The HRB  is seeking to recruit a full-time, permanent Director for the Health Information and Evidence Directorate.

Background

The Health Research Board (HRB) is Ireland’s national agency responsible for supporting and funding high-quality health research, generating health information, and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice with the aim of making a real difference to people’s lives.

As a statutory agency under the Department of Health, the HRB operates under four business areas: Research Strategy and Funding Directorate; Health Information and Evidence Directorate; the National Office for Research Ethics and Regulations; and Corporate Operations Directorate; each contributing to the organisation’s mission to improve people’s health, promote evidence-informed patient care and create solutions to societal challenges.

The HRB through PwC is seeking to recruit a full-time, permanent Director for the Health Information and Evidence Directorate. The Health Information and Evidence Directorate includes two business units: the National Health Information Systems unit (NHIS), and the HRB’s Evidence unit. Currently, the Directorate has 52 staff.

  • The NHIS unit collects and provides quality national data to policy-makers and service providers in the areas of disability, alcohol and drug use, and mental health – reporting at national, EU and international levels.
  • The Evidence unit supports the generation of independent, credible evidence to inform decisions of policymakers and practitioners, and plays a key role in monitoring the national drug and alcohol strategy.

The Director is a member of the HRB Executive Team and will play a key leadership role in guiding the HRB’s strategic engagement with national and international developments in health information, and in evidence for policy.

Key responsibilities of the Director post

The Director of Health Information and Evidence has overall responsibility for the work of the HRB in relation to health information and evidence, including leading the National Health Information Systems (NHIS) Unit and the HRB’s Evidence Centre.

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

  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality data and evidence to inform national health policy and practice;
  • Work with the CEO and Executive Team to implement the current strategy and develop the new 2026-2030 corporate strategy;
  • Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements and best international practice in relation to health information and evidence;
  • Report to the Board and to the Audit and Risk Committee on the work of the Directorate;
  • Provide strategic, operational, and management leadership to the teams within the Directorate, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of outputs and services;
  • Establish and successfully maintain relationships with a broad range of national and international stakeholders, including Government Departments and relevant agencies to develop and implement national strategies and policies in relation to health information and data;
  • Maintain Ireland’s position as a key partner in international developments in relation to evidence for policy initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with results-oriented capabilities, with proven leadership and management experience, and the ability to manage complex projects and high-level stakeholder relationships. A strong knowledge of health information systems, and an understanding of legislation and international best practice in health information and evidence for policy will be key requirements for this role.

Reporting relationship

The Director of Health Information and Evidence reports to the CEO and is a member of the HRB’s Executive Team which also includes the Director of Corporate Operations, and the Director of Research, Strategy and Funding.   As such, this is a key leadership role in the HRB.

Salary scale:

Director  – € 106,597 – €129,967

This is a Permanent, full-time post (pending successful completion of 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 Executive Search is carrying out this recruitment campaign on our behalf.

To discuss your interest and for further information on this role, please contact PwC Executive Search:

Pauline McAlester

pauline.mcalester@pwc.com

+353 87 913 8474

 

Ellen Roche

ellen.roche@pwc.com

+353 87 637 0812

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

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5.30pm on Monday, 24th March 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.