Director of professional development

Institute of Public Administration Recruitment of Director of Professional Development October 2025 Closing Date: Friday 7th November 2025 at 1pm The Position Title of position: Director of Professional Development Tenure: Five-Year Fixed Term Contract Employing Authority: Institute of Public Administration Location: 57-61, Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland, D04 TC62 The Organisation The mission of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is to advance the understanding, standard and practice of public administration and public policy and to build the capacity and capability of the public service workforce into the future.
Our intent remains constant to be Irelands recognised Centre of Excellence for Learning and Leadership Development for the Public Service.
Under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), the IPA is unique in terms of the breadth and depth of multi-disciplinary public service expertise, comprising a multi-faceted approach including accredited third-level education, professional digital and in-person learning, development and advisory services.
This cross-sectoral approach affords the Institute the basis for applying a unique, whole-of-government perspective to its activities, providing solutions to the demands of state and government.
The IPA has evolved considerably since its foundation in 1957 with over 19,000 public servants attending courses and programmes today.
The Institute has multiple specialist departments to support and advise on different approaches to public service capacity building.
These departments include Professional Development, Digital Learning (incorporating One Learning), Senior Public Service and the Whitaker School of Government and Management.
The IPA is one of two recognised colleges of the National University of Ireland (NUI) alongside the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), awarding NUI degrees in compliance with relevant agreements and national statutes.
Notably, and of significance, it is the only Institute of Public Administration in Europe with this awarding authority.
Find out more about the IPA on our careers page.
Professional Development Department The Professional Development Department within the IPA provides a portfolio of open and custom-designed development programmes, advisory services, seminars, conferences and fora that are specifically designed to meet the needs of client organisations and individuals within the Public Service.
The Department works in partnership with clients in the civil service, local government, health, education, commercial and non-commercial state bodies and agencies, and public benefit sectors to build capacity and capabilities at organisational levels, strengthen individual generalist and specialist skills, and build a range of competencies, as well as in the provision of advisory and support services.
Programme specialists and subject matters experts combine experience and expertise in a specific discipline (e.g.
Governance, Assurance, Risk, Audit, Finance, Local Government, Business Systems, Digital Transformation, Strategic HRM and People Development, Leadership, Management and Sustainability) with a deep understanding of the public, state and public benefit sector, and the challenges within client organisations.
Experienced specialists, skilled in the design and delivery of interventions, track policy development and practice in specific sectors and organise opportunities for discussion, debate and reflection on topical issues.
The design of programmes and services incorporates highly innovative, participative and work-based methodologies, including action learning, problem-based learning and case studies.
The fora and networks led and convened by the Department such as the successful IPA Governance Forum provide unparalleled access to current thinking and practice across our key client sectors.
Forming a key foundation of the work at the Institute, this Department is central to ensuring that the IPA is strategically fit for purpose in delivering against the needs of the Public Service and continually driving change and transformation required.
Role Summary The Director of Professional Development will lead the IPAs Professional Development Department in alignment with and supporting the overarching IPA strategic goals and direction.
This is an exciting role and the individual appointed will form part of the Executive Leadership Team and will report directly to the Director General of the IPA.
The successful candidate will contribute to overall strategy through supporting the Director General in strategic transformation and organisational development measures.
The individual will lead the management and development of the IPAs professional development portfolio in addition to being a key contact point across the Public Service for the provision of advisory services.
This will include the following areas: Governance, Assurance, Risk, Audit, Finance, Local Government, Business Systems, Digital Transformation, Strategic HRM and People Development, Leadership, Management, Climate Action and Sustainability.
Building on the strong foundation of the existing success of the team involved, this offers the right candidate the opportunity to develop this Department over the coming years, actively create and innovate to address learning needs whilst making a critical commercial contribution to the Institute to enable its further growth into the future.
The successful candidate will have the energy, drive and ambition to achieve and excel in leading and building a high-performing team.
