Executive Officer

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Writing, editing and producing a variety of communication materials including press releases, reports, material on intranet and multimedia channels to engage stakeholders and amplify key messages.

• Monitor media coverage and public perception of the organisation and providing analysis to inform communication efforts.

• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers and influencers and coordinating media coverage to increase visibility and positive publicity.

• Coordinate internal communication initiatives, including weekly meetings, weekly wrap up emails, all staff meetings and briefings to foster a culture of transparency and engagement.

• Collaborate and support cross-functional units across the organisation to develop internal communication campaigns and align efforts with SFPA goals and values.

• Respond to inquiries, requests and feedback from stakeholders, providing timely and accurate information supporting the management of crises as needed. Coordinate responses to statutory requests under Freedom of Information Act and Parliamentary Questions.

• Develop and maintain communication materials and resources such as branding guidelines, messaging frameworks, and communications templates.

• Plan and execute events, attendance at conferences, and public relations activities to showcase the SFPAs practices.

• Coordinate with external agencies, consultants, vendors such as graphic designers, photographers and printers to support communication projects and initiatives.

• Assist to train and support staff on induction to SFPA.

• Evaluate effectiveness of communication initiatives and campaigns using metrics and analysis to measure reach, engagement and impact, making data driven recommendations for improvement.

• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and communication tools and platforms, continuously learning and adapting strategies to optimise communication effectiveness and efficiency.

Note: This job specification is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position. It is subject to ongoing review and will evolve in line with the constantly evolving practices and functions of the Authority’s work. The role involves the meeting of clear and specific targets and contributing to the overall strategy and operational effectiveness of a section. Please note that the above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must meet the following essential requirements prior to the closing date of the competition:

• Have obtained a relevant qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field or, have passed the first year examination of a course leading to a third level qualification in this field.

• Experience in communications, public relations, media relations or related roles.

• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication with ability to craft clear, compelling messages.

• Proficiency in digital communications tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems and analytics tools.

• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team.

• Adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing priorities, crises, and opportunities.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Possess a relevant third level qualification.

• 2-3 years relevant experience in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.

• Experience in Graphic Design and/or videography would be desirable.

• Basic user competence in the Irish language would be desirable.

Note: This job description should be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at EO Grade at the present time and will be reviewed and assessed on an ongoing basis. The duties and responsibilities may change as the role evolves.

Citizenship Requirement

As this is a permanent position, the eligibility to compete for this post is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit only. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

General

The appointment is to an Executive Officer post on a permanent contract and is subject to the Civil Service Regulations Acts 1956 to 2005, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 (No. 8 of 2006) and any other Act for the time being in force relating to the Civil or Public Service.

Pay

The basic salary for the position (rates effective from 1st February 2026) is the Executive Officer PPC scale of €38,419 – €62,601 per annum (which includes two long service increments).

Tenure

This is a permanent position. The appointee will be required to serve a 12-month probationary period.

Location

This role will be based in our Head Office in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Meetings may take place at locations around Ireland. When absent from home and place of employment on official duty, the appointee will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, subject to normal civil service regulations or public sector regulations.

Blended Working

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is committed to embracing opportunities for remote and blended working, to build a more dynamic, agile and responsive Public Service, while sustaining strong standards of performance and high levels of productivity.

As an employer, SFPA operates a blended working policy that facilitates access to remote working options having regard to work-life balance or integration, mental health, and the need for a safe and productive working environment. Availability and patterns of blended working will be based on business needs and the suitability of the role may be subject to change should the business needs dictate. Requests for blended working arrangements will be considered on a case by case basis.

Hours of Attendance

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours 15 minutes gross per week or 35 hours net per week. The appointee will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of his or her duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

Rest Periods

The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply to this appointment.

Annual Leave

In addition to the standard public holidays, the annual leave for this position is 23 working days per year, rising to 24 after five years’ service and to 25 after ten years’ service, 26 days after 12 years’ service and 27 after 14 years’ service.

Sick Leave

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis during probation, in accordance with the provisions of the sick leave circulars.