Our client, Comisiún na Meán, is currently hiring for an Assistant Director of Vetted Researchers to join their Policy, Research and Strategy Division.
About Comisiún na Meán
Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s agency for developing and regulating a thriving, diverse, creative, safe and trusted media landscape.
Our organisation was established in March 2023, further to the provisions of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022.
As the independent media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for regulating broadcasters, video-on-demand providers and online platforms established in Ireland. Our wide-reaching remit also includes supporting and developing the Irish media sector.
We have an Executive Chair and four Commissioners leading a team of over 200 staff across different functional areas.
Role Purpose
The Assistant Director, Vetted Researchers role (Assistant Principal) in An Coimisiún is a senior management role with significant managerial responsibilities. As Assistant Director, you will be responsible for leading efforts to operationalise Article 40 of the Digital Services Act (DSA).Your work will contribute to the delivery of strategic outcomes, including safeguarding children, promoting democratic integrity, enhancing trust in online platforms, and fostering diversity and inclusion. You will be instrumental in enabling research into key issues such as the impact of social media on children, information distribution policies on platforms, algorithmic decision-making in recommender systems, and risk mitigation strategies under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
About the Team
The mission of the Research and Strategy team is to undertake research to inform all functions of the organisation; and to design and coordinate the processes by which the organisational strategy is developed and implemented and by which strategy implementation is monitored and reported on. The team undertakes research and strategy work in-house and commissions and oversees third-parties to undertake work on behalf of An Coimisiún, as required.
Key Responsibilities
•Design and implement application processing workflows compliant with statutory obligations.
•Oversee assessment of researcher applications through the end-to-end processing pipeline, including complex applications, ensuring timely and transparent case progression.
•Lead on the development of internal assessment frameworks, which encompass regulatory requirements including data protection.
•Lead on continuous improvement initiatives including coordination with ICT teams on system optimisation and training and guidance for case management team.
•Monitor and report on case management performance, identifying bottlenecks,implementing corrective actions and developing reporting frameworks.
•Work with legal services to translate legal requirements into practical operational procedures and guidance
•Produce high-quality guidance materials, presentations, and reports, and represent the organisation at international meetings and working groups
About You
Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications
Essential Criteria
•Demonstrated understanding of data protection principles, including the ability to apply regulatory requirements within research settings.
•Strong expertise in managing data within research projects, including governance, documentation, and data lifecycle processes.
•Ability to plan, coordinate and deliver projects or processes effectively, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
•High level of accuracy and attention to detail when managing data, documentation, and decision-making tasks.
•Strong written communication skills in a variety of forms including presentations, strategy documents, correspondence, and reports.
•Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing demands.
Desirable Criteria
•Relevant experience of implementation and/or knowledge of Irish and/or European legislation and policies concerning digital services.
•Experience in complaints handling or managing detailed application-based processes, demonstrating sound judgement and clear communication.
•Proven experience in conducting, managing, or evaluating research projects
Benefits, Package & Pay
•This position is offered on a 18 month fixed-term basis.
•Full time, 35 hrs per week
•Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
•The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working.Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.
•Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.
•For a full list of benefits see our website here
•This position is graded at the Assistant Principal scale.
•Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:
• A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via Coimisiún na Meán | Careers with Ireland’s New Media Regulator
•Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
•Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process.
Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.
For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact [email protected]
Selection Process
The selection process will include:Shortlisting of candidates based on the information provided in their application, assessed against the specified criteria for the role.- A competency-based preliminary interview- A second-round interview for candidates successful in the first round, which will include a presentation or another practical exercise.
The first interview will take place via MS Teams. The second interview will be conducted in person at our Dublin office.
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at [email protected]
Coimisiún na Meán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.
Closing Date: 3pm, 13th January 2026