Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator

An Overview of An Garda Síochána

An Garda Síochána is the national police and security service of Ireland, comprised of approximately 14,300 Garda Members, 3,600 Garda Staff and 300 Garda Reserves. An Garda Síochána is a community focused organisation with a mission of ‘Keeping People Safe’. With a dual role and responsibility for the provision of policing services, and protecting the security of the State, An Garda Síochána is committed to delivering a responsive, effective and efficient service, that meet the needs of our communities.

The organisation was established over 100 years ago at the inception of the state, and has a proud history of delivering community policing. In order to build upon this strong foundation, An Garda Síochána must continue to evolve, responding as a modern police and security service to the changing face of crime, vulnerability, population and citizen expectation.

An Garda Síochána is charged with delivering on the key commitments made within the Programme for Government. In support of such, the organisation is growing at scale, with the effective use of Garda resources and capabilities as a key focus area.

An Garda Síochána has delivered on a significant organisational transformation programme including the introduction of cutting-edge technology, new methods of working and the biggest change to its structure in its history.

The introduction of a Garda Board is supporting the organisation in becoming more agile and adaptive, while a new Policing and Community Safety Authority is supporting the effective provision and continuous improvement of policing services. These developments and more mean it is a particularly exciting time to join An Garda Síochána and the organisation is determined to recruit the best talent to help deliver its ambitious programme of work.

The Office of Corporate Communications is a National Office with primary responsibility for external and internal communications for An Garda Síochána. The Office of Corporate Communications comprises the Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit, the Garda Press Office, the Content Creation Unit, and the Garda Internal Communications Unit.

The Corporate Services and Justice Liaison functions sit within the Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit and undertake key roles on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.

The Justice Liaison team are an essential link between An Garda Síochána and the Transparency unit within the Department of Justice Home Affairs and Migration. This team service all requests for observations to Parliamentary Questions and briefing materials required by the Minister, ensuring An Garda Síochána meet its obligations in the provision of information to the Minister.

The Corporate Services team serve a strategic function in liaising with internal and external stakeholders communicating with the Garda Commissioner.

The Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit is a new unit which supports the wider Office of Corporate Communications to build and maintain trust between An Garda Síochána and its stakeholders through tailored communications. This includes the drafting of speeches for public engagements by senior leaders, report writing, public affairs duties, and risk management.

The primary objective of the unit is to maintain positive professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, develop and provide high-quality, accurate reports and briefing materials, and maintain and develop a collective source of corporate information.

The Garda Press Office is the main point of contact for media seeking information about Garda operations, criminal investigations, missing person appeals, serious road traffic collisions and a wide range of other information concerning the Garda Síochána organisation. Other functions of the office include attendance at major emergencies/incidents, organising and setting up press conferences, facilitating interviews and liaising with filmmakers/documentary makers.

An Overview of The Office of Corporate Communications

The Content Creation Office has responsibility for planning and organising campaigns (e.g. recruitment campaigns ‘It’s a Job Worth Doing’). The office is also responsible for An Garda Síochána social media platforms and the maintenance of the Garda website. It is also responsible for the publication of the Annual Report and other organisation publications. The Office has responsibility for Crime Call, this television programme plays a vital role in assisting An Garda Síochána with its work on various live investigations, circulating crucial crime prevention advice and traffic safety messages and issuing important public appeals.

The Garda Internal Communications Unit is responsible for managing internal communications with An Garda Síochána, including the publication of bi-weekly newsletters, other bespoke communications and the Garda intranet.

The Office is headed by the Garda Director of Communications and has a mixed skills base of Garda Staff and Sworn Garda Members. It is based in Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 and also has Communications Coordinators based regionally.

Job Specification

The Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator (EO) will be primarily responsible for coordinating, recording and responding to parliamentary questions and correspondence received by the Garda Commissioner from the Minister for Justice, Teachta Dála (TDs) or elected representatives, members of the public, and key external stakeholders.

Acting as a point of contact between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and/or the Commissioner’s Office.

Coordinating and processing of Parliamentary Questions and/or Commissioner’s Correspondence.

Reviewing and assessing Parliamentary Questions posed and/or Commissioner’s Correspondence.

Management of clerical officers assigned and related administrative and HR duties.

Record keeping and management.

Report writing.

Preparation and review of briefing materials being prepared for the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner.

This description of the role is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be reviewed from time to time to reflect the needs of the role and organisation.

This role will rely on the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the political and current affairs landscape, as well as An Garda Síochána’s role and responsibilities. This is to enable them to identify and escalate matters which are in the public eye and warrant immediate attention. A certain level of risk assessment skills will be required as this office must identify where matters have the potential to cause organisational reputational damage.

High-quality communications skills are a must, both written and verbal, as this role requires the holder to engage professionally in line with our corporate identity with key external stakeholders, most significantly, with the Department of Justice.

Person Specification

Essential: Professional Qualifications, Experience, Requirements, Skills

Candidates, by the closing date, must have:

Route 1: (A) A relevant qualification at the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 6 or greater in Public Affairs, Communications, Politics or a similar discipline.

and

(B) Experience working in public relations, public affairs or a communications role, or in the political environment.

Or

Route 2: A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in public relations, public affairs or a communications role, or in the political environment.

Candidates must also have experience:

Preparing, editing and presenting material in a clear, concise and comprehensive manner, both verbally and in writing.

Using Microsoft Office Platforms, e.g. Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Desirable: Requirements, Skills:

Experience dealing with press queries, parliamentary questions or a live news media environment.

Oral and written proficiency in Irish.

Experience in Content Management and Content Creation platforms or applications.

A current, full driving licence – minimum Category B.

Key Skills/Competencies for effective performance as an Executive Officer

People Management

Consults and encourages the full engagement of the team, encouraging open and constructive discussions around work issues.

