Assistant Secretary Irish Coast Guard

Assistant Secretary Irish Coast Guard

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is 201 years old and we are now looking for an exceptional individual committed to ensuring that the search and rescue services provided across the State continue to be the best that they can be for the years ahead.  

The Coast Guard saves on average 400 lives per year, responding to almost 3,000 call outs.  The services are co-ordinated by almost 100 full time staff and almost 1,000 dedicated volunteers nationwide. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to harness the energy and commitment of volunteers and permanent staff, delivering this key emergency service, to the highest governance, operational and ethical standards.

The Assistant Secretary will be responsible for setting the strategic direction on what will save the most lives, including improving safety on the water for all citizens and delivering excellent customer service, working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.  They will also have responsibility for driving and delivering a transformation programme of the IRCG, following a review across all aspects of the Coast Guard Service including culture, governance, strategy, structure and roles to ensure that the IRCG is best placed to succeed in the 21^st century. A key aspect of this role will be initiating an independent review of the role of the volunteer. The review will be informed by an extensive engagement programme with volunteers and staff to inform and guide this work.

The Department of Transport now seeks to appoint an Assistant Secretary, the first time an appointment has been made at this senior leadership level to lead the Irish Coast Guard.

The successful candidate will:

• have a proven record of achievement at a senior level that demonstrates the necessary vision, governance, leadership and management skills required;
• have the leadership ability to manage a diverse workforce, including uniformed coast guard officers, volunteer units, operational room staff, policy officials and administrative support staff;
• have experience of driving reform in a complex organisation of scale and have a proven ability to deliver change initiatives including people management and performance improvement;
• have expertise in driving and maintaining the highest standards of financial management and governance compliance;
• have proven ability in analysis and decision making in resolving complex problems;
• have proven skills in effectively developing and maintaining key relationships.

Further information on this significant senior leadership opportunity, including details on how to apply, is available on www.publicjobs.ie

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position. 

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this role, contact Aoife Lyons on aoife.lyons@publicjobs.ie.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 15:00 on Thursday 23 February, 2023.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.