Job Title: Chief Executive Officer Employer: Adoption Authority of Ireland County: Dublin Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 29th January 2026 Starting Salary: €129,772 Chief Executive Officer Adoption Authority of Ireland Job Summary The role of the Chief Executive Officer of the Adoption Authority of Ireland is to lead the organisation and support the Board of the Authority in carrying out its functions in relation to domestic and intercountry adoption in Ireland and the provision of birth and early life information to persons who were adopted, boarded out, nursed out, the subject of an illegal birth registration, or resident in a county or mother and baby institution. The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for leading the Senior Management Team to achieve the organisation’s objectives, and will also be responsible for ensuring that the Board of the Authority is appropriately supported in carrying out its functions, in particular its quasi-judicial functions in relation to adoption. The Chief Executive Officer will be required to be accountable to relevant Oireachtas Committees and to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee on appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Main Duties of the job In tandem with the Board, lead the development of the AAI as an organisation, and continuously improve the quality of the service and the achievement of its objectives; Serve as a direct liaison between the Board and staff members of the AAI; Lead, manage and support the management team in the day-to-day management of the service ensuring that the members of the management team achieve their performance objectives; Lead, manage and support a team of staff, ensuring that the ethos, culture and values of the AAI are implemented and embedded throughout the organisation; Be the main spokesperson for the AAI to enhance its reputation and develop further services to the public, utilizing and developing appropriate communication channels Work with the Board to enable it to fulfil its governance functions and facilitate optimum performance by the Board and its Committees; Support the Authority in all functions of a judicial nature conferred on the Authority under the Adoption Act, 2010 The ideal candidate will have: 5 years senior management experience in any discipline in a multi-disciplined organisation including in the direct and indirect management of people; sufficient experience of evaluation of the practical impact and legal implications of exercising statutory powers and their use in a complex environment; a proven track record in leading teams under their control to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness; a proven capacity for innovative thinking, independent assessment and decision making and sound judgment; a career record that demonstrates to date a high level of competence in conceptual and analytical thinking with particular regard to strategic planning but also working within a complex legal framework; experience in vision development, long term strategic planning and strategic change management; Information about the Organisation The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI), established on 1 November 2010 under the Adoption Act 2010, is an independent quasi-judicial body under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (DCDE). The AAI is responsible for granting all domestic adoption orders and for granting all declarations of eligibility and suitability to prospective adopters in advance of their adopting abroad and in Ireland. The AAI is responsible for registering and supervising all adoption service providers and for maintaining the Register of Accredited Bodies, which is the list of providers accredited by the AAI. In line with the 1993 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, the AAI is also the central authority for intercountry adoption in Ireland. The AAI maintains the Register of Intercountry Adoptions (RICA) in which details of inter-country adoptions are entered. The AAI also has functions under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 (BITA). Under this legislation, all persons who were adopted, boarded out, nursed out, the subject of an illegal birth registration, or resident in a county or mother and baby institution can apply for access to their birth certificates birth, care and early life information. The BITA legislation also places the Contract Preference Register (CPR), maintained by the AAI, on a statutory footing, and creates a robust tracing service. The AAI is one of two state bodies providing these services under the BITA legislation, the other being Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Selection Process Details Further information on this significant opportunity including a full list of essential and desirable requirements and details on how to apply, is available on www.publicjobs.ie The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 29th January 2026. If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Sandra Cairns at sandra.cairns@publicjobs.ie We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr
A public body in Ireland seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Adoption Authority, ensuring effective management and support for the Board's functions related to domestic and intercountry adoption. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of senior management experience and a proven ability to innovate and strategically plan. This role offers a competitive starting salary and a unique opportunity to impact adoption services across Ireland. #J-18808-Ljbffr
A government agency in Ireland is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its strategic objectives and manage a multi-disciplined team. The CEO will ensure the Authority's core functions relate to domestic and intercountry adoption, while enhancing its reputation in the public domain. Ideal candidates will have extensive senior management experience, excellent leadership capabilities, and proven skills in strategic planning and change management. This significant role requires a forward-thinking individual ready to drive the organization towards its goals. #J-18808-Ljbffr
The role of the Chief Executive Officer of the Adoption Authority of Ireland is to lead the organisation and support the Board of the Authority in carrying out its functions in relation to domestic and intercountry adoption in Ireland and the provision of birth and early life information to persons who were adopted, boarded out, nursed out, the subject of an illegal birth registration, or resident in a county or mother and baby institution. The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for leading the Senior Management Team to achieve the organisation’s objectives, and will also be responsible for ensuring that the Board of the Authority is appropriately supported in carrying out its functions, in particular its quasi-judicial functions in relation to adoption. The Chief Executive Officer will be required to be accountable to relevant Oireachtas Committees and to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee on appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Main Duties of the job In tandem with the Board, lead the development of the AAI as an organisation, and continuously improve the quality of the service and the achievement of its objectives; Serve as a direct liaison between the Board and staff members of the AAI; Lead, manage and support the management team in the day‑to‑day management of the service ensuring that the