Higher Executive Officer

publicjobs; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Ireland is recruiting for a Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service, based in Dublin. The role balances operational leadership with analytical work, supporting policy implementation and service delivery to the Irish State.

Reporting to an Assistant Principal Officer, HEOs lead teams, manage projects and budgets, and work across departments. Applicants should have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent and at least three years of relevant management experience.

Qualifications

• Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of three years' relevant management experience.
• Experience in managing workloads, projects or processes.
• Ability to work with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong team leadership to drive high performance.
• Apply analytical, critical thinking to inform policy development and operational decisions.
• Plan and prioritise in a dynamic environment to meet deadlines.
• Exercising sound, evidence-based judgement and balanced recommendations.
• Maintain governance, accountability and customer service standards.
• Build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders for cross-functional delivery.
• Communicate clearly across written, verbal and digital channels.
• Manage budgets and resources in line with procedures.
• Support learning and capability development within the team.
• Operate effectively in hybrid and evolving work environments.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Leaving Certificate

Level 4 NFQ qualification

Tools

Public policy guidelines

Job description

Job title

Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service

Employer

Government of Ireland

Location

Dublin

Closing Date

3pm, Thursday, 10th September 2026

About the Role

The Higher Executive Officer (HEO) role requires individuals who can balance operational leadership with strong analytical skills, sound judgement and a clear commitment to public service values.

HEOs are experienced middle managers who play a critical role in leading teams, managing delivery and supporting departmental and cross‑government priorities. Reporting to an Assistant Principal Officer, HEOs play a key role in implementing policy and strategy and in delivering a world class service to the State and to the people of Ireland.

Acting as a vital link between senior management and operational teams, their work ensures the effective implementation of policy, reform, and service delivery on the ground and provides support in managing large projects, budgets and developing government policy.

They are expected to operate confidently in complex environments, represent their area in cross‑departmental and senior‑level settings, and ensure the effective implementation of policies, programmes and services while managing resources responsibly.

The Civil Service is now recruiting for suitably qualified and committed individuals to take up the role of HEO. This is an exciting opportunity for talented and enthusiastic individuals who are looking to embrace new challenges, do purposeful work and make a real difference to the Irish State and its people.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Depending on the Civil Service organisation, the following is an overview of the type of responsibilities and tasks required of the successful candidate(s) at HEO level:

• Providing strong team leadership, offering direction, motivation and support to drive high performance and continuous improvement;
• Applying robust analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to inform policy development, operational decisions and organisational priorities;
• Managing competing demands effectively, planning and prioritising in a dynamic environment to meet tight deadlines;
• Exercising sound, evidence‑based judgement, making balanced and well‑reasoned recommendations;
• Maintaining high standards of governance, accountability and customer service, contributing to a culture of integrity and public service excellence;
• Building productive working relationships with colleagues, senior management and external stakeholders to enable effective cross‑functional delivery;
• Communicating clearly and professionally, tailoring messages for different audiences across written, verbal and digital channels;
• Managing budgets, resources and corporate responsibilities in their area in line with Departmental procedures and Civil Service obligations;
• Supporting learning, development and capability building, fostering a culture where staff can grow, innovate and thrive;
• Operating effectively in hybrid and evolving work environments, ensuring team cohesion and clarity of purpose;
• Demonstrating flexibility, resilience and the ability to adapt to a changing work environment Dealing with sensitive and confidential information.

The above job description is a guide to the general range of duties of the successful candidate. It is not intended to be definitive or restrictive.

About You

On the closing date of 10 September 2026, to be eligible for consideration, a candidate must satisfy the following requirements:

1.Possess a Leaving Certificate at Level 4 or above; or hold a minimum Level 4 qualification, major or minor award on the National Framework of Qualifications (or equivalent as per NARIC Ireland).

2.Possess a minimum of three years’ relevant management experience.

3.Demonstrable experience in:

a. managing workloads, projects or processes in a complex, fast‑paced environment;

b. strategic thinking, using sound judgement to make well‑informed decisions;

c. researching and analysing information to support decision‑making in a timely manner;

d. working collaboratively with internal and/or external stakeholders in multidisciplinary environments;

e. creating an inclusive team environment and creating opportunities for knowledge sharing;

f. self‑motivation, setting own targets and dealing with multiple demands while producing high quality work.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate that they possess the capabilities/skills identified as necessary for effective performance at this level, as outlined in the Capability Framework for Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service.

Further information including details on how the Capability Framework for this position is available on www.publicjobs.ie.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 10th September, 2026.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.