Higher Executive Officer

What is the Higher Executive Officer Role?

The Higher Executive Officer (HEO) role requires individuals who can balance operational leadership with strong analytical skills, sound judgement and a clear commitment to public service values.

Acting as a vital link between senior management and operational teams, their work ensures the effective implementation of policy, reform, and service delivery on the ground and provides support in managing large projects, budgets and developing government policy.

They are expected to operate confidently in complex environments, represent their area in cross-departmental and senior-level settings, and ensure the effective implementation of policies, programmes and services while managing resources responsibly.

The Civil Service is now recruiting for suitably qualified and committed individuals to take up the role of HEO. This is an exciting opportunity for talented and enthusiastic individuals who are looking to embrace new challenges, do purposeful work and make a real difference to the Irish State and its people.

HEOs are experienced middle managers who play a critical role in leading teams, managing delivery and supporting departmental and cross-government priorities.

Reporting to an Assistant Principal Officer, HEOs play a key role in implementing policy and strategy and in delivering a world class service to the State and to the people of Ireland.

HEOs in the Civil Service contribute to the Renewal 2030 Strategy and the Better Public Services programme, helping to realise a vision of a more unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable Civil Service that delivers a world-class service to the State and the people of Ireland.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Depending on the Civil Service organisation, the following is an overview of the type of responsibilities and tasks required of the successful candidate(s) at HEO level:

Providing strong team leadership, offering direction, motivation and support to drive high performance and continuous improvement;

Applying robust analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to inform policy development, operational decisions and organisational priorities;

Managing competing demands effectively, planning and prioritising in a dynamic environment to meet tight deadlines;

Exercising sound, evidence-based judgement, making balanced and well-reasoned recommendations;

Maintaining high standards of governance, accountability and customer service, contributing to a culture of integrity and public service excellence;

Building productive working relationships with colleagues, senior management and external stakeholders to enable effective cross-functional delivery;

Communicating clearly and professionally, tailoring messages for different audiences across written, verbal and digital channels;

Managing budgets, resources and corporate responsibilities in their area in line with Departmental procedures and Civil Service obligations;

Supporting learning, development and capability building, fostering a culture where staff can grow, innovate and thrive;

Operating effectively in hybrid and evolving work environments, ensuring team cohesion and clarity of purpose;

Demonstrating flexibility, resilience and the ability to adapt to a changing work environment;

Dealing with sensitive and confidential information.

The above job description is a guide to the general range of duties of the successful candidate. It is not intended to be definitive or restrictive.

Why Apply for the Role?

As well as a rewarding and challenging career, some of the benefits of working as a HEO include:

Competitive salary, starting at €60,029 with yearly increments for satisfactory performance;

29 days of annual leave per year;

Public Sector pension;

Opportunities for promotion through internal, interdepartmental and open competitions;

Subject to business needs and a satisfactory probationary period;

Flexible working with a commitment to work-life balance and a family-friendly workplace (including work-sharing arrangements and a wide variety of special leave options);

Facility to apply for Shorter Working Year Scheme;

Facility to apply for career breaks;

Learning and development opportunities;

Access to well-being programmes to support a healthy work-life balance;

Opportunity to avail of the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme, and the tax saver public transport pass;

Opportunity to join the Public Service Credit Union;

Contribute to purposeful work that positively impacts citizens, communities, and society.

On the closing date of 10 September 2026, to be eligible for consideration, a candidate must satisfy the following requirements:

Possess a Leaving Certificate at Level 4 or above; or hold a minimum Level 4 qualification, major or minor award on the National Framework of Qualifications (or equivalent as per NARIC Ireland).

Possess a minimum of three years’ relevant management experience.

Demonstrable experience in:

a. managing workloads, projects or processes in a complex, fast-paced environment;

b. strategic thinking, using sound judgement to make well-informed decisions;

c. researching and analysing information to support decision-making in a timely manner;

d. working collaboratively with internal and/or external stakeholders in multidisciplinary environments;

e. creating an inclusive team environment and creating opportunities for knowledge sharing;

f. self-motivation, setting own targets and dealing with multiple demands while producing high quality work.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate that they possess the capabilities/skills identified as necessary for effective performance at this level, as outlined in the Capability Framework for Higher Executive Officer in the Civil Service.