members of the management team achieve their performance objectives; Lead, manage and support a team of staff, ensuring that the ethos, culture and values of the AAI are implemented and embedded throughout the organisation; Be the main spokesperson for the AAI to enhance its reputation and develop further services to the public, utilizing and developing appropriate communication channels; Work with the Board to enable it to fulfil its governance functions and facilitate optimum performance by the Board and its Committees; Support the Authority in all functions of a judicial nature conferred on the Authority under the Adoption Act, 2010; The ideal candidate will have 5 years senior management experience in any discipline in a multi‑disciplined organisation including in the direct and indirect management of people; Sufficient experience of evaluation of the practical impact and legal implications of exercising statutory powers and their use in a complex environment; A proven track record in leading teams under their control to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness; A proven capacity for innovative thinking, independent assessment and decision making and sound judgment; A career record that demonstrates to date a high level of competence in conceptual and analytical thinking with particular regard to strategic planning but also working within a complex legal framework; Experience in vision development, long‑term strategic planning and strategic change management; Information about the Organisation The Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI), established on 1 November 2010 under the Adoption Act 2010, is an independent quasi‑judicial body under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (DCDE). The AAI is responsible for granting all domestic adoption orders and for granting all declarations of eligibility and suitability to prospective adopters in advance of their adopting abroad and in Ireland. The AAI is responsible for registering and supervising all adoption service providers and for maintaining the Register of Accredited Bodies, which is the list of providers accredited by the AAI. In line with the 1993 Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co‑operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, the AAI is also the central authority for intercountry adoption in Ireland. The AAI maintains the Register of Intercountry Adoptions (RICA) in which details of inter‑country adoptions are entered. The AAI also has functions under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 (BITA). Under this legislation, all persons who were adopted, boarded out, nursed out, the subject of an illegal birth registration, or resident in a county or mother and baby institution can apply for access to their birth certificates birth, care and early life information. The BITA legislation also places the Contract Preference Register (CPR), maintained by the AAI, on a statutory footing, and creates a robust tracing service. The AAI is one of two state bodies providing these services under the BITA legislation, the other being Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Selection Process Details Further information on this significant opportunity including a full list of essential and desirable requirements and details on how to apply, is available on our website via the button below. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 29th January 2026. If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Sandra Cairns at sandra.cairns@publicjobs.ie We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr
A government department in Dublin is seeking an Assistant Secretary for the Chief Information Officer role. This key leadership position involves leading digital transformation across the global network, managing ICT resources, and advising senior management. The successful candidate will have significant experience in ICT leadership and a strong ability to deliver on strategic priorities. Commitment to digital transformation and public service excellence is essential. Closing date for applications is 15th January 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job title: Assistant Secretary, Chief Information Officer Employer: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Location: Dublin Closing Date: 15th January, 2026 Salary: Starting at €168,138 About the Employer The mission of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is to serve Ireland, promote our values and advance our prosperity and interests abroad, and to provide the Government with the capabilities, analysis and influence to ensure that Ireland derives the maximum benefit from all areas of its external engagement. Further information on the Department’s strategy and guiding principles is available here. The Department has over 3,000 staff located in Dublin, Limerick and Cork and across a global network of over 100 diplomatic missions abroad. About the Role The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chief Information Officer (Assistant Secretary) will be a key leadership position reporting to a Deputy Secretary General and working closely with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister of State, Secretary General and Heads of Division as well as with Ireland’s Ambassadors serving abroad. The successful candidate will serve at the Department’s headquarters in Dublin. As the appointment is to a specialised role, the successful candidate will not be appointed to a position outside of HQ and/or to any role in a diplomatic capacity. The CIO will be responsible for leading digital transformation across the Department’s global network, managing the provision of secure, reliable and quality information and communications technology and digital services across the Department, including an enhanced Passport Service and across a global network of over 100 diplomatic missions. In line with the Government’s initiative Global Ireland 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs has grown significantly since 2018 with 23 new diplomatic missions established abroad, a figure that will rise to 27 over the coming months. About You Have a relevant qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework for Qualifications Have at least 5 years relevant senior leadership and management experience in an ICT/digital area of a large ICT enabled organisation, preferably with experience in delivery across an organisation with a national/multinational footprint. Have the capacity to contribute actively as a member of the senior leadership team in the Department in advising the Minister and Government Demonstrate a successful track record of providing strong strategic leadership to large teams, supporting and giving direction to the building of capability, capacity and organisational culture so that the Division delivers to a consistently high standard of performance, accountability and integrity, assured by robust governance and oversight controls. Have a proven track record in effective interpersonal skills, managing relationships and influencing in a change environment at senior management levels. Have a proven track record of significant results delivery in a demanding work environment supported by effective evidence-based decision-making, ensuring resource optimisation and prioritisation both to deliver on current strategic and business priorities and needs, and to meet changing and emerging needs into the future. Have excellent ICT and digital skills and experience in strategic management of complex ICT and digital environments and