Assistant Principal, Head of Governance & Freedom of Information (FOI), Specified Purpose Contract

About This Role

Role Purpose

The Head of Governance and Freedom of Information (FOI) plays a critical role in promoting good governance practice across the organisation and ensuring that An Coimisiún has robust processes and procedures in place to demonstrate the highest standards of governance and accountability in our work. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of key governance policies and practices, most notably in leading and guiding the organisation’s FOI activities.

This senior management role also has responsibility for the implementation of our Code of Business Conduct, including supporting the management of Conflicts of Interest and Protected Disclosures processes.

About the Team/Division

The Governance and Secretariat Team is one of five teams that make up Coimisiún na Meán's Corporate Services Division. The other Teams are People & Organisational Development, Finance & Procurement, International Affairs and Change & Business Improvement. Under the leadership of the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Governance & Secretariat, the team comprises two Assistant Directors, two Higher Executive Officers and three Executive Officers.

Key Responsibilities

Freedom of Information (FOI) and Records Management

• Leading the FOI function, overseeing the FOI Team in the delivery of statutory FOI obligations, and acting as an FOI Decision Maker.

• Rolling-out of new FOI management processes and procedures, including the oversight of FOI training across the organisation.

• Reviewing and updating, as appropriate, Coimisiún na Meán’s Publication Scheme

• Where required, acting as Internal Reviewer, and managing investigations and appeals which are commenced by the Office of the Information Commissioner.

• Supporting the implementation of effective records management for the Governance Team.

Governance

• Ensuring the delivery of An Coimisiún’s broad range of Governance obligations, including management of An Coimisiún’s Governance Framework, Compliance Schedule and associated processes.

• Ensuring ongoing compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

• Overseeing the development and implementation key governance policies and procedures to ensure that our statutory regulatory requirements are met.

• Management of Climate Action Roadmap and Mandate reporting and implementation.

Ethics

• Managing the implementation of the Coimisiún na Meán Code of Business Conduct and annual disclosure reporting cycles

• Developing and implementing a Conflicts of Interest Framework

• Developing and implementing a Protected Disclosures organisational Framework

People Management

• Act as line manager for relevant members of the Governance team and ensure the team can deliver high quality and responsive Governance & FOI services and supports to the organisation.

• Ensuring appropriate performance management for staff including developing the skills requirements of the team and mentoring and coaching team members to develop their potential.

• Liaising with the People and Organisational Development team to ensure appropriate Governance & FOI training is provided to all staff

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About You

Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• At least 3 years management experience in a corporate governance role.

• Detailed knowledge of Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and demonstrated experience in FOI management within a public or civil service environment.

• Experience of managing compliance with public service governance requirements such as Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

• A proven track record in successfully managing complex processes and change, including fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Experience of leading, managing and developing people and teams.

• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Desirable Criteria

• A degree in a relevant discipline or other related third level qualification in corporate governance or relevant professional certification.

• Experience working in a regulatory environment.

Key Information

Benefits, Package & Pay

• This position is offered on a specified purpose basis until January 2028.
• Full time, 35 hrs per week
• Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
• The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working. Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.
• Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.
• For a full list of benefitssee our website.
• This position is graded at the Assistant Principal Officer scale
• Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.

Citizenship Requirement

Eligible Candidates must be:

(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 Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 4 permission* or stamp 5 permission.

(e) Hold valid Temporary Protection permission granted by the Irish Government under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, entitling them to work in Ireland without an employment permit.

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

To qualify candidates must meet one of the citizenship criteria above at the time of application.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:

•A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position through the careers portal.

•All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process

Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact cnam@cpl.ie

Competencies

Please see the competencies below that will be assessed at interview stage for this competition. For more information on the competencies visit our frequently asked questions.

• Leadership
• Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self Development
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Privacy Notice

Coimisiún na Meán (An Coimisiún, CnaM, we, our) processes the personal data arising as a result of its recruitment campaign. The Data Controller is CnaM, and the Data Processor appointed by CnaM to conduct the recruitment process is CPL. The Data Controller’s contact details are - Data Protection Officer, Coimisiún na Meán 1 Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20, Ireland.

Email: dpo@cnam.ie Phone Number: 01 963 7755

CnaM will process the personal data collected during the recruitment process for the purpose of the review, consideration and selection of applications and the contacting of applicants. Third party recipients may include CnaM representatives. CnaM does not transfer personal data outside of the EU or EEA.

CnaM’s legal bases for collecting and processing this data may include:

- Contract - where the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract, or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract

and/or

- Consent - where you have given explicit consent to the processing (e.g. reasonable accommodations)

The personal data processed will be stored securely. This data will be stored for a maximum of 12 months in the event of an unsuccessful application.

Applicants have the right to access their data and to rectify any inaccuracies in their data. To do this, please write to the Data Protection Officer at the address listed above. Applicants have the right, where appropriate, to the erasure of their data and/or a restriction on processing of their data. In addition, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission. Our full Data Protection Statement is available here: https://www.cnam.ie/governance/data-protection-privacy/privacy-statement/

Selection Process

The selection process will include:

Shortlisting of candidates based on the information provided in their application, assessed against the specified criteria for the role.

- A competency-based preliminary interview

- A second-round interview for candidates successful in the first round, which will include a presentation or another practical exercise

The first interview will take place via MS Teams. The second interview will be conducted in person at our Dublin office.

Indicative timelines

First round interviews are planned to take place during week commencing 23rd November 2026. Second-round interviews are planned to take place during week commencing 7th December 2026. These dates are indicative and may be subject to change. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the confirmed arrangements.

Panel Arrangements

A panel may be formed from this competition

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at amckiernan@cnam.ie

Coimisiún na Meán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.

Closing Date: 12th November 2026, 3:00pm