Job Specification
Special Advisor to the Minister
Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.
Overview
Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan, is seeking a highly skilled Special Advisor with significant experience in public policy development and/or communications at a senior level. This is a key advisory role at the heart of government, requiring excellent stakeholder management skills, policy expertise and political awareness. The Special Advisor will support the Minister in shaping and delivering policy, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across government and the financial services sector, and working with the Department's press office to manage traditional and digital communications on the Minister's behalf.
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide strategic advice to the Minister on Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity policy, regulatory developments and messaging in line with the Programme for Government.
· Build and maintain relationships with senior officials, industry representatives, interest groups, colleagues across government and opposition, and other key stakeholders.
· Support the Minister in his communications with the public, including speechwriting, press releases, media responses and digital communications.
· Assist in the development of legislation and policy proposals, in line with government objectives and industry needs.
· Work closely with officials and colleagues across Government, as well key domestic and international stakeholders.
· Prepare high-quality briefings, policy notes, and talking points for the Minister in line with government objectives and the Programme for Government.
· Assist in providing rapid responses to emerging issues.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
· Extensive experience in public policy, politics, media, or communications.
· Background in Nature, Heritage or Biodiversity.
· Proven stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging at a senior level across public and private sectors.
· Deep knowledge of the Programme for Government and government objectives in the area of financial services
· Strong political awareness and an understanding of government decision-making processes.
· Strong understanding of the media landscape and experience in media relations.
· Excellent written communication skills, with extensive experience in drafting speeches, briefing documents and press releases.
· Significant knowledge of financial services policy and Ireland's role as an financial centre on the international stage
· Experience in handling sensitive issues in a timely and professional manner.
· A strategic thinker, capable of understanding, and advising on, complex policy and political challenges.
Desirable Qualities:
· Prior experience working in politics, government, public policy or media.
· Strong understanding of Ireland's financial services sector, including banking, fintech, insurance, and asset management.
· Experience working with media and public relations in a political or financial context.
· Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver in a fast-paced and dynamic professional environment.
Additional information:
• This is a political appointment, subject to the Minister's term in office
• This is a full-time office-based role in Dublin. Some occasional travel may be required.
How to apply:
Send your CV, along with a cover letter to
by close of business on Tuesday 10th of September 2025. Applications will only be accepted via this email and not via LinkedIn.