The Assistant Secretary, Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for ICT, cyber security and digital transformation across the Department of Foreign Affairs’ global operations. Reporting to a Deputy Secretary General, the CIO will provide strategic leadership to modernise digital services supporting Ireland’s diplomatic, consular and passport functions worldwide.
Table of Contents
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the Department’s ICT and digital transformation strategy across over 100 diplomatic missions
• Act as senior strategic advisor on ICT, cyber security, data and emerging technologies
• Ensure delivery of secure, reliable and high-quality digital services, including the Passport Service
• Oversee ICT governance, portfolio, programme and project management frameworks
• Manage an ICT Division comprising senior civil servants, staff and external contractors
• Ensure compliance with national and EU legislation including GDPR and the EU AI Act
• Collaborate with Ministers, senior officials and Ambassadors on technology-enabled policy delivery
• Drive innovation to improve departmental processes and service outcomes
Required Skills & Qualifications
• Relevant qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework for Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership and management experience in ICT/digital environments
• Proven track record delivering large-scale ICT programmes with strong governance
• Excellent strategic ICT, cyber security and digital transformation expertise
• Working knowledge of Irish public administration and international policy context
• Strong understanding of national and EU regulatory frameworks affecting ICT and data
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
• Salary: In line with Assistant Secretary civil service pay scales (competitive, per public service norms)
• Working Pattern: Full-Time
• Benefits include public service pension, annual leave, and executive development opportunities
Location & Employer Information
This role is based in Dublin within the Department of Foreign Affairs, which employs over 3,000 staff across Ireland and a global diplomatic network. The Department’s mission is to advance Ireland’s interests abroad and deliver high-quality services to citizens and Government.
Application Details
Applications are managed by the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC).
Full details and application materials are available via www.publicjobs.ie.
For a confidential discussion, contact Brian Jackson at [email protected].
Last Day to Apply: 15 January 2026 at 15:00 PM
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026 at 15:00 PM