Key responsibilities This is a senior leadership role whichwill be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Strategic Development Responsibilities: Lead the implementation of the IPAs business development strategy for the Department for non-accredited learning and development interventions in addition to professional advisory services that directly address the complex and evolving needs of the Public Service and delivers financial sustainability for the IPA.
Continually assess the business and strategic approach and make amendments wherever appropriate and in line with client needs particularly in new and emerging areas including climate action, sustainability, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Ensure that the Department is strongly and consistently regarded by the key stakeholder groups as the Centre of Excellence, and first point of call for learning, development and advisory needs specifically for the Public Service.
Be proactive in understanding the continuous changes across various sectors in the Public Service for the services provided by the IPA to drive continuous improvement in the impact and delivery of professional learning and development, updating the services portfolio, and to seize new development opportunities.
Lead the design, development and implementation of new courses and programmes that demonstrate best practice and cutting-edge thinking in key specialist areas.
Provide advisory services as required to senior stakeholders and ongoing facilitation of key networks across the Public Service.
Commercial Development Responsibilities: Deliver and achieve financial and performance KPIs for the Department.
Devise pricing policies and strategies based on feedback from the market, competitor pricing and the anticipated impact that price changes would have on the demand for programmes and brand positioning.
Continually assess business performance and align services to achieve targets and budget requirements.
Set consistent high standards of performance and lead by example.
Leadership Responsibilities Work closely with the Director General on the implementation of the overall IPA strategy and report to the IPA Board as required.
Actively participate and contribute to the Executive Leadership Team and overall leadership, management and financial performance of the IPA.
Be responsible for ensuring that the Professional Development Department and staff operate within the Corporate Governance framework of the IPA, in particular its obligations as a Body under the Aegis of DPER.
Develop both functional and leadership capability of the department to meet current and future requirements and build the organisation for the future.
Ensure that the Department is effective in implementing all IPA policies, procedures and protocols.
Operations Management Responsibilities Manage the Department effectively, focusing on the policies and activities required to support the smooth running and delivery of the services provided to both participants and clients.
Work closely and cross collaboratively with the other Directors to ensure that a client-centric approach is adopted, and that each Department is operating in alignment and harmony to service client and participant needs effectively.
Work closely with the Head of Communications on the development and implementation of the IPAs central marketing and communications strategy.
Work closely with the Head of HR in ensuring that HR policies and procedures are being implemented at departmental level.
The Person About the ideal candidate Essential Requirements Third level degree in HR, business, or a related field with subject matter expertise in one of the key relevant specialist areas within the IPAs Professional Development portfolio.
A minimum of 7 years experience in leading and managing teams effectively in a similar field.
Strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in business development, financial performance.
A proven track record in designing, developing and delivering learning and development interventions at executive level.
Confidence in networking, liaising and negotiating with current and potential stakeholders.
Proven track record in operational delivery against challenging targets, strategic planning and budgetary control.
A record of delivering change, working in a complex environment through strong interpersonal and communications ability.
Demonstratedinterest in and awareness of the learning and development needs of the Public Service.
Desirable Requirements Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
Previous experience within or working with the Public Service is advantageous.
Key Skills Required: Passionate about learning, development and advisory support for clients and participants.
Ability to represent the IPA mission and values and to work effectively as part of the leadership team and with all staff.
Proven experience in influencing, building and sustaining relationships to achieve results.
Project management experience in managing short- and long-term projects ranging in scale of budget and complexity.
Adaptable with the ability to manage and lead teams in a changing environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across a range of organisations.
Excellent communication skills including report writing and presentations.
Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development.
Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Capability Framework The IPA utilises the Capability Framework as the basis of assessing candidate suitability for the role.
The capability framework supports the Civil and Public Service in building the workforce of the future.
The ambition is to attract, empower and develop a diversity of people, with the capability and talent to collaboratively deliver excellence, on behalf of our Government and the people of and strengthening capability requires the IPA to consider the whole person, their behaviours, skills, strengths, knowledge, values, motivation and interests.
These factors underpin our approach to recruitment and development as we continue to build an innovative, professional, and agile workforce within the IPA.
The capabilities relating to this role are outlined on our careers page.
Conditions of Service General This appointment is made under the Institutes Constitution Articles of Administration, 17(2)(f), dated 19 November 1963.
Tenure The position of Director of Professional Development will be filled on a five-year fixed term contract basis.
Renumeration The salary scale for this position ranges from €95,321, to €131,138 (9-point scale including two long service increments) per annum pro rata.
Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.
Different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment the appointee is already a serving Civil Servant or Public Servant.
Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current government policy.
Probation All new employees are required to satisfactorily complete a probationary period, in accordance with the 'Terms and Conditions of Employment' in their employment contract.
Employees will be required to serve an initial probationary period.
During this period, the employee's performance on the job and potential abilities are evaluated to determine suitability for the position.
Formal assessments will be carried out by the employee's line manager, resulting in a decision on whether the employee has completed their probation satisfactorily.
Location The position is currently based at Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 which may change over the contract duration period.
The holder of this post may be required to attend meetings and other functions on occasions outside the normal place of work.
Hours of attendance Working hours will be as fixed and will not amount to less than 35 hours per week.
If successful, you will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of your duties, subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.
The Institute operates a formal Blended Working model based on service/business requirements.
Sick Leave The rate of pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil & Public Service sick leave circulars.
Annual leave The annual leave allowance is 30 days.
This allowance is based on a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.
Employee Benefits Examples of some of the current employee benefits include: Generous annual leave entitlement Blended Working Policy Family Friendly Policies Availability of an Optical Benefit Scheme Availability of a Cycle to Work Scheme Staff Wellbeing Programme A range of Learning and Developmental Opportunities Sick Leave Scheme Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave Option to become a member of the Institutes Social Club Car-parking (first come first served) Automatically enrolled in a pension scheme Employee Assistance Programme Outside Employment The position is whole-time, and the holder is not permitted to engage in private practice, or be connected with any outside business, which would interfere with the performance of official duties.
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply, where appropriate, to this appointment.
Further information on the conditions of employment will be outlined in the contract of employment for the successful candidate.
Superannuation Contribution Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees except where there is membership of pre-existing public service superannuation scheme.
Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.
For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration.
Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.
Additional Superannuation Contribution This appointment is subject to the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) in accordance with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
Note: ASC deductions are in addition to any pension contributions (main scheme and spouses and childrens contributions) required under the rules of your pension scheme.
Safety and Welfare The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of the Institutes Safety Statement.
They shall familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and adhere to same.
Training It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post.
Please submit your application via email.
Click 'Apply' to be redirected to our careers page, where you can find the appropriate email address.
Applications must include: A cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and why you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role and; A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.
Only applications fully submitted will be accepted.
Closing date Deadline for application: Friday 7th November 2025 no later than 1pm Irish time.
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date/time.
An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received.
Communications Candidates should ensure that the contact details specified on their application form are correct.
The Institute will contact you when necessary, at each stage of the competition by email.
You should only submit one email address for all correspondence in relation to this competition.
It is important to note that the email address you provide when applying must be one that you can access at all times.
The onus is on the applicant to inform Human Resources of any change in email address throughout the recruitment and selection campaign.
This can be done by emailing.
The onus is also on each applicant to ensure that they are in receipt of all communication from the Institute.
The Institute does not accept responsibility for communications not accessed or received by an applicant.
Reasonable accommodations The IPA places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation.
Any candidate who requires reasonable accommodations at any stage of the selection competition should indicate their requirements.
Any queries in relation to any disability or other issue which may be addressed through making such reasonable accommodations, can be addressed to the following email address.
Selection process The Selection Process may include the following: Shortlisting of candidates based on the information contained in their application; Competency based interviews; Any other tests or exercises that may be deemed appropriate including but not limited to Psychometric testing.
