Deputy Chief Nursing Officer – Department of Health, Dublin | Senior Nursing Job Ireland 2025

Deputy Chief Nursing Officer – Department of Health, Dublin

Are you an ambitious nursing professional ready to influence Ireland’s healthcare policy at the highest level? The Department of Health is recruiting a Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for a permanent full-time position based in Dublin. This exceptional opportunity allows you to drive evidence-based nursing and midwifery policies that impact healthcare delivery across Ireland.

Job Overview

The Office of the Chief Nursing Officer is a specialist division within the Department of Health, dedicated to developing evidence-based national nursing and midwifery policies. As Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, you’ll work at the heart of Ireland’s health policy development, reporting to the Principal Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Unit while supporting the Chief Nursing Officer in delivering strategic objectives.

This senior nursing position in Dublin offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence healthcare policy, contribute to parliamentary functions, and provide expert nursing advice to the Minister for Health, Ministers of State, and senior departmental officials.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Chief Nursing Officer with the Department of Health, your primary responsibilities will include:

Policy Development & Implementation:

• Develop and implement evidence-based nursing and midwifery policies for Ireland’s health service
• Support the delivery of the Office’s work programme and strategic business objectives
• Contribute to the implementation of Sláintecare and the Programme for Government nursing components
• Lead on the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix development

Strategic Advisory Functions:

• Provide expert nursing and midwifery advice to the Minister for Health and Ministers of State
• Advise senior officials across all levels of the Department of Health
• Contribute to parliamentary functions including briefings, policy responses, and ministerial submissions
• Engage with key stakeholders across Ireland’s healthcare system

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Support and direct the Office’s strategic work programme
• Collaborate with nursing leaders across Ireland’s health services
• Represent the Department at national and international nursing forums
• Lead consultation processes with nursing and midwifery professionals

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive nursing experience in senior leadership roles
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Health Policy, or related field (QQI Level 9 or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience in policy development and implementation
• Strong understanding of Ireland’s health system and healthcare policy environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for ministerial briefings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Nursing, Health Policy, or Public Administration
• Experience working within the Irish civil service or public sector
• Knowledge of parliamentary processes and government decision-making
• International healthcare policy experience
• Published research in nursing policy or healthcare management

Personal Attributes:

• Strong commitment to serving the public interest
• Exceptional leadership and influencing skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusive leadership approach

Benefits & Perks

This permanent civil service position offers an attractive benefits package including:

Financial Benefits:

• Competitive civil service salary scale (Principal Officer equivalent)
• Annual performance-related increments
• Comprehensive pension scheme with employer contributions
• Tax-efficient salary sacrifice schemes

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible working arrangements including remote work options
• Generous annual leave entitlement (30+ days)
• Public service holidays and additional privilege days
• Study leave for professional development

Professional Development:

• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Leadership development programmes
• Conference attendance and networking opportunities
• Support for further education and qualifications

Additional Benefits:

• Group health insurance scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Professional registration fee reimbursement

About the Department of Health

The Department of Health Ireland is responsible for planning and developing health policy to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Ireland. Our mission focuses on keeping people healthy, providing necessary healthcare, delivering high-quality services, and achieving best value from health system resources.

Located in Dublin’s prestigious Miesian Plaza, the Department works closely with the Health Service Executive (HSE), health agencies, and healthcare professionals across Ireland to implement the government’s health policy agenda, including the transformative Sláintecare programme.

The Office of the Chief Nursing Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring nursing and midwifery voices are heard at the highest levels of government, influencing policy decisions that affect thousands of healthcare professionals and millions of patients across Ireland.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Monday, 28 July 2025 at 3:00 PM

To apply for this Deputy Chief Nursing Officer position in Dublin, please submit your application through the official civil service recruitment portal. Your application must include:

• Completed application form
• Comprehensive CV highlighting relevant nursing leadership experience
• Cover letter demonstrating your suitability for senior health policy role
• Contact details for three professional references
• Copies of relevant qualifications and NMBI registration

Application Portal: [Official Government Jobs Portal] Reference Number: 148 Contact: [email protected]

For more information about this role, please download the Candidate Information Booklet from the application portal.

Ready to shape Ireland’s nursing future? Apply now and join our team of dedicated professionals committed to improving healthcare for all Irish citizens.