Your new companyYou will be joining a national public ‑ sector organisation with a significant role in shaping policy, engagement, and communications across Ireland. The organisation works closely with government departments, public bodies, local authorities, community groups, and national stakeholders to support strategic initiatives with nationwide impact. With a strong focus on public engagement, safety, and collaboration, it offers a dynamic environment where your work will directly contribute to meaningful societal outcomes.Your new roleAs the External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the organisation's public affairs, communications, and stakeholder engagement agenda. Your responsibilities will include:Monitoring political and legislative developments and preparing timely insights for senior management.Building and maintaining strong relationships with political representatives, stakeholders, advocates, and interest groups.Developing and launching an advocacy and ambassador programme to support national public engagement initiatives.Coordinating site visits, events, and stakeholder interactions at both local and national levels.Drafting high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, media materials, FOI responses and parliamentary‑related documents.Supporting strategic public awareness campaigns and assisting with corporate communications across key services.Managing stakeholder communications, including newsletters and regular engagement updates.Maintaining stakeholder databases and producing intelligence and monitoring reports.Supporting public affairs strategy, press office activity, and procurement processes related to communications services.This is a hybrid role, combining on ‑ site working from the organisation's regional headquarters with remote flexibility.What you'll need to succeedA background in journalism, politics, public affairs, or a related area.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong understanding of Ireland's political and media landscape.Ability to build trusted relationships and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.Strong negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills.Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and strong problem ‑ solving capability.Highly developed organisational and project management skills.Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member.Leadership ability and confidence working in high ‑ profile, fast ‑ moving environments.(Desirable) Proficiency in the Irish language.What you'll get in returnA competitive hourly rate aligned to a senior public ‑ sector grade.A 12‑month contract with the potential for ExtensionsHybrid working arrangements.The opportunity to work on high ‑ impact national programmes and engage directly with influential stakeholders.Professional development, varied responsibilities, and exposure to policy, communications, and public affairs at a national level.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.Hays Ireland is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment (Ireland) Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found