*Please note that the Institute reserves the right to hold any part of the selection process by way of remote/video-call platform or other appropriate methodology.
Shortlisting The Institute reserves the right to shortlist applications.
The shortlisting process may take the form of either a desktop shortlisting process based on the information contained in the applications submitted or a shortlisting interview.
Where, by reason of the number of persons seeking admission to the competition and the standard of knowledge, training or experience in general of such persons, the Institute considers that it would be reasonable not to admit all the persons to the competition, the Institute may admit to the competition only persons who appear likely to it to attain in the competition a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment.
The information you supply in your application will play a central part in the shortlisting process.
The Institutes decision to include you on the shortlist of candidates going forward to the next stage of the process may be determined based on this information.
Interview Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in relation to any interview dates and times.
Candidates may also be contacted in relation to the requirement to complete an on-line questionnaire should this be included in the selection process.
The onus is on you to attend for interview on the dates and times allocated.
Alternative dates and times cannot be facilitated.
When attending for interview you are requested to bring photographic identification.
The interview is your opportunity to give evidence of your knowledge, skills and experience and the Institutes opportunity to assess your suitability for the role as advertised.
The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that the Institute is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the role or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration.
It is important therefore for you to note, the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview.
The Institute may at its discretion require candidates to attend a preliminary interview in which case admission to the competitive interview would be conditional on candidates reaching such a standard as the Institute considers appropriate in the preliminary interview.
Interviews shall be conducted by Board(s) set up by the Institute.
The Board(s) will assess the merits of candidates (except insofar as they are assessed otherwise) in respect of matters referred to in the prescribed qualifications and any other relevant matters.
Only candidates who reach such a standard as the Institute considers satisfactory in the competitive interview shall be considered for selection and placed on a panel.
The onus is on all applicants to make themselves available for interview.
The Institute reserves the right to vary the number and sequence of each stage of the selection process as the competition progresses.
Panels A panel may be formed on the basis of the outcomes of the selection process.
Placement on any panel from this competition is no guarantee that a position will be offered.
The selection process will not be concluded until such time as references have been sought and clearance checks, i.e., occupational health, and verification of education qualifications, have been carried out.
Offer of Appointment The Institute shall require persons to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month.
If the person fails to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer period as the Institute in its absolute discretion may determine, the Institute may not appoint them.
Deeming of candidature to be withdrawn Candidates who do not complete and submit any assessments before the specified date or do not attend/undertake any stage of the selection process as requested or do not furnish such evidence as requested in regard to any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no further claim to consideration.
Expenses The Institute will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by candidates.
General Information Reference checks Please note that any offer of employment made to a successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory reference verification and satisfactory verification of academic and professional qualifications.
Security Clearances Please note that Garda Clearance may be required for this position.
Where required, if you have resided / studied in countries outside of the Republic of Ireland for a period of 6 months or more, you must furnish a separate Police Clearance Certificate from each country stating that you have no convictions recorded against you while residing there.
It is your responsibility to seek security clearances in a timely fashion.
The successful applicant cannot be appointed without this information being provided and being in order.
Confidentiality Candidate confidentiality will be respected at all stages of the recruitment process.
Applicants should however note that all application material would be made available to those with direct responsibility for the recruitment process within the IPA.
Please note information provided by you as part of your application may be used as part of our diversity, equality and inclusion metrics in relation to this campaign.
Eligibility to Compete Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA).
The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.
Freedom of Information Candidates can expect that all enquiries, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.
Legal compliance The IPA is committed to complying with all relevant legislation over the course of this recruitment campaign, including the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018, the Data Protection Acts 1988 - 2018, and the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997, 2003 and 2014.
GDPR compliance The IPA collects, processes and stores personal data, as provided by applicants when applying for the role available.
The data provided by applicants is collected, recorded, stored, retained and destroyed in compliance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 - 2018.
Canvassing Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify them from consideration.
The Institute is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.