Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for a Head of ICT & Digital
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting opportunity for a confident, enthusiastic, competent and innovative individual. The ideal candidate will be a role model for strategic leadership, operational excellence, creating a high-performance culture and building strong stakeholder relationships. IFI is looking for candidates that are 'thought leaders', keen to challenge, pioneer change and enthuse others to deliver on our mission and vision, in line with our values.
This post will be responsible for leading a team in the delivery of digital and technology architecture and solutions, operational business objectives, annual business and work plans and an organisation wide strategy. The successful candidate will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Cooperation and collaboration with the various Heads of Function and operational Directors is a vital component in this role.
The Head of Digital & ICT will be responsible for leading the delivery of the Digital and Technology Strategy and managing the day-to-day ICT operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in accordance with delegated levels of authority. The role will ensure the delivery of secure, reliable, and efficient ICT services that support IFI's strategic objectives and operational needs.
Working collaboratively with the key stakeholders the Head of Digital & ICT will ensure the delivery of the Digital Strategy for IFI and lead on achieving a full enterprise architecture, bringing together an integrated digital roadmap with the support of all Divisions within the organisation. The role will have ownership of organisational data quality, security and systems in a manner that supports the business and new direction of travel contained in the 2026 – 2030 Statement of Strategy and annual workplans.
ABOUT US
Inland Fisheries Ireland are the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
More information can be found by visiting our website.
VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Vision
To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.
Mission
To protect, manage and conserve Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.
Values
* We work collaboratively with professionalism
* We are open, transparent and accountable
* We act with respect and integrity
* We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
KEY FOCUS
* Play a proactive role in the leadership of IFI, as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and a Technology champion with the Board. Work closely with the Chief Executive and ELT, as the trusted partner to guide and advise the business & ensure technology is a true enabler.
* Lead and Manage the IFI technology infrastructure estate, maintaining optimal
resilience and security, commensurate with the expectations of the organisation.
- Proactively work towards the achievement of a full enterprise architecture that optimises fragmented processes, information and technology into an integrated environment at IFI, facilitating effective decision making and change implementation.
- Develop and implement the Digital and Technology Strategy for IFI, aligned to the organisation's ambitious strategies and plans. This strategy should have regard to such drivers as AI, GIS, Data analytics, remote sensing capabilities etc
- Engage with key stakeholders internally, in developing an integrated and cohesive strategy for the organisation and design an appropriate operating model that best meets customer need across all parts of the business, to deliver the various strategies and plans.
- Lead the delivery of the Information Technology and Digital Roadmap and multi-year plans, continuously re-evaluating to ensure alignment with organisational priorities and the delivery of business value.
- Facilitate the transformation of the enabling corporate functions through the selection and implementation of modern digital technology solutions that will radically improve the efficiency of these functions and the internal employee experience.
- Consult and engage with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure that the strategies and roadmaps developed and the solutions delivered meet the current and future needs of an organisation in transformation.
- Partner with key internal stakeholders including the Strategy and Transformation leaders to ensure that organisational change is effectively planned and delivered.
- Develop operational plans to ensure that all necessary ICT tools, processes and systems are in place to meet the requirements of the business and contribute to the achievement of the organisation's short and long-term goals.
- Develop a suite of Technology metrics and KPIs which will demonstrate the function's 'value add' to the business and provide regular performance reports to the Digital & ICT Board Sub-Committee and the Board.
- Build the capacity and capability of the Digital & ICT Division, through workforce planning, effective performance and development planning and talent management.
- Ensure strong teamworking within Digital & ICT Division, which focuses on delivery for stakeholders, and which works in partnership with the external contractors, as necessary, to provide a total ICT solution.
- Manage significant capital and operating expenditure, tracking expenditure, ensuring optimal use of resources and delivering value for money.
- Ensure robust governance processes associated with the Digital & ICT function are in place, including oversight of programme delivery through key governance mechanisms and the effective management of risk.
- Develop the required Digital & ICT policies and procedures, critical to enhancing the organisations service delivery.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends and advise the ELT on new and emerging technologies and digital transformation opportunities.
- Source and manage best in class partners and vendors, aligned to public procurement guidelines.
- Build strong working relationships and influence across the wider Government and Public Service technology leadership sphere, developing opportunities for collaboration and integration.
- Manage network security and integrity, ensuring that ICT disaster recovery/back- up solutions are in place to minimise the risk of system outages & data loss/corruption, and business continuity plans are robust.
- Lead and manage the organisation's Cyber Security Strategy and supporting Plans & promoting a culture of ownership across the organisation.
- Ensure all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) are communicated and met, with action being taken when performance levels are dropping towards thresholds.
- Develop and manage ICT budgets, in line with agreed business plans and within pre-assigned limits.
- Be the point of contact for escalated operational enquiries and issues.
- Work with external and internal stakeholders, to identify the root cause of issues and oversee the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
- Represent IFI at both nationally and internationally as required and liaise with relevant external bodies, agencies and organisations.
- Ensure that ICT initiatives contribute effectively to environmental sustainability and digital innovation within the public sector context.
- Ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data governance policies, promoting a culture of data security and privacy across the organisation
- Support IFI's broader sustainability commitments through environmentally responsible ICT initiatives.
Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO or nominee.
KEY KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Essential
* A record of academic achievement to include a recognised third-level qualification, at a minimum of NFQ Level 8.
* A full clean Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.
* Significant Information Technology experience at a senior level in a complex organisation, including senior stakeholder engagement and managing resources at an Executive leadership level.
* Full Enterprise Architecture exposure and successful delivery.
* Expertise in information technology strategy development and planning of emerging technologies and expertise of leading significant digitally enabled change programmes and projects.
* Previous experience of leading and managing an ICT Team & Department.
* Direct responsibility for the successful delivery of multiple large scale ICT solutions.
* Proven ability to manage and influence demanding and complex business stakeholder networks.
* Significant vendor management experience, gained from working with a variety of
* Information Technology vendors.
* Significant financial budget management experience – capital and operating expenditure.
* Solid experience in developing and implementing technology strategies in data rich environments
* Expert knowledge and experience of the governance structures needed to manage a large and complex portfolio of Information Technology projects.
* Project management experience, including the use of a project management methodology.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills.
* Experience of leading and managing diverse project teams.
* Proven decision maker in business matters.
* Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with staff, customers and stakeholders both internally and externally.
* Experience in digital transformation or leading ICT modernisation projects in a public sector or regulated environment.
* Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, such as ISO 27001 or NIST.
* Familiarity with public sector procurement regulations and ICT frameworks (OGP or EU procurement).
* Strong understanding of ICT governance, risk, and compliance in a state or semi-state body.
* Proven track record in developing ICT strategies aligned with organisational and national digital goals
Desirable
* Microsoft Certified Professional MCP.
* Project Management Professional (PMP)
* Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator MCSA.
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Principal Officer (Head of Function) as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 7-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI's):
Point 1 €104,819.29; Point 2 €109,315.88; Point 3 €113,782.32; Point 4 €118,283.22; Point 5 €122,075.61; Point 6 (LSI 1) €126,010.12; Point 7 €129,938.20
(IFI Principal Officer (Head of Function) Salary Scale as of 01/08/2025).
Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.
LOCATION
This role will be based at IFI's office in Citywest Business Campus Dublin D24 CK66.
TENURE
This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Friday 12th December 2025.
Late applications will not be processed.
Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.