Our client, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is hiring for their Director of Legal Affairs.
About the AHRRA
The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is a new, independent Irish statutory authority established under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. The principal function of the AHRRA is to protect, promote and, in so far as is practicable, ensure the health and well-being of children born as a result of AHR, persons undergoing AHR treatment, and intending parents. The AHRRA will regulate AHR and surrogacy by licensing treatment providers, publishing codes of practice, approving surrogacy agreements that comply with the Act, maintaining databases and registers to be established under the Act, as well as other functions as required.
Role Purpose
This is an exciting new opportunity for a person to fill a new role as Director of Legal Affairs. This role will be a senior role in the organisation, establishing, developing and overseeing the Legal Affairs Unit.
The Director will provide professional high-quality legal advice, expertise and support to the Board, while also contributing to and supporting governance, decision making and management practice within the AHRRA. In this role, you will take a strategic view on judicial review and other legal cases through a standardised litigation approach and advise the Board and senior management team accordingly at all points of the decision-making process in relation to those cases.
The Director of Legal Affairs will manage the relationships with external legal agents and counsel and oversee the tendering process for external legal support. In addition, the Legal Affairs Unit will have the role of ensuring widespread sharing of legal knowledge within the AHRRA and improvements in decision making and processing where necessary due to legal developments at national and EU level.
The post holder will also be required at a later stage to design and implement processes to investigate complaints received against license holders, submitting investigation reports for consideration by the AHRRA and seeking High Court confirmation of decisions or sanctions as appropriate. The post will involve management of staff and liaison with the AHRRA’s legal agents.
Key Requirements
Essential Criteria
- Have been called to the Bar of Ireland and /or have been enrolled as a solicitor in the State entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate issued by the Incorporated Law Society;
- A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in a regulatory or quasi-judicial agency, protecting the public interest with a record of professional achievement.
- At least 5 years of post-qualification relevant experience at an appropriate level of seniority as a practicing solicitor, or as a barrister in the area of public and/or regulatory law.
- Significant experience in responding to litigation and judicial review, defending the processes and decisions taken by a state agency.
- Experience in managing a legal unit that provides internal guidance for administrative and ancillary processes such as procurement, contracts and information governance matters.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of providing legal opinions to a high standard and without recourse to external expertise in litigation and judicial review.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining professional public service standards and values ensuring that the Legal Affairs Unit has worked in a spirit of collaboration with other directorates in that organisation.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in managing a complaints and investigations function for a statutory body.
- Have undertaken additional qualifications in public or regulatory law, family law and/or quasi-judicial decision making.
- Specialist legal knowledge or experience relating to the work of the AHRRA, above the essential requirements.
In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Principal Officer (PO) level. PO is a senior leadership position and the full narrative for the competencies can be found at:
https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/information-hub/capability-framework/principal-officer
Eligibility to Work in Ireland
Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. Candidate must meet one of the following at the time of application:
- A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
- A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
- A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
- A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission* or a Stamp 5 permission
- *Please note that a 50 TEU Visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.
How to Apply
Candidates are required to submit an application form and upload a copy of their CV, and a cover letter (maximum two pages) demonstrating how their skills, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria for the role. To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button below. Applications must be submitted before the application closing date.
Closing date: Wednesday 28th October 2026, 12 noon
Please note that late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.
The AHRRA is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels valued, respected and supported to be their authentic selves.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided, where required, throughout the recruitment process. To discuss or request accommodations in confidence, please contact [email protected].
Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected]