Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement - Assistant Principal

Cpl Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) invites applications for the role of Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Assistant Principal level. The post shapes and leads the agency’s communications and stakeholder engagement function, ensuring strategic, evidence-based outputs that support the business plan and protect the agency’s reputation.

You will drive the development of the AHRRA’s website, brand guidelines, and policies, while engaging with diverse

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 8 qualification in communications or related field or equivalent professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the communications and stakeholder engagement function for AHRRA.
• Develop and implement a strategic, evidence-based communications service.
• Oversee development of the website, brand guidelines and information guidance documents.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership/management

Media relations

Policy communication

Drafting/editing

Digital communications

Public affairs

Education

Level 8 qualification in communications or related discipline

Relevant professional qualification and equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Our client, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is seeking to appoint their Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Assistant Principal Level.

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 Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement will lead the AHRRA’s communications and stakeholder engagement function.

The postholder will shape and deliver a strategic, evidence-based communications service and stakeholder engagement that supports the AHRRA’s Business Plan, protects and enhances organisational reputation, builds our networks, highlights our impact, and positions the Agency as a trusted voice in Assisted Human Reproduction, Surrogacy and in the regulation of services.

The AHRRA is a new regulatory body that is in its infancy and the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the AHRRA’s new website, assisting in the development of and rolling out the AHRRA’s brand guidelines and logo and leading the design of the AHRRA’s policies, procedures and information guidance documents.

Key Requirements

Essential Criteria

• A recognised qualification at a minimum of Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, media, public affairs, business, social sciences, humanities or another relevant discipline; or a relevant professional qualification and equivalent suitable experience.
• At least 7 years’ relevant professional experience in communications, media, public relations, stakeholder engagement, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a management or leadership role, with responsibility for planning, prioritising and delivering a substantial body of work through staff and/or external providers.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining cross divisional relationships, including with senior management and staff at all levels.
• Strong drafting, editorial and presentation skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and audience-appropriate material on complex issues.
• Experience of managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
• Significant experience across a range of communications disciplines, including media relations, reactive press handling, public relations, digital communications, internal communications, content development and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of advising senior executives or senior management teams on areas such as: communications strategy, messaging, media handling, stakeholder engagement and reputational matters.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant experience in a similar role in other regulatory agencies or other State/public bodies.
• Experience in drafting content for social media sites such as LinkedIn, Instagram.
• Experience in using modern content creation tools such as Canva etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of applications, and in particular excellent skills in Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint.

In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Assistant Principal (AP) level. The full narrative for the AP 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 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.

Closing date: Monday 16th November 2026, 12:00 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 [e-mail].

Should you have any questions, please contact [e-mail]