Overview
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State agency responsible for the conservation, protection and management of inland fisheries and sea angling resources. The founding legislation is the Inland Fisheries Ireland Act 2010, with its functions outlined under Section 7. This resource includes 74,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, 128,000 hectares of lakes, over 5,500 kilometers of coastline and diverse fish species that nurture and sustain.
IFI is the competent authority for inland fisheries, conducts survey and research, and enforces related legislation. It is headquartered in Citywest, Dublin and operates nationally through seven regional districts (Galway, Ballina, Ballyshannon, Limerick, Macroom, Clonmel and Dublin).
About the Role
Inland Fisheries Ireland seeks suitable applicants for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reporting to the Chairperson of the Board, the CEO shares leadership with the Board to set the strategic direction of the organisation in line with the mission, vision and values. The CEO is responsible for delivering on defined objectives and statutory requirements under the Inland Fisheries Ireland Act 2010. The current Corporate (Strategic) Plan will conclude in 2025 and the CEO, working with the Board, will drive the implementation of the next five-year plan.
This next phase will involve addressing leadership challenges from pressures on fish species and habitats due to climate change, declining water quality, infrastructural developments, over-exploitation and changing farming practices. The emphasis on catchment management, conservation and preservation will drive changes in work practices and resource allocation. The Chief Executive Officer will lead and communicate with staff and communities, supported by the Executive Leadership Team (5 persons), and will play a key role in stakeholder collaboration with representatives’ groups, central government and public bodies to deliver IFI’s strategic objectives.
About You
The competencies for this role are as follows. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:
* A proven record of achievement at a senior level in the private or public sector that demonstrates vision, leadership, oversight and management skills.
* Substantial relevant experience in corporate governance in the public or private sector.
* Proven ability and significant experience in leading, delivering, and managing successful organisational change.
* An understanding of the role of Inland Fisheries Ireland and the environment in which it operates, or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, together with knowledge of the legislative framework in which IFI operates.
* Credibility and integrity as an individual of proven independence.
* Experience balancing competing and conflicting interests; sound judgment to resolve difficult issues in a pressurised environment.
* Motivation, drive, energy and resilience; strong results focus with a measured, balanced leadership style.
* Ability to formulate and implement strategy in a dynamic, developing, independent organisation.
* Ability to deliver positive and professional cultural norms and behaviours; strong team leadership and collaboration, with influencing skills.
* Well-developed stakeholder management skills; ability to network and develop good working relationships.
* Excellent communication skills, including representing the organisation in the media and at public fora, nationally and internationally.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 13th November, 2025.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
#J-18808-Ljbffr