Job Title: Technical Policy Adviser Grade II - Water
Employer: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
County: Cork, Dublin, Wexford
Background
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s mission is to support sustainable development and vibrant communities through strategic planning, the sustainable and efficient delivery of well-planned homes, the sustainable management of our water resources, the nurturing of Ireland’s heritage, and effective local government.
Water Division
The Water Division of the Department is concerned with Water Sector Policy, including the implementation of sectoral reforms, including the governance and funding of Uisce Éireann.
Water Advisory Unit
The Water Advisory Unit (part of the Water Division) consists of a multidisciplinary team of technical advisers (scientists and engineers) and policy staff, who together provide professional advice to the Department and lead on technical aspects of water management and water policy.
The work of the Unit is broad and can evolve rapidly in response to Departmental priorities. Currently the unit has responsibility for technical oversight of programmes associated with water quality management and protection, water resource management and the policy for the provision of water and wastewater services, with particular reference to EU Directives (such as Water Framework Directive, Urban Wastewater Directive, Drinking Water Directive and Bathing Water Directive). The unit also provides support to the Rural Water Programme and policy advice in relation to Uisce Éireann.
About the Role
The Technical Policy Adviser (Grade II) - Water will report to the Water Adviser (Grade I) and will work primarily on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (including associated directives such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Drinking Water Directive and Bathing Water Directives).
They will also provide support on the development and delivery of the cyclical River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) and programmes of measures, as well as their implementation. It is expected that initially the Technical Policy Adviser - Water (Grade II) will be assigned to either:
The Hydromorphology Programme which is a programme that aims to mitigate the negative impacts of physical barriers and alterations on waterbodies. It identifies, monitors, and improves the flow and physical structure of rivers, lakes, and estuaries to restore natural habitats, supporting Ireland's RBMP
or
The RBMP Programme Delivery Office which is a dedicated unit within the Water Division of the Department. It was established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Water Action Plan 2024: A River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022 – 2027.
Over time and depending on work priorities, the Technical Policy Adviser Grade II - Water may be assigned to work on some or all of the functional areas within the Unit.
The specific areas of technical responsibility within the Water Advisory Unit include;
Catchment science;
Implementation and development of the RBMP;
Water resource management and planning;
Water services strategic planning;
Hydromorphology (flow, barriers, siltation and drainage);
Agriculture, land-use planning and water quality;
Rural wastewater – septic tanks and small individual treatment systems;
Rural water supply – individual supplies including private wells;
Establishment of policy and oversight of drinking water protected areas;
Climate change adaptation in water quality and water services;
Groundwater resource and quality measures; and
Bathing waters.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The key duties and responsibilities of the role may include the following:
Providing advice on the design and implementation of policy and legislation to meet Programme for Government, EU and international obligations;
Supporting the rural water programme particularly the assessment of capital projects;
Preparing materials as required, for Oireachtas committees, debates, parliamentary questions etc.;
Analysing, evaluating and advising on new and developing EU and international water policy and legislation;
Advising on the development, and implementation, of national, regional and/or sectoral strategies/ programmes;
Representing the Department at EU and national working groups, in EU negotiations and at committee implementation meetings, as required;
Supporting the oversight of water research, participating in research project steering groups and supporting national engagement in water research;
A full list of essential requirements is available in the Information Booklet.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
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