Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Public Affairs (EO)

An Overview of An Garda Síochána

An Garda Síochána is the national police and security service of Ireland, comprising approximately:

• 14,300 Garda Members
• 3,600 Garda Staff
• 300 Garda Reserves

An Garda Síochána is a community-focused organisation with the mission of "Keeping People Safe."

With responsibility for both policing services and protecting the security of the State, the organisation is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that meet the needs of communities throughout Ireland.

Established over 100 years ago at the foundation of the Irish State, An Garda Síochána has a long tradition of community policing. Building on this strong foundation, the organisation continues to evolve as a modern police and security service, responding to changing patterns of crime, vulnerability, population growth, and public expectations.

An Garda Síochána is responsible for delivering key commitments under the Programme for Government. To support these commitments, the organisation continues to grow, with a strong emphasis on making effective use of Garda resources and capabilities.

The organisation has undergone significant transformation, including:

• The introduction of modern technology.
• New methods of working.
• The largest organisational restructuring in its history.

The establishment of a Garda Board has helped the organisation become more agile and adaptable, while the new Policing and Community Safety Authority supports the effective delivery and continuous improvement of policing services.

These developments make it an exciting time to join An Garda Síochána, which is committed to attracting talented professionals to help deliver its ambitious programme of work.

Office of Corporate Communications

The Office of Corporate Communications is a National Office responsible for both external and internal communications for An Garda Síochána.

The Office consists of:

• Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit
• Garda Press Office
• Content Creation Unit
• Garda Internal Communications Unit

Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit

The Corporate Services and Justice Liaison functions operate within the Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit and carry out key responsibilities on behalf of the Garda Commissioner.

Justice Liaison Team

The Justice Liaison Team acts as the essential link between An Garda Síochána and the Transparency Unit within the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

Its responsibilities include:

• Processing requests for observations relating to Parliamentary Questions.
• Preparing briefing materials for the Minister.
• Ensuring An Garda Síochána fulfils its obligations to provide information to the Minister.

Corporate Services Team

The Corporate Services Team performs a strategic liaison role between the Garda Commissioner and both internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Stakeholder Communications Unit

This newly established unit supports the wider Office of Corporate Communications in building and maintaining trust between An Garda Síochána and its stakeholders through tailored communications.

Its work includes:

• Drafting speeches for senior leaders.
• Report writing.
• Public affairs.
• Risk management.

The unit's primary objective is to:

• Build and maintain positive professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce high-quality and accurate reports and briefing materials.
• Maintain and develop a central source of corporate information.

Garda Press Office

The Garda Press Office serves as the primary point of contact for media organisations seeking information about:

• Garda operations.
• Criminal investigations.
• Missing person appeals.
• Serious road traffic collisions.
• Other Garda-related matters.

Other responsibilities include:

• Attending major emergencies and incidents.
• Organising press conferences.
• Facilitating media interviews.
• Liaising with filmmakers and documentary producers.

Content Creation Office

The Content Creation Office is responsible for:

• Planning and delivering communications campaigns, including recruitment campaigns such as "It's a Job Worth Doing."
• Managing An Garda Síochána's social media platforms.
• Maintaining the Garda website.
• Publishing the Annual Report and other organisational publications.

The Office is also responsible for Crimecall, the television programme that supports live Garda investigations by:

• Broadcasting public appeals.
• Delivering crime prevention advice.
• Promoting road safety messages.

Garda Internal Communications Unit

The Garda Internal Communications Unit manages internal communications across the organisation, including:

• Bi-weekly newsletters.
• Bespoke internal communications.
• The Garda intranet.

Office Structure

The Office of Corporate Communications is headed by the Garda Director of Communications.

It comprises both Garda Staff and Sworn Garda Members and is based at Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, with Communications Coordinators located throughout the regions.

Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Public Affairs (Executive Officer)

The Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator (Public Affairs) will primarily be responsible for coordinating, recording, and responding to:

• Parliamentary Questions.
• Correspondence received by the Garda Commissioner from:

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the point of contact between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and/or the Commissioner's Office.
• Coordinating and processing Parliamentary Questions and Commissioner's correspondence.
• Reviewing and assessing Parliamentary Questions and official correspondence.
• Managing Clerical Officers and associated administrative and HR responsibilities.
• Maintaining records and documentation.
• Preparing reports.
• Preparing and reviewing briefing materials for the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner.

This description is not intended to be exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically to reflect organisational needs.

The role requires a strong understanding of:

• The political environment.
• Current affairs.
• The role and responsibilities of An Garda Síochána.

This knowledge is essential for identifying and escalating matters attracting significant public attention.

The position also requires sound risk assessment skills to identify issues that could potentially damage the organisation's reputation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the role involves regular professional engagement with key stakeholders, particularly the Department of Justice.

Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications, Experience, Requirements and Skills

Candidates must satisfy either Route 1 or Route 2.

Route 1

Candidates must possess:

A. A relevant qualification at NFQ Level 6 or higher in one of the following or a related discipline:

• Public Affairs
• Communications
• Politics

and

B. Experience working in:

• Public relations
• Public affairs
• Communications
• The political environment

ORRoute 2

A minimum of 2 years' experience working in:

• Public relations
• Public affairs
• Communications
• The political environment

Candidates must also demonstrate experience in:

• Preparing, editing, and presenting material clearly, concisely, and comprehensively, both verbally and in writing.
• Using Microsoft Office applications, including:

Desirable Requirements and Skills

The following are desirable:

• Experience dealing with:
• Oral and written proficiency in Irish.
• Experience using content management and content creation platforms or applications.
• A current Category B driving licence without endorsements.

Key Skills and CompetenciesPeople Management

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Consult with and fully engage team members.
• Encourage open and constructive discussions.
• Maximise individual and team performance.
• Address performance issues where necessary.
• Support learning and development.
• Encourage improved ways of working.
• Resolve team conflicts constructively.
• Listen to and act on staff feedback.
• Share knowledge and expertise to help achieve team objectives.

Analysis and Decision Making

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Analyse a wide range of information sources.
• Investigate all relevant issues.
• Understand the wider organisational context.
• Identify important issues and emerging trends.
• Correctly interpret numerical information.
• Perform accurate calculations.
• Draw balanced, evidence-based conclusions.
• Make sound recommendations.

Delivery of Results

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Take ownership of tasks.
• Deliver work through to completion.
• Work logically and pragmatically.
• Prioritise effectively.
• Improve customer service delivery through constructive challenge.
• Estimate project timelines accurately.
• Anticipate and overcome obstacles.
• Minimise errors through review and continuous improvement.
• Maximise team contribution.
• Ensure effective procedures and service delivery protocols are implemented.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Listen actively.
• Build cooperation with internal and external groups.
• Negotiate successfully where required.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Remain professional and assertive in challenging situations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

General

The appointment is to a permanent position within An Garda Síochána and is subject to:

• The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
• The Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
• Any other relevant legislation governing An Garda Síochána.

Appointments of existing Garda staff employed before the commencement of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act may be made on Civil Service grades and terms and conditions, where applicable.

Salary Scale

The Executive Officer salary scale applies to this position.

Executive Officer Standard Scale (PPC)Effective from 1 June 2026

• €38,803
• €40,764
• €41,871
• €44,030
• €45,965
• €47,838
• €49,703
• €51,534
• €53,419
• €55,296
• €57,289
• €58,624
• €60,527 (LSI 1)
• €63,227 (LSI 2)
• Long Service Increment (LSI 1) may be payable after 3 years of satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.
• Long Service Increment (LSI 2) may be payable after 6 years of satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

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