Applications for this competition have now closed.
The Role
The work of a health policy analyst in the Department will vary depending on the particular Division of the Department to which the individual is assigned, but typically covers one or more of the following:
- Using their relevant experience and qualifications, undertaking health policy analysis to contribute to the development of evidence-based health and social care policy and legislation;
- Supporting senior management of the relevant policy Unit’s role in providing leadership and strategic direction for the work programme of the Unit;
- Working in partnership with colleagues across the Department, the HSE and other health agencies, including engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in driving forward the work programme;
- Providing all relevant supports as required to the Principal Officer/Head of Unit, Management Board Member and the Minister in accounting for the work of the Unit to the Government and the Oireachtas;
- In some cases, overseeing and managing a small team of staff within the Unit who will deliver the day to day operations of the Unit.
- The person(s) appointed will be able to bring their knowledge and skills in the areas of health and/or social care and/or healthcare management to the development of health and social care related policy. They will have a strong ability to write high quality, clear and concise policy, briefing and other documents and contribute to the development of policy in a busy, high profile environment within tight timeframes.
The Department of Health
The role of the Department of Health is to provide leadership and policy direction for the health sector in order to improve health outcomes and, through effective performance oversight, to ensure accountable and high quality health service delivery. The overall purpose of the health service is to improve the health and well-being of people in Ireland by keeping people healthy, providing the healthcare people need, delivering high quality services and getting best value from health system resources. The ambitious Sláintecare health reform agenda is underway to improve the health system’s ability to achieve this core purpose. These reforms are proceeding in parallel with the ongoing requirement to deliver the best possible services within the resources allocated by the Oireachtas.
The Department is committed to the ongoing development of its staff and has a robust Learning & Development Strategy in place, with opportunities for in-house and external training and development relevant to the role and to the individual appointee’s further career development. Those appointed to these roles will also be enrolled in the Civil Service graduate development programme.
Essential Requirements
Applicants for this position must, on or before the closing date of Thursday 13th March 2025 have:
- (i) a first or second class primary honours degree (at Level 8 on the National
Framework of Qualifications) in a health or social care related discipline regulated by
the Medical Council, Dental Council, Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland,
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland or CORU or in a health, social care or healthcare
management field,
- OR
- (ii) a Master’s degree or Post Graduate Diploma (at Level 9 on the National Framework
of Qualifications) in a health or social care related discipline regulated by the Medical
Council, Dental Council, Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland, Pharmaceutical Society
of Ireland or CORU or in a health, social care or healthcare management field,
- OR
- (iii) a first or second class higher diploma (at Level 8 on the National Framework of
Qualifications) in a health or social care related discipline regulated by the Medical
Council, Dental Council, Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland, Pharmaceutical Society
of Ireland or CORU or in a health, social care or healthcare management field, and a
first or second class primary honours degree in any discipline (at least Level 7 on the
National Framework of Qualifications)
- AND
- (iv) successfully demonstrate the required capabilities for this role. It is expected that from the outset, those newly recruited will be able to make a substantive contribution to the work of the Civil Service. While training is to a significant extent ‘on the job’, induction and training courses in specific skills and areas of work will be provided to assist you to become familiar with the public sector.
IMPORTANT: Please see Appendix 1 of the Candidate Information Booklet for more information on the Capability Framework and preparation guidelines.
NOTE: Qualifications/eligibility may not be confirmed until the final stage of the process, therefore, those candidates who do not possess the essential requirements, by Thursday, 13th March 2025, and proceed with their application are putting themselves to unnecessary effort/expense and will not be offered a position from this competition.
Hear from our colleagues in the Department of Health
Michael
Primary Care Oversight and Performance Division
I work in the Oral Health Unit in the Primary Care Oversight and Performance division. My role entails developing a strategic workforce plan for the oral healthcare profession. This involves working with various stakeholders to examine the education and training of all oral healthcare professionals. This will ensure that there is a suitable oral healthcare workforce in Ireland with the appropriate skill mix.
The role has provided me with numerous opportunities as I have had to attend conferences and meet many stakeholders. This has improved my communications and my ability to negotiate with key stakeholders. I have also had the chance to work with the Chief Dental Officer which is very exciting and varied work as you feel the impact oral health is having on a global scale.
Read More About Michael