Civil Service Assisted Return to Career Programme

The Civil Service Assisted Return to Career (ARC) Programme is a 6-month paid ‘Returnship’ designed to support professionals who have taken time out of work, for at least two years, to re-enter the workforce.

Led by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) in partnership with an external provider, the ARC Programme offers mentored, 6-month placements across the Irish Civil Service.

Summary Conditions of Service Salary: €58,847 per annum (equivalent to €1,131.28 each week for 6-month placement) Annual Leave: 29 days per annum on a pro-rata basis Hours of attendance: 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week

Placement Starting Dates Successful candidates must be available to commence their Returnship Placement including induction which will commence in late February 2026.

Placement Locations Candidates who are successful in this competition will be placed on a panel for their selected stream in order of merit, from which placement opportunities arising across the Civil Service will be filled. An opportunity may arise in any of the Government Departments/Offices who are participating in this programme. Although the majority of placements are expected to be located in the wider Dublin area, a limited number of placements may arise in some regional locations which may also be filled from these panels.

There are a limited number of 6-month placements on offer, therefore, it may not be possible to offer a placement to all successful candidates.

This programme supports people to re-launch their careers, update their skills, and gain experience in a supportive environment.

Applications for placement opportunities are open to candidates with skills and experience in the following specialist areas:

• Human Resources
• Information & Communication Technology
• Finance and Accounting

Full information on the programme including entry requirements are detailed in the candidate information booklet here

An online information and engagement event on the ARC Programme will take place on Thursday 23rd October at 1pm. You can register your interest in attending here. 

Main Duties of the Job

Candidates who are successful in the selection process for entry onto this programme will serve at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level—a key mid-management role contributing to policy, strategy, and public service delivery.

Full information on the roles is available in the candidate information booklet. Please note however that specific duties may vary depending on the department or organisation that successful candidates are assigned to. 

Information about the organisation

The Irish Civil Service is a large complex organisation employing approximately 50,000 people in over 50 government departments and organisations. It has a diverse set of responsibilities to support the government that range from developing policy options and legislation to address major national issues; co-ordinating the broader public service; to helping to manage the economy and delivering services to the public.

Successful candidates may be offered a placement in any government department or organisation. However, please note that while the majority of vacancies are expected to be located in the wider Dublin area, a limited number of placements may also arise in some regional locations.

 Closing Date: 3pm on Thursday , 6th November 2025