that have been appointed by the AHRRA. • Oversee the processes of requesting external advice from Senior Counsel and regulatory experts as necessary. • Oversee the prudent financial management of the AHRRA’s financial resources on legal spend, ensuring compliance with contract provisions, accurate invoicing and value for money. • Deliver support and guidance to staff, setting excellent standards of knowledge and best planning practice in a rapidly evolving environment.

Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Protected Disclosures • Oversee the operation of the Information Governance team, providing legal guidance as necessary with respect to complex data protection or freedom of information requests as required, ensuring compliance with underpinning legislation. • Oversee the process of responding to protected disclosures from those within the organisation and from external parties.

Complaints Investigations and Enforcement • Establish and document the processes through which members of the public can submit complaints with respect to a licensed provider. • Undertake investigations into complaints where appropriate • Apply to the High Court to impose sanctions following investigations where appropriate • Apply to the High Court for immediate suspensions of licences where required.

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 hou rs of attendance and will be subject to periodic review with the post holder.

Key Requirements Essential Criteria • Have been called to the called to the Bar of Ireland, or is eligible to be called to the Bar of Ireland; and /or have been enrolled as a solicitor in the State entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate issued by the Incorporated Law Society; • A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in a regulatory or quasi -judicial agency, protecting the public interest with a record of professional achievement. • At least 5 years of post -qualification relevant experience at an appropriate level of seniority as a practicing solicitor, or as a barrister in the area of public and/or regulatory law. • Significant experience in responding to litigation and judicial review, defending the processes and decisions taken by a public body or State agency. • Experience in managing a legal unit that provides internal guidance for administrative and ancillary processes such as procurement, contracts and information governance matters. • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of providing legal opinions to a high standard and without recourse to external expertise in litigation and judicial review. • Demonstrated commitment to maintaining professional public service standards and values ensuring that the Legal Affairs Unit has worked in a spirit of collaboration with other directorates in that organisation.

Desirable Criteria • Experience in managing a complaints and investigations function for a statutory body. • Have undertaken additional qualifications in public or regulatory law, family law and/or quasi-judicial decision making. • Specialist legal knowledge or experience relating to the work of the AHRRA, above the essential requirements.

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Principal Officer (PO) level. PO is a senior leadership position and the full narrative for the 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: Wednesday 28th October 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; • Online assessment; • Second-round interview, which may include a presentation exercise; and • Any other assessment(s) or exercise(s) deemed appropriate.

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 two rounds of competency -based interviews. Details of the relevant Principal Officer competencies are provided on the following page. As part of the assessment process, candidates may also be required to complete an online assessment and/or prepare and deliver a presentation. Interviews are expected to take place during October and November 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 Principal Officer competencies below:

Performance Indicators Leadership & Strategic Direction • Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance • Facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters and atmosphere of open communication • Contributes to the shaping of Departmental / Government strategy and policy • Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation • Develops a culture of learning & development, offering coaching and constructive / supportive feedback • Leads on preparing for and implementing significant change and reform • Anticipates and responds quickly to developments in the sector/ broader environment • Actively collaborates with other Departments, Organisations and Agencies

Judgment & Decision Making • Identifies and focuses on core issues when dealing with complex information/ situations • Assembles facts, manipulates verbal and numerical information and thinks through issues logically • Sees the relationships between issues and quickly grasp the high level and socio -political implications • Identifies coherent solutions to complex issues • Takes action, making decisions in a timely manner and having the courage to see them through • Makes sound and well-informed decisions, understanding their impact and implications • Strives to effectively balances the sectoral issues, political elements and the citizen impact in all decisions

Management & Delivery of Results • Initiates and takes personal responsibility for delivering results/ services in own area • Balances strategy and operational detail to meet business needs • Manages multiple agendas and tasks and reallocates resources to manage changes in focus • Makes optimum use of resources and implements performance measures to deliver on objectives • Ensures the optimal use of ICT and new delivery models • Critically reviews projects and activities to ensure their effectiveness and that they meet Organisational requirements • Instils the importance of efficiencies, value for money and meeting corporate governance requirements • Ensures team are focused and act on Business plans priorities, even when faced with pressure

Building Relationships & Communication • Speaks and writes in a clear, articulate and impactful manner • Actively listens, seeking to understand the perspective and position of others • Manages and resolves conflicts / disagreements in a positive & constructive manner • Works effectively within the political process, recognising & managing tensions arising from different stakeholders’ perspectives • Persuades others; builds consensus, gains co-operation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals • Proactively engages with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and across other Departments • Organisations and builds strong professional networks • Makes opinions known when s/he feels it is right to do so

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Develops and maintains skills and expertise across a number of areas that are relevant to his/her field and • recognised by people internal and external to the Department/ Organisation • Keeps up to date with key departmental, sectoral, national and international policies and economic, political and social trends that affect the role • Maintains a strong focus on self -development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values • Consistently strives to perform at a high level • Demonstrates personal commitment to the role, maintaining determination and persistence while maintaining a sense of balance and perspective in relation to work issues • Contributes positively to the corporate agenda • Is personally trustworthy, honest and respectful, delivering on promises and commitments • Ensures the citizen is at the heart of all services provided • Is resilient, maintaining composure even in adverse or challenging situations • Promotes a culture that fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity

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 and 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): €108,152 – €112,741 – €117,294 – €121,883 – €125,753(NMAX) – €129,768 (LSI1) – €133,775(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 contribution) 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.