a proven track record in delivering large scale ICT projects and systems underpinned by robust governance driving strong portfolio, programme and project management. Have a working knowledge of relevant national and EU legislation such as GDPR, EU AI Act, etc. Have a strong understanding of Irish public administration as well as knowledge of the policy context and current issues that may impact on Ireland’s international relations and operations overseas; Have a proven ability to positively collaborate and influence and lead effectively internally and in interdepartmental or cross organisational groups. Be active and innovative, with a record of proven career achievement to date, particularly regarding modernisation, implementing technological and other solutions to simplify processes, sustainable change and performance improvement. Be a leader who can support, challenge and collaborate with independent minded senior managers, technical experts, technology vendors and service suppliers. Have the personal drive, energy, enthusiasm and desire to maximise the performance and effectiveness of the Division and Department both in headquarters and across the global network. Have a proven ability to be accountable for the Division’s performance. Demonstrate a successful track record in setting an example of the values of the Department in how they work; Have a proven ability of being a champion for digital transformation and delivery to support the delivery of citizen focused digital services and robust corporate support systems for the Department’s global workforce. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 15th January, 2026. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Management Industries Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr
A government agency in Dublin is seeking a Government Chief Information Officer to provide strategic leadership on the digital transformation of public services. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in ICT leadership and a strong understanding of digital roles in the economy. Responsibilities include overseeing digital services, ensuring robust ICT infrastructure, and leading innovation initiatives to enhance public service delivery. This role is crucial for promoting a progressive digital agenda aligned with national strategies. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Details Job title: Government Chief Information Officer Employer: Office of the Government Location: Dublin Closing Date: 8th January, 2026 About the Employer The mission of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. The Department works to deliver on this mission through its three strategic goals of Enhancing Governance, Building Capacity and Delivering Effectively. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer plays a key role within the Department to provide strategic leadership and stewardship of the Government’s digital agenda with a specific focus on the digital transformation of public services. The role of Government Chief Information Officer includes a significant operational brief across existing and new shared digital and ICT services for the Department itself as well as the wider Public Service. In the context of the Public Service transformation programme, Better Public Services, the Government CIO leads the division of the Department which provides guidance to and works in collaboration with Government Departments and agencies across the Civil and Public Service and is involved in championing digital development across all sectors. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) has a headcount of 125 staff. The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is an equal opportunities employer. The Department is committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects modern Ireland and the people we serve. We strive to create a culture where all staff have equal access to opportunity and feel comfortable and confident to be themselves at work. About the Role As a member of the Departmental Management Board, at Deputy Secretary General level, the role of the Government CIO is to provide strategic leadership and stewardship of the Government’s digital agenda with a specific focus on the digital transformation of public services. The role includes a significant operational brief across existing and new shared digital and ICT services for the Department itself as well as the wider Public Service. In the context of the Public Service transformation programme, Better Public Services, the Government CIO leads the division of the Department which provides guidance to and works in collaboration with Government Departments and agencies across the Civil and Public Service and is involved in championing digital development across all sectors. In that regard, the OGCIO plays a leadership role in digital service delivery and innovation initiatives; has oversight of digital and ICT‑related initiatives proposed by Departments and agencies; is involved in digital‑related policy and strategy development; and represents Ireland at EU level in relation to public service ICT, digital and eGovernment, and at Government CIO working groups and forums in other multilateral organisations including OECD. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the Department’s and wider Public Services’ ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, digital services and project and programme governance are robust, secure, and aligned with national strategies and standards such as the national digital and AI strategy, Connecting Government 2030, the Public Service data strategy and the Digital Public Services Plan 2025-2030, as well as Better Public Services. About You The successful candidate will possess exceptional visionary leadership and business technology acumen. Equally a partnership style of delivery of advice, leadership and guidance at Senior Management and Ministerial level across the Public Service will be key to the ongoing delivery of technological advancement in order to enhance and support the lives of people living in Ireland. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. At least 5 years proven experience in a senior strategic ICT and digital transformation leadership role, ideally within a regulated environment. A proven track record in at‑scale business technology and solutions delivery in particular enabling high‑quality, innovative and effective public services delivery and digital transformation. A strong understanding of the role of digital in the economy. A demonstrated ability to lead and govern significant technology programmes, managing large‑scale ICT budgets in complex environments and involving a range of diverse stakeholders. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, governance and strategic thinking skills. A demonstrated proven track record of providing strong strategic leadership to large diverse teams, supporting and giving direction to the building of capability, capacity and organisational culture so that the Division delivers to a consistently high standard of performance, accountability and integrity, assured by robust governance and oversight controls. An ability to develop close working relationships with key stakeholders, such as CIO’s and Heads of IT functions across central government and public service bodies; and A relevant third‑level qualification in ICT, data science/engineering, technology leadership or a related discipline. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 8th January, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr
