An Coimisiún Toghcháin is now seeking a suitably qualified and committed individual to take up the role of Higher Executive Officer (HEO) – Legal Services. Reporting to the Senior Legal Advisor, the HEO Legal Services will be primarily focussed on providing sound, solution-focused legal advice and support to An Coimisiún and the Chief Executive on all aspects of An Coimisiún’s functions.
The position offers a fulfilling and responsible role in an interesting and busy environment dealing with a diversity of legal issues including but not limited to, Constitutional, Electoral, Privacy and Media Law as well as Data Protection and Corporate Governance.
They will play an important and ongoing role in supporting the Head of Legal and An Coimisiún in exercising its forthcoming powers under political advertising regulation and Part 5 of the Electoral Reform Act, both in terms of preparation, and once commenced, working with the Head of Supervision and Enforcement. They will also draft policy, liaise with external legal advisors and manage associated budgets when required.
Key Responsibilities
* Development and delivery of streamlined processes for all areas of the Legal Unit’s activity while also managing all administrative areas of work including triaging of incoming queries, monitoring ongoing work, and managing and organising a work system for the legal unit including a databank of resources and research.
* Procuring and operationalising a work management system for the Legal Unit which includes Workflow, Datastore, Integration with MS systems, Internet access and integration, document and media storage, analytics with breakdown of all stages of work, central library repository of all data.
* Work alongside the Finance team at An Coimisiún to process invoices and ensure payment relating to external services, under their direction.
* Assist the Senior Legal Advisor and Head of Legal in their work by conducting research on legal and regulatory issues relevant to An Coimisiún and drafting briefing papers, policy papers and memos. These should include analysis and observations on current legal positions and potential recommendations for all areas of An Coimisiún’s activity.
* Triage and, in consultation with the Head of Legal/Senior Legal Advisor, respond to legal queries arising from all units within An Coimisiún where directed and provide advice as directed or required. Legal research and advice will include but not be limited to:
o Administrative and constitutional law
o Electoral Law
o Assisting with drafting of requests for tenders and contracts
o Advice relating to employment law and contract law
o FOI and data protection
o Public procurement processes
o General statutory interpretation
o Civil enforcement procedures
o Principles of due process and fair procedures
o Human rights law
* Develop a robust framework for commissioning legal research and procure and/or engage with external specialist services, Counsel and stakeholders as necessary including the preparation and management of RFQ processes for the Legal Unit.
* Delivery and availability of accessible data regarding work conducted to date.
* Management of external legal advice acquired to date including the development and maintenance of a library/repository of advices acquired, both internal and external.
* Attend court hearings as required.
* Explore digitisation instruments, tech systems, tools AI capabilities and any advancements that will assist the legal unit; link in with academic resources in Ireland and internationally.
* Represent An Coimisiún at events as and when required.
The responsibilities outlined above should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the requirements of An Coimisiún.
Qualifications
* Been called to the Bar and be enrolled as a Barrister in the State or have been admitted and be enrolled as a Solicitor in the State and have practiced as a Barrister or Solicitor for not less than one year OR
* A qualification of Level 7 at least on the National Framework of Qualifications in a relevant discipline such as Law, Business or Compliance or such discipline as deemed relevant to the role and have a minimum of 2 years demonstrable professional experience working in a legal, policy, or regulatory role at an appropriate level where a core function of the role involved research, analysis and drafting OR
* A minimum of 4 years demonstrable professional experience working in a legal, policy, or regulatory role at an appropriate level to demonstrate suitability for a management role and where a core function of the role involved research, analysis and drafting.
* Significant experience of the administrative and organisational aspects of a functioning legal office including the use of legal research tools and case management systems.
* The flexibility, agility and resilience to work under pressure and successfully deliver to tight deadlines in a challenging environment.
* Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (verbal, written and digital) with the ability to build and develop complex relationships across a diverse network of stakeholders.
* Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyse and evaluate complex information impartially, think critically, identify key issues and present solutions.
* An ability to create a highly cohesive team‑oriented collaborative environment, while generating strong team morale, cooperation and participation.
* Familiarity with electoral law and case law or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop this and a desire and ability to keep up to date with developments in these areas.
* Demonstrable knowledge and appreciation of the statutory, governance and policy framework within which An Coimisiún Toghcháin operates.
* Relevant qualifications and/or experience in law relating to An Coimisiún, above the essential requirements.
* The ability to communicate effectively in Irish.
* In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at this level – Higher Executive Officer. HEO is a middle management position in the Civil Service and the full narrative for the competencies can be found at: Higher_Executive_Officer_Level.pdf.
* The application form must be completed and must outline why you wish to be considered for the post and how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position.
* Only applications fully completed and submitted will be accepted into the competition.
Closing Date
Deadline for application: Please note the latest receipt for applications is closing date 13/11/2025 at 5:00 pm.
Incomplete applications, postal applications or CVs will not be accepted. Any applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received. If you do not receive acknowledgement of your application within two working days of submission, please contact sarah.conran@electoralcommission.ie to ensure your application has been received.
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