About the Role
The GRAI is seeking to appoint a Director of Consumer Protection, Education & Awareness, Research and Communications (Principal Officer - Standard Scale).
To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your background and skills meet the specific criteria for this position detailed in the candidate booklet which can be downloaded below, before 3pm (Irish time) on Tuesday 7th April 2026.
Download GRAI Candidate Booklet PO Consumer Protection.pdf
The Director of Consumer Protection, Education & Awareness, Research and Communications (Principal Officer - PO) is a very rewarding senior leadership role in the recently established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. It offers an excellent career opportunity to make a significant contribution to improved consumer protection in the gambling sector in Ireland by taking a lead role in assisting the Authority in the development of regulations under the Act, through education & awareness programmes, by commissioning key research and leading the GRAI communications services. This fulfilling and responsible role will also involve establishing and overseeing the administration of the Social Impact Fund and leading out on the promotion of the Gambling Exclusion Scheme.
Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, with collective responsibility for leading the successful establishment and effective operation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority. The successful candidate should be resilient, flexible and innovative, comfortable with uncertainty in a fast moving and evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead out on the establishment and administration of the statutory Social Impact Fund, to address adverse impacts of gambling on society and fund public education and awareness raising programmes.
- Oversee disbursement of funding from the Social Impact Fund through calls for proposals, ensuring that the best practice governance procedures are followed by the GRAI.
- Develop vetting arrangements and robust SLA agreements and KPIs to ensure appropriate structures are in place in the recipient bodies, oversee regular internal/external Audits.
- Develop and administer a Consumer Protection and Education & Awareness programme, which will require a multifaceted approach to reach teenagers, sportspeople, the general public and older generations.
- Lead the GRAI function and remit in relation to public education, youth care, and measures to address the impact of problem gambling.
- Develop and implement a communications strategy for the gambling and gaming, lotteries and charitable/philanthropic industry, to raise awareness of the new legislative provisions and obligations, and to promote the role of the GRAI in monitoring and enforcing same.
- Lead on the development and refinement of core messages and ensure consistent delivery across the organisation (e.g. speechwriting, press releases, website content).
- Provide advisory support and identify significant media and public policy issues and create implementation plans to deliver the GRAI messages on gambling or public health issues, milestones / events or research publications.
- Personally act, where required, as Media Spokesperson for the GRAI in regular TV, radio and other media interviews, present at conferences and in various other public events.
- Oversee a Social Media strategy and day to day operation of same.
- Lead and manage communications and relations with a diverse stakeholder group including the Department, Minister and political system; Gambling and Gaming operators including large multinational organisations; Health Care Professionals and NGOs dealing with gambling addictions, the media, Gambling Regulators in other countries; Charitable and Philanthropic Organisations whose fund raising will be overseen by GRAI.
- Oversee a substantial research programme into gambling, (a) to ensure all restrictions introduced under the legislation are evidence based, proportionate and effective in protecting children and vulnerable people (b) to anticipate and understand developments in gambling and gaming in a very fast moving and highly resourced sector and (c) to assist the Minister in co-ordinating and developing policy to respond.
- Develop robust codes of practice and practical guidance to support licensees in understanding the relevant obligations outlined in the Act.
- Ensure best practice Governance at all times and appear before the Public Accounts Committee or Joint Oireachtas Committee where appropriate.
- Oversee procurement, tendering, contract award and service delivery for contracts in support of these functions, to the procurement and governance standards required of a public agency.
- Manage the performance of staff in the Consumer Protection, Education & Awareness, Research and Communications department, and ensure effective delivery of services by any third-party contractors.
- Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO.
Essential Criteria:
In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have and clearly demonstrate the following in your C.V. and/or Cover Letter and at Interview. You should provide concrete examples of your experience and achievements relevant to the requirements outlined. Your cover letter should explicitly address all of the criteria listed below. Please note the maximum limit for the cover letter is 3 pages:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Level 8 under the QQI Framework) in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Administration, Business, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in consumer protection, regulatory affairs, public policy, public health, communications, or other relevant fields.
- A minimum of 5 years in a senior management role with demonstrated leadership and strategic planning capabilities, aligned with the requirements of this role, along with a track record of delivery.
- In-depth knowledge of consumer protection laws, regulations, and best practices within the EU and Ireland.
- Experience of commissioning and steering research programmes, analysing complex data and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.
- Proficiency in developing and managing public education and awareness campaigns.
- Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in public speaking, media engagement, and stakeholder communication.
- Proven track record of effective leadership and team management, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff to achieve challenging organisational goals.
- Demonstrated experience in change management and the ability to drive organizational improvements and innovation.
- Financial acumen with experience in budget management and resource allocation.
- Excellent Stakeholder management skills, with diverse stakeholders and in sensitive or conflict situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively with the GRAI Board (Authority), CEO, Senior Management Team, and third parties to progress business plans in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
Desirable Criteria:
- A postgraduate qualification (Level 9 or 10) in a related field.
- Experience in public sector, including familiarity with government processes, regulatory and governance frameworks.
- Experience in managing or administering public funds, including developing and implementing funding strategies and overseeing financial disbursements.
In addition, candidates must be able to demonstrate the key competencies relating to effective performance at Principal Officer grade in the Public Service as outlined in the Candidate Booklet which you can download below.
To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your background and skills meet the specific criteria for this position before 3pm (Irish time) on Tuesday 7th April 2026.
