Our client, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is seeking to appoint their Head of Corporate Governance and Board Secretary at Assistant Principal Level.
About Us
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
The Head of Corporate Governance and Board Secretary is a key senior role within the AHRRA, providing leadership on corporate governance and ensuring that the Authority’s Board and its committees are supported to operate effectively, transparently and in line with best practice.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the postholder will lead the Board Secretariat function, oversee the preparation and quality of Board and committee papers, and provide expert advice and guidance to the Executive, the Board and colleagues across the organisation on governance obligations, decision-making processes and statutory requirements.
This role will continue to shape and maintain the AHRRA’s governance framework, supporting compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and relevant legislative and policy requirements, and contributing to high standards of probity, accountability and assurance as the organisation establishes itself and grows.
Key Requirements
Essential Criteria
- A relevant third-level qualification (minimum Level 8 NFQ) in Business Administration or a related discipline.
- Experience in a relevant role as a Board or Company Secretary with demonstrated experience in corporate governance and compliance.
- Demonstrated experience of producing high-quality written reports, presentations and correspondence, together with strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in drafting high-quality minutes with clearly defined decisions, seeking clarifications as necessary during the meeting, managing action lists and other supporting documentation.
- Experience in implementing change or process improvements at Board level, introducing new ways of working, new procedures or improved meeting documentation.
- Experience in the implementation of the governance provisions of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate options and implement effective solutions.
- Proven experience in building and maintaining cross divisional relationships, including with senior management and staff at all levels.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant experience in a similar role in other regulatory agencies or other State/public bodies.
- A qualification in corporate governance or similar would be desirable.
- Experience with Board Meeting Pack solutions, uploading board papers and supporting documentation, calendaring, issuing meeting invites.
- Experience in the management of remote meetings on various meeting platforms.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of applications, and in particular excellent skills in Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint.
In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competencies identified for effective performance at Assistant Principal (AP) level. The full narrative for the AP competencies can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet.
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. Applications must be submitted before the application closing date.
Closing date: Monday 16th November 2026, 12:00 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]