Overview
The Assistant Director, Vetted Researchers role (Assistant Principal) in An Coimisiún is a senior management role with significant managerial responsibilities. As Assistant Director, you will be responsible for leading efforts to operationalise Article 40 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Your work will contribute to the delivery of strategic outcomes, including safeguarding children, promoting democratic integrity, enhancing trust in online platforms, and fostering diversity and inclusion. You will be instrumental in enabling research into key issues such as the impact of social media on children, information distribution policies on platforms, algorithmic decision-making in recommender systems, and risk mitigation strategies under the DSA.
About the Team
The mission of the Research and Strategy team is to undertake research to inform all functions of the organisation; and to design and coordinate the processes by which the organisational strategy is developed and implemented and by which strategy implementation is monitored and reported on. The team undertakes research and strategy work in-house and commissions and oversees third-parties to undertake work on behalf of An Coimisiún, as required.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and implement application processing workflows compliant with statutory obligations.
* Oversee assessment of researcher applications through the end-to-end processing pipeline, including complex applications, ensuring timely and transparent case progression.
* Work with legal services to translate legal requirements into practical operational procedures and guidance.
* Lead process iteration and refinement based on emerging legal challenges and operational learning.
* Develop legally robust precedents and operational frameworks for complex case types.
* Monitor international developments and policy changes relevant to the scheme, providing strategic advice to senior management.
* Develop and implement engagement strategies for international stakeholders, including participation in conferences, workshops, and outreach events to support applicants and promote the function.
* Produce high-quality guidance materials, presentations, and reports, and represent the organisation at international meetings and working groups.
* Liaise with colleagues at the European Commission and DSCs to pursue a harmonised approach to scheme implementation and compliance.
The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.
About You
Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications
* Relevant level 8 or above third level qualification in law, regulation, compliance or other demonstrably relevant discipline
* OR Equivalent professional experience (At least 5 years relevant work experience in: a) data protection or b) the management of regulatory complaints; or c) research application assessment)
* Relevant experience of implementation and/or knowledge of Irish and/or European legislation and policies concerning digital services.
* Legal drafting skills, to include reasoned decision making.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise effectively and manage a significant and diverse workload, and to adapt where necessary.
* Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with many different stakeholders.
* Strong written communication skills in a variety of forms including presentations, strategy documents, correspondence, and reports.
* An excellent understanding of data protection obligations, GDPR and associated processes and documentation.
* Qualification in, or including, research design and methodology.
Key Information
* This position is offered on a specified purpose basis of approximately 7-12 months to cover the absence of a permanent employee on maternity leave.
* Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
* The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working. Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.
* Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.
* For a full list of benefits see our website here
* This position is graded at the Assistant Principal scale.
* Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:
* A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via HERE
* Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
* Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process
* Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.
For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact cnam@cpl.ie
Please see the competencies below that will be assessed at interview stage for this competition.
* Leadership
* Judgement, Analysis and decision making
* Management and Delivery of Results
* Interpersonal and Communication skills
* Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
* Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values
Selection Process
The selection process will include:
* Shortlisting of candidates based on the information provided in their application, assessed against the specified criteria for the role.
* A competency-based preliminary interview
* A second-round interview for candidates successful in the first round, which will include a presentation or another practical exercise
The first interview will take place via MS Teams. The second interview will be conducted in person at our Dublin office.
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at amckiernan@cnam.ie
Coimisiún naMeán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 8th September 2025 at 3pm
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research
Industries
* Technology, Information and Media
Note: This refined description removes boilerplate and unrelated postings while preserving the core information about responsibilities, qualifications, and process for this role.
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