Graduate Opportunities in the Civil Service
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Graduate
Opportunities
in the Civil Service

 


Graduate Opportunities within the Civil and Public Service are designed to inspire, challenge and support the next generation of Civil and Public Service leaders. As a Graduate you will have the opportunity to work on projects that will aid the social and economic development of Ireland. If you enjoy challenging work and are committed to the concept of public service, a graduate position could be the ideal role for you.

The Administrative Officer (AO) is the main graduate recruitment grade for the Civil Service and provides successful candidates with the opportunity to progress to middle management.

    As an AO, you would have a crucial role in policy and strategy formulation across the spectrum of economic, financial, international, environmental and social issues. Those appointed will have the opportunity to effect real change in the Civil Service and help shape a changing Ireland. You will also have the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the development and implementation of government policy over a period of time. Assignments may also be made to support functions e.g. Facilities Management and Corporate Affairs.

    As the business, economic and social environment becomes more complex and demanding, there is an increasing need to ensure that a wider range of skills is available within Government Departments and Offices. publicjobs is looking for people with the potential to take on high level responsibilities in the management of public services and the analysis of public policy issues who possess particular qualifications, skills and capability in the following areas:

  • Human Resources
  • Finance Policy
  • Energy, Environment & Climate
  • Health Policy

Discover the specialisms

Human Resources

The Administrative Officer (HR) will be expected to support Departmental HR teams in achieving key organisational objectives through the successful implementation of local HR strategies.

Read More About Our Human Resources Opportunities

Finance Policy

An Administrative Officer (Finance Policy) may be involved in assessing and advising on national and international financial developments and providing policy advice designed to support the Government’s social and economic policy objectives.

Read More About Our Finance Opportunities

Energy, Environment & Climate

The work of an Administrative Officer (Energy, Environment and Climate) is varied but may involve: providing strategic advice to address environmental challenges and supporting the Department’s leadership in driving climate action across the public sector.

Read More About Our Energy, Environment & Climate Opportunities

Health Policy Analyst

The work of a health policy analyst in the Department of Health will vary, but typically will involve 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, among other jobs.

Read More About Our Health Policy Opportunities



Hear from our colleagues

Zainab

Zainab
Finance Policy

I work in the Business and International Tax Division in the Department of Finance and my role is in the policy development area in relation to corporation tax.

I support the preparation of the Budget and Finance Bill process, particularly by assisting in the development of policies in the corporation tax area, on day-to-day basis, I prepare briefing material and handle freedom of Information request, conducting research in different policy area, and draft submissions to the Minister for Finance.

After relocating to Ireland, I continued to advance my knowledge by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance. In my role as an AO in the Department of Finance, I have been able to strengthen my accounting and finance skills while actively working towards the ACCA qualification and am now just three exams away from becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Read More About Zainab

 

Orla

Orla
Energy, Environment & Climate

I work as an Administrative Officer on the Land and ETS team, in the Climate Sector of DCEE. I work on the Emissions Trading System (ETS), focusing on ETS 2 policy and implementation in Ireland.

I studied Geography and Geology in college and was interested in working in a relevant area to that! I wanted to feel like I was making a difference with the work I was doing, which led me to the Civil Service. Having the option to apply under the Energy and Environment Stream gave me peace of mind that I would be placed in a role that was in my area of interest.

I have had the opportunity to travel to Brussels to attend Working Parties on the Environment several times this year. I am also undertaking the IPA Emerging Leaders Graduate Programme currently which provides AOs from across the Civil Service with the tools to progress in their careers and facilitates networking with colleagues across a wide range of departments.

A major benefit of working as an AO is the flexibility! I can avail of flexi time, work from home and also have flexibility around my working hours which is really helpful to manage work/life balance!

Read More About Orla

 

Aoife

Aoife
Health Policy

My role entails utilising detailed research and analysis skills to evaluate proposals and submissions for new grades, roles and apprenticeship schemes across the health sector in line with workforce reform and pay policy. This involves working with various stakeholders to ensure that there is a suitable healthcare workforce in Ireland with the appropriate skill mix and to ensure future readiness.

I applied for this position as I have always been interested in the work of the health sector. As part of my masters degree, my final research project examined inequalities in women's health. This experience strengthened my ability to critically evaluate evidence, identify trends and develop informed recommendations, leading to my interest in working in the Department and contributing to better health outcomes.

I really value the people I work with every day and the help and support that I get. There is always someone on hand to ask a question or give a steer. I also value the opportunities I get across a varied workload and the interesting topics that I get to work on.

The work as an AO is varied, challenging and rewarding and I would recommend applying even if you are not sure where your career may take you. There is a huge level of variety across roles and the potential to move across different areas of the Civil Service to expand your skills and experience. Colleagues will support you along the way, impart knowledge and encourage you to perform to the best of your ability even on the most challenging of days.

Read More About Aoife

 

Meet Mark

Mark
Human Resources

I began my career in the public service a Clerical officer in Cork University Hospital, here I gained valuable experience working in a fast-paced environment supporting the delivery of public service.

I have always had an interest in helping people and the psychological aspects of work. This inspired me to pursue a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management in 2021.

What initially attracted me to HR was the opportunity to work with and support people. I have always enjoyed helping others and making a positive difference at work.

I would highly recommend a career in the public service. It gives you a real opportunity to do meaningful work that has a real impact on people and communities, while also providing excellent flexibility and work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements.

Read More About Mark