Policy Manager, Democracy & Fundamental Rights, Higher Executive Officer

About This Role

Role Purpose

This role will sit in the Democracy & Fundamental Rights team to aid delivery of the Democracy Strategic Outcome by helping to drive policy development for the organisation in respect of election integrity and information integrity. This will include supporting the development of cross-organisational frameworks to inform An Coimisiún’s approach to these issues, conducting policy analyses on new and emerging trends and legislative and regulatory developments and providing high-quality, future-focused policy advice and materials.

They will also support cross-organisational implementation of policy actions and recommendations, relating to both internal and external strategies, working collaboratively with a range of teams and partners, and combining a measured and outcomes-focused approach to both stakeholder and project management.

The role will also provide ongoing support and briefing to senior management and Commissioners in preparing for external engagements.

About the Team/Division

The Democracy and Fundamental Rights team works to support the organisation’s delivery of the organisation’s Strategic Outcomes, through the development of robust, evidence-informed policies and strategies, by working to inform and guide delivery of those projects with internal stakeholders and developing a clear understanding of our objectives with external partners.

The purpose of the Policy, Research & Strategy Division is to ensure that Coimisiún na Meán has a deep and evidence-based understanding of how traditional and online media affect the rights, interests, and welfare of individuals. Its work addresses a broad spectrum of issues across the media landscape, including online safety, illegal harms, the interests of children and vulnerable adults, the protection of democracy and fundamental rights, and the development of codes, rules and regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Undertake policy, regulatory and legislative analysis and desktop research to inform policy development;

• Lead the drafting, coordination and review of policy papers and submissions to consultations, ensuring they are evidence-informed, take account of diverse stakeholder perspectives and are aligned with strategic objectives;

• Work with the team on the development of a framework to guide Coimisiún na Meán’s efforts to support the information integrity ecosystem and support implementation of policy actions to support electoral integrity;

• Provide briefing materials and other supports to senior management and Commissioners in preparation for national and EU-level working groups, events and speaking engagements.

Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Plan, coordinate, manage and support delivery of multiple projects, reporting on milestones, risks and dependencies to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes;

• Oversee the tracking and reporting of a range of internal and external policy recommendations and commitments, and ensuring effective communication of same with stakeholders;

• Lead and support effective relationship and stakeholder engagement with colleagues and across teams, divisions and external partners, facilitating collaboration, and fostering enduring relationships;

• Representing Coimisiún na Meán at external meetings, events and conferences, as required;

• Ensuring the effective functioning, coordination and reporting of cross-organisational steering groups.

Team and Knowledge Development

• As part of the wider Democracy & Fundamental Rights team, proactively contributing to the iteration of its processes and ways of working and demonstrating adaptability when faced with ambiguity;

• Working with colleagues and one direct report, contribute to the development and demonstration of best practice in horizon-scanning to support the division and organisation in responding to emerging challenges and opportunities;

• Performance manage one direct report (Executive Officer), providing clear information and advice as to expectations and supporting their development;

• Demonstrate a continued commitment to developing subject matter expertise and effectively communicating this expertise in appropriate forums.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About you - Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• At least three years’ experience working in a policy, regulatory or legal environment;

• Clear and confident communication skills (both written and verbal), including a demonstrated ability to present complex policy and/or regulatory concepts in an accessible manner to a range of audiences;

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders;

• Ability to work with agility in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities while maintaining focus on delivery;

• Demonstrates initiative, proactively identifying issues, opportunities and challenges and actively identifies solutions, takes ownership of projects and tasks and seeks guidance when appropriate;

• Experience of managing and reporting on multiple projects, acting to identify and mitigate risks and managing a range of stakeholder perspectives;

• Strong teamwork skills, contributing positively to team and division objectives and wider organisational goals.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a role that engages across a range of functions;

• Previous engagement in policy development and/or policy and/or legal analysis and review and/or legislative drafting;

• A commitment to, and understanding of, election and information integrity;

• NQF Level 8 qualification or higher in law, policy, media or another relevant discipline.

Key Information

Benefits, Package & Pay

• This position is offered on a Permanent basis.

• Full time, 35 hrs per week

• Annual Leave: 29 days per annum

• The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working. Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.

• Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.

• For a full list of benefits see our website here

• This position is graded at the Higher Executive Officer scale.

• Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:

• A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position.

Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

• Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process

• Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

• For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact cnam@cpl.ie

ReasonableAccommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at amckiernan@cnam.ie

Coimisiún na Meán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.

Closing Date: 3pm, 26th January 2026