HRB Grade VII Job Family (consisting of R&I IV, Research Officer, Services IV grades)

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 health research, generating health information and promoting the use of evidence in policy and practice, we are motivated and inspired by our vision – for better health through excellent research, data and evidence. The HRB’s mission is to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care and creates solutions to societal challenges.  An overview of the HRB’s objectives and activities may be found in The HRB Strategy 2021-2025, Health research – making an impact, (https://www.hrb.ie/strategy-2025/).

 

The NHIS Unit in the HRB manages four national health information systems on behalf of the Department of Health.  These systems 1) produce data and information to assist the Department with policy and planning, 2) enable the HSE to report on its service planning processes, and 3) generate research that is relevant to both policy and practice.  The systems are held on LINK, a web-enabled platform developed specifically for the HRB. Small teams of researchers and analysts work to generate reports from the data collected.

Key responsibilities of the post of NHIS Systems Manager

The HRB is seeking to recruit a full time, permanent LINK System Manager in the NHIS for the HRB’s LINK system.

Key Accountabilities will include but are not limited to:

Oversee the ongoing management and development of the NHIS systems

  • Responsible for managing the continued stability, ongoing support, maintenance and enhancement of the LINK system
  • Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to understand strategic priorities and support and guide the ongoing evolution and future development of NHIS systems
  • Managing and conducting testing activities to ensure system solutions meet expected quality and user requirements
  • Providing support to data providers as required
  • Developing strategies to improve NHIS data quality including the use of data dashboards and geo-mapping
  • Growing the potential of the LINK platform for future data collections.

Liaise with key stakeholders

  • Meeting with the Department of Health, the HSE and data providers as well as the external company supporting the LINK system
  • Promoting LINK with external stakeholders, seeking out new opportunities for collaboration
  • Coordinating steering, governance and project-related NHIS system meetings.
  • Working with external stakeholders to ensure the continuing development of NHIS systems for health data reporting
  • Representing the HRB on forums related to eHealth, health informatics, and EU health data initiatives.

System management

  • Managing system testing, including UAT and regression testing
  • Triaging issues, prioritising tickets and escalating according to business needs
  • Building and maintaining relationships with HRB teams on scheduling and delivery of work
  • Providing regular updates to HRB teams on matters relating to NHIS systems
  • Managing a process of change requests and acting as the interface between HRB teams and the external support providers
  • Coordinating Penetration tests, Disaster Recovery tests and managing ensuing findings and recommendations
  • Providing input to system and process audits as required.

Project management and line management

  • Line managing, supervising, mentoring of staff to ensure that business objectives are achieved
  • Working closely with Senior Researchers and the Head of Unit in relation to system priorities and business needs
  • Monitoring the support, hosting, and maintenance contract for LINK
  • Liaising with the support company in relation to issues, enhancements and new developments.
  • Liaising with HRB ICT staff and external partners on issues relevant to LINK including security recommendations
  • Monitoring the metrics associated with the delivery of support to NHIS systems
  • Organising and attending regular meetings with software development and the support staff
  • Monitoring the LINK budget, reviewing estimates, ongoing costs and work proposals
  • Preparing reports for HRB Executive Team and HRB Board.

Other duties may be assigned from time to time depending on need. This is a team-based role, and teamwork and coordination with others are crucial.

 

Essential knowledge and experience

Formal requirements include:

NFQ Level 9 qualification (Masters / Post Graduate Diploma) in IT, software development or systems management

Must have a minimum of five years’ appropriate professional experience, with project and/ or people management responsibilities.

It is essential that the successful candidate has:

  • An in-depth understanding of software development processes, database systems, system maintenance, user requirements analysis and change management
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The post holder must also be able to meet deadlines and support the work of others to meet deadlines
  • Proven experience in supervising the work of other staff
  • Excellent SQL and Microsoft Excel skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure cloud-based systems
  • Ability to understand business problems and recommend technical solutions.

Desirable requirements include:

  • Experience line managing staff.
  • Proven experience in making meaningful contribution to a high-performing professional team.
  • Proven ability in strategic thinking and operational and project planning skills necessary to lead the management of LINK.
  • Data analysis, business intelligence and analytical programming experience, including Power BI, R and Python.

 

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.  A comprehensive list of expected competencies ca be found at Higher Executive Officer Competency Framework

Reporting relationship

The Link System Manager (NHIS Unit) will report to the Head of Unit (NHIS).

Salary scale:

Salary Range for LINK System Manager – NHIS (Grade VII)             €60,613 – €78,795

Note:  this post is a permanent, full-time position.

Appointment will be made in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. New entrants to the public service will be appointed at the first point of the scale

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae by email to recruitment@hrb.ie.

In your submissions please clearly state the appropriate components of your third level education and experience that pertain particularly in relation to the software development lifecycle.

You must include the name of the post that you are applying for in the email subject line.

 

Closing date for applications is 12:00 Noon on Thursday 09 April 2026

NOTE: Interviews for this position are expected to take place in the HRB offices on Thursday 23 April 2026.

 

If you require further information, please contact Karen O’Donnell, HR Officer at recruitment@hrb.ie or please refer to the Recruitment page on the HRB website at http://www.hrb.ie/about/recruitment/  for full details on this campaign.

 

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: LINK System Manager – NHIS (Grade VII)

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.
  • 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 & 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.