Background

The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory agency under the aegis of the Department of Health. As the lead agency in Ireland responsible for supporting and funding high-quality health research, generating health information and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice, we are motivated and inspired by our vision – Healthy people through excellent research and applied knowledge. Our mission is to improve people’s health and enhance healthcare delivery. An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in Health Research – making an impact HRB Strategy 2021-2025. (www.hrbstrategy.ie).

The National Health Information Systems unit (NHIS) within the HRB, operating under the Health Information and Evidence Directorate, currently manages four national health information systems in the areas of disability, drugs and alcohol, and mental health. All of these systems generate timely and accurate high-quality data at a national level to assist with service planning and monitoring of key policies in the areas identified, as well as reporting at national, EU and international levels. A key aspect of the HRB’s work in this area in this current strategic planning phase, is to implement the HRB LINK system which
is an initiative designed to redevelop the functionality of the existing systems.

The four systems are:

1) National Drug Treatment Reporting System
2) National Drug Related Deaths Index
3) National Ability Supports System
4) National Psychiatric Inpatient Reporting System

 

 

Key Responsibilities of the Post of Business Lead (NHIS)

The HRB now wishes to appoint a Business Lead of the National Health Information Systems unit of the HRB, to provide support and advice to the Director of Health Information and Evidence in relation to the ongoing development of the HRB’s role in national health information systems, to implement and manage the policies approved by the Executive Team and to improve continuously the performance of the HRB in the health information area.

Duties will include (but are not limited to) the following:

Strategy and Policy

• Lead the delivery of the HRB’s strategic business plan across the disability, alcohol and drugs, and mental health information systems.
• Participate in the HRB’s contribution to the implementation of the Health Information Bill once enacted and the European Health Data Space.
• Build and expand the capacity of the HRB to produce high quality research using data from its national health information systems.
• Make recommendations to the Director on policy and strategy formulation for national health information systems.
• Monitor, evaluate and keep the Director informed on the progress of the implementation of the HRB’s strategic business plan in relation to disability, alcohol and drugs, and mental health information systems.
• Lead and direct the preparation of relevant inputs to HRB’s business statements to the Department of Health.

Organisation

• As part of the management team, ensure that a coordinated approach is taken across the NHIS on key policies, processes, procedures and issues.
• Monitor and make recommendations to the Director on the structure and staffing levels of the health information systems.
• Working with the Director, contribute as an active member of the management team.

Stakeholder Engagement and Business Development

• Promote the value of national health information systems and the HRB’s role with stakeholders, including Government departments, the Health Service Executive, the Health Information and Quality Authority and other relevant national, EU and international agencies.
• Undertake public promotion of the HRB’s objectives in relation to disability, alcohol and drugs, and mental health information systems with Government agencies, media, interest groups and the international research community.
• Identify opportunities for the HRB to improve health information through new initiatives in disability, alcohol and drugs, and mental health information systems.
• Work with the Director to develop measures of effectiveness for the dissemination of information from the HRB’s disability, alcohol and drugs, and mental health information systems.

Secure Resources (Finance and Staff) and Financial Management

• Negotiate for and secure the resources (finance and staff) from national, EU and international sources to implement the objectives of the HRB’s strategic business plan in relation to the information systems.
• Direct and co-ordinate the preparation of annual financial estimates and operating budgets for the NHIS for submission to the Director for approval.
• Monitor the operating effectiveness and costs associated with each information system, and take action to improve effectiveness.

Manage Services and Team Leadership

• Develop the services and activities of each information system in line with the objectives of the HRB’s strategic business plan and other relevant strategic plans.
• Continuously improve management practices, in accordance with HRB policies and procedures.
• Inspire and lead a highly skilled results focused team.
• Manage staff in accordance with the HRB’s performance management and development system.
• Ensure a consistent approach to the administration of all matters relating to staff working on the information systems.
• Ensure that line managers are accountable for the performance of their teams, and that they delegate authority
appropriately and exercise responsibilities in accordance with HRB policies.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and manage systems to gather data from stakeholders and clients on the effectiveness of the activities of the information systems.
• Assist with the evaluation of the organisational effectiveness of the Directorate, using appropriate models.
• Prepare and provide reports to the Director on the evaluation and continuous improvement activities.

Governance

• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements and best international practice in relation to the HRB’s health information systems.
• Identify risks and manage the risk profile of each information system.
• Monitor the quality of all information and research outputs and ensure that they comply with international best practice.
• Ensure that the governance structures for each information system have appropriate and relevant representation of policy makers and practitioners.

 

Essential and Desirable Knowledge and Experience

Formal Requirements Include:
• A minimum of a Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline / topic related to the principal job responsibilities;
• A minimum of five years’ management experience at a senior level;
• An in-depth understanding of research methods and health information systems;
• Experience of strategy development, coordination and reporting at a senior level;
• Strong organisational and management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects;
• Ability to critically analyse large amounts of information, and experience of producing reports and recommendations for senior management;
• Excellent communications skills;
• Strong ICT skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrable track record in building and maintaining impactful partnerships with stakeholders (internal and external).

Desirable Requirements Include:

• Experience in supervising and / or developing staff / students.
• A relevant publication track record, preferably in peer-reviewed journals.

Competencies:

Competencies incorporated into this role profile reflect the competency framework issued in conjunction with the Civil Service Competency Framework which has been adopted by the HRB. The complete list of core competencies for this post is in Appendix A.

Reporting Relationship

The Business Lead will report to the Director of Health Information and Evidence and is a member of the HRB Management Team.

Salary Scale

Business Lead:
€96,606 – €115,216
(Salary Scale at 1 March 2025)

NOTE: This is a permanent, full-time post (pending successful completion of the probation period). Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants will be appointed at the first point of the scale.

 

 

 

How to apply

PwC will be carrying out this recruitment campaign on behalf of the HRB, for a confidential discussion and further information on this role, please contact PwC Executive Search:

Pauline McAlester pauline.mcalester@pwc.com +353 87 913 8474

Adrienne Harten adrienne.harten@pwc.com +353 87 247 2874

To make an application for the role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to ie_recruitment_hrb_bl_nhis@pwc.com.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30pm on Monday, 7th July 2025.

The Health Research Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, membership of the Travelling community or family status. If you have a disability and require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process, please contact HR in advance and we would be happy to assist.

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Core Competencies – Business Lead (National Health

Information Systems)

Teamwork and Leadership

  • Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing any performance issues should they arise.
  • Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.
  • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives.
  • Inspires, leads and participates in the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.
  • Places high importance on people development, training and maximising the skills and capacity of the team.
  • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision-Making

  • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, weighing up a range of critical factors.
  • Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions.
  • Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.
  • Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these.
  • Puts forward solutions to address problems.
  • Judgement and decision-making.
  • Identifies key stakeholders in work processes and ensure that they are involved in communications and decision-making.
  • Ensures that identified tasks meet the goals and objectives set out in annual business plans.

Management and Delivery of Results

  • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.
  • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.
  • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.
  • Completes and delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required.
  • Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.
  • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing own role.
  • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.
  • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.
  • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.
  • Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Drive and Commitment

  • Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.
  • Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.
  • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.
  • Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.
  • Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

  • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and organisation and effectively communicates this to others.
  • Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work.
  • Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

 

For a confidential discussion and further information on this role, please contact PwC Executive Search:
Pauline McAlester pauline.mcalester@pwc.com +353 87 913 8474
Adrienne Harten adrienne.harten@pwc.com +353 87 247 2874
To make an application for the role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to ie_recruitment_hrb_bl_nhis@pwc.com. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30pm on Monday, 7th July 2025.