Gets the best out of individuals and the team, encouraging good performance and addressing any performance issues that may arise.

Values and supports the development of others and the team.

Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working.

Deals with tensions within the team in a constructive fashion.

Encourages, listens to and acts on feedback from the team to make improvements.

Actively shares information, knowledge and expertise to help the team to meet its objectives.

Analysis & Decision Making

Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues.

Understands the practical implication of information in relation to the broader context in which they work – procedures, divisional objectives etc.

Identifies and understands key issues and trends.

Correctly extracts and interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations.

Draws accurate conclusions and makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence.

Delivery of Results

Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion.

Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation.

Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery.

Accurately estimates time parameters for projects, making contingencies to overcome obstacles.

Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place.

Maximises the input of own team in ensuring effective delivery of results.

Ensures proper service delivery procedures, protocols and reviews are in place and implemented.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation or audience.

Actively listens to the views of others.

Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation.

Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome.

Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner.

Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues.

Expresses self in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

Displays high levels of skills and expertise in own area and provides guidance to colleagues.

Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and Department/Organisation and can communicate this to the team.

Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for self and the team.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level.

Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.

Is resilient and perseveres to obtain objectives despite obstacles or setbacks.

Ensures that customer service is at the heart of own/team work.

Is personally honest and trustworthy.

Acts with integrity and encourages this in others.

Eligibility to Apply

Eligibility to apply and certain restrictions on eligibility

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4* or a Stamp 5 permission.

*Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer. It is the candidates responsibility to maintain eligibility.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the Public Service by any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009–2011) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility).

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are not eligible to apply for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

The Department of Health Circular 7/2010 dated 1 November 2010 introduced a Targeted Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) Scheme and Voluntary Redundancy Schemes (VRS). It is a condition of the VER scheme that persons availing of the scheme will not be eligible for re-employment in the public health sector or in the wider Public Service or in a body wholly or mainly funded from public moneys. The same prohibition on re-employment applies under the VRS, except that the prohibition is for a period of 7 years. People who availed of the VER scheme are not eligible to apply in this competition. People who availed of the VRS scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility).

Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (Circular Letter LG(P) 06/2013)

The Department of Environment, Community & Local Government Circular Letter LG(P) 06/2013 introduced a Voluntary Redundancy Scheme for Local Authorities. In accordance with the terms of the Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants dated 28 June 2012 as detailed above, it is a specific condition of that VER Scheme that persons will not be eligible for re-employment in any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009–2011 and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012) for a period of 2 years from their date of departure under this Scheme. These conditions also apply in the case of engagement/employment on a contract for service basis (either as a contractor or as an employee of a contractor).

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a Public Service scheme of incentivised early retirement. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.

Employer of Choice

As an Employer of Choice, An Garda Síochána has many flexible and family friendly policies e.g. Worksharing, Shorter Working Year, Remote Working (operated on a ‘blended’ basis), etc. All elective policies can be applied for in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and are subject to the business needs of the organisation.

General

The appointment is to a permanent post in An Garda Síochána and is subject to the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and any other Act for the time being in force relating to An Garda Síochána.

Please note appointments from within An Garda Síochána for staff employed pre-commencement of the Policing Security & Community Safety Act will be to a Civil Service grade with Civil Service terms and conditions, insofar as applicable.

Salary Scale

The Executive Officer salary scale will apply to this position.

The PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) salary scale (annually) for this position, with effect from 1st February 2026, is as follows:

Executive Officer Standard Scale - PPC €38,419 - €40,360 - €41,456 - €43,594 - €45,510 - €47,364 - €49,211 - €51,024 - €52,890 - €54,749 - €56,722 - €58,044 - €59,928 - €62,601

Long Service increment (LSI 1) may be payable following 3 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum of scale.

Long Service increment (LSI 2) may be payable following 6 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum of scale.

Personal Pension Contribution

The PPC pay rate applies when the individual is required to pay a Personal Pension Contribution (otherwise known as a main scheme contribution) in accordance with the rules of their main/personal superannuation scheme. This is different to a contribution in respect of membership of a Spouses’ and Children’s scheme, or the Additional Superannuation Contributions (ASC).

A different rate will apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Increments may be awarded annually, subject to satisfactory performance.

Important Note

Different terms and conditions may apply, if, immediately prior to appointment the appointee is already a serving Civil Servant or Public Servant.

Payment will be made fortnightly in arrears by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) into a bank account of an employee’s choice. Payment cannot be made until a bank account number and bank sort code has been supplied to the HR Directorate, Athlumney House, Johnstown, Navan, Co Meath C15 ND62.

Statutory deductions from salary will be made as appropriate.

Upon appointment, you will agree that any overpayment of salary, allowances, or expenses will be repaid by you subject to An Garda Síochána’s Management of Overpayments Policy.

Location

The position will be based in An Garda Síochána Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.

Tenure and Probation

The appointment is to a permanent position on a probationary contract in An Garda Síochána. The probationary contract will be for a period of one year from the date specified on the contract. During the period of your probation, your performance will be subject to review by your line manager(s) to determine whether you:

(i) Have performed in a satisfactory manner; (ii) Have been satisfactory in general conduct; and (iii) Are suitable from the point of view of health with particular regard to sick leave.

Prior to the completion of your probation, a decision will be made as to whether or not you will be retained, subject to An Garda Síochána’s Probation Policy. This decision will be based on your performance assessed against the criteria set out in (i) to (iii) above. The detail of the probationary process will be explained to you and you will be given a copy of An Garda Síochána Policy on probation.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs in this section, your probation contract may be terminated at any time prior to the expiry of the term of the contract by either side in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts, 1973 to 2005.