Case Study >
Institute of Public Administration (IPA)
Institute of Public Administration (IPA)
The Challenge
As a specialist public sector organisation, the IPA operates within a highly competitive talent market where many roles require a unique combination of subject matter expertise, public sector experience, academic credentials, and leadership capability.
During the initial workforce planning process, it became clear that traditional recruitment methods alone would not generate sufficient access to the calibre of candidates required. Many of the professionals sought by the IPA were not actively seeking new opportunities and therefore required a more targeted and proactive attraction strategy.
Fill Rate
Days Average Time to Hire
Employees Onboarded
Our Solution
Conscia designed and implemented a comprehensive recruitment strategy that combined workforce planning, employer branding, targeted advertising, direct sourcing, and specialist search methodologies.
Working in partnership with the IPA leadership team, we developed recruitment timelines and hiring plans to support anticipated growth across multiple business units. To maximise access to specialist talent, we leveraged LinkedIn Recruiter, professional networks, industry-specific attraction campaigns, and direct market engagement to identify and approach candidates with the precise skills, qualifications, and experience required.
Our support included:
- Workforce planning and recruitment forecasting.
- Development of targeted recruitment campaigns and attraction strategies.
- National talent sourcing and direct search activity.
- LinkedIn Recruiter and specialist advertising campaigns.
- Management of candidate attraction across active and passive talent pools.
- Screening, assessment, interview coordination, and stakeholder management.
- Ongoing candidate engagement and communication throughout the recruitment lifecycle.
- Recruitment consultancy and market intelligence to support informed hiring decisions.
A key factor in our success has been our ability to understand the IPA's culture, values, and strategic objectives, enabling us to identify candidates who not only possess the required technical expertise but who also align with the organisation's commitment to public service excellence.
Results
Since 2024, Conscia has delivered 45 successful appointments across Grades 2–7, supporting the IPA's leadership development, organisational learning, HR, governance, digital transformation, finance, and professional education functions.
- 12 Grade 2 appointments including Senior Leadership Development Programme Manager, Learning Solutions Lead, and Head of Unit – Local Government.
- 13 Grade 3 appointments including HR Manager, Leadership & Management Specialist, and Local Government Specialist.
- 7 Grade 4 appointments including Communications Officer, Assistant Specialist HR & Management, and Quality Assurance Project Officer.
- 6 Grade 5 appointments including ICT Support and Administrative Coordinator roles.
- 7 Grade 6–7 appointments including Executive Assistant and Administrative Support positions.
- This resulted in a 96% fill rate, with the majority of appointments secured through targeted search and proactive engagement of passive talent.
The Outcome
Through a combination of proactive talent sourcing, targeted advertising, workforce planning, and specialist recruitment expertise, Conscia has become a trusted recruitment partner to the IPA.
Our ability to engage passive candidates, access niche talent pools, and manage complex recruitment campaigns has enabled the IPA to secure high-calibre professionals who support the delivery of leadership development, organisational learning, public sector capability building, and professional education programmes across Ireland.
The partnership continues to grow from strength to strength, underpinned by a shared commitment to excellence, responsive communication, and the delivery of outstanding recruitment outcomes.
Why Partner With Us
At Conscia Talent, we’re redefining recruitment—cutting through the noise to deliver results where others fall short. We work alongside you every step of the way, with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach built on trust, transparency, and commitment.
With a 98% fill rate at a fraction of the cost, our results speak for themselves. Partner with us to experience a smarter, more effective way to hire.
