About Coimisiún na Meán

Coimisiún na Meán are implementing a new regulatory regime for online safety. As well as protecting people in Ireland from online harms, we will be the regulator for the whole of Europe for the many large online platforms whose European headquarters are in Ireland – working closely with the European Commission and our counterparts across Europe. We will enforce rules that platforms must follow in order to keep their users safe. In time, we will establish a mechanism for giving advice to users and for considering complaints when users are dissatisfied with the way a platform has handled a complaint.

Coimisiún na Meán regulate broadcasters and video-on demand providers. We make and enforce codes and rules that broadcasters must follow on matters such as balance in news and current affairs, protecting children from age-inappropriate material, political advertising, promoting gender balance and ensuring access for people with disabilities. We will review our codes and rules and extend them to video-on-demand providers such as streaming services and people who upload videos for commercial gain. We also award broadcasting contracts to commercial radio and TV stations, review the performance of public service broadcasters such as RTÉ and TG4 and make recommendations about their funding. We also handle complaints from the general public about programme material.

Coimisiún na Meán support the wider media sector. We run funding schemes to support the development of content that reflects and shapes Irish society, including content in the Irish language. For instance, we are proud to have funded An Cailín Ciúin, the first ever Irish-language film to be nominated for an Oscar. Over the next year we will establish new funding schemes to support local journalism and we will take initiatives related to Irish language, sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion. We also promote media literacy. We expect to take on a wider media development role in coming years.

Role Purpose

Coimisiún na Meán is now looking to recruit an HEO - International Affairs Manager on a fixed-term role to support work of the lead Commissioner and International team colleagues in our Vice-Chair position within a global regulatory network. This role involves overseeing projects related to regulatory coordination and cooperation, as well as monitoring and analysing developments in online safety in the EU and around the world.

The purpose of the International Team is to establish the organisation’s credibility in international fora as an effective and collaborative regulator with a global outlook, and to ensure that Coimisiún na Meán’s policy and enforcement work reflects international best practice. To do this we need a focused and well-resourced team that can provide external representation, coordinate international engagement activity, monitor relevant international developments (especially at EU level) and communicate effectively with international stakeholders. The team is currently comprised of one Director, two Assistant Directors and Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities

Managing Coimisiún na Meán’s (CnaM’s) leadership position in the Network, specifically the involvement of the lead Commissioner, including representation of the Network externally;
Coordinating CnaM colleagues’ input into the work programme of the Network;
Managing our participation in member meetings (developing agendas, arranging meeting schedules etc) and regular group meetings for members and observers;
Supporting specific tasks related to the role of Vice-Chair of the Network;
Providing timely responses to requests for information from members and observers;
Providing regular updates to members about our work and relevant developments in the EU;
Working with the Communications team to develop a new programme of external communication activity related to the Network;
Preparing briefs for senior managers and contributing to working groups;
Provide support to the international team in other relevant areas as needed

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

Essential Criteria

Relevant professional experience in public administration, policy, or EU/International affairs;
Ability to analyse complex issues and learn new topics quickly;
Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively;
Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, and a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to work on own initiative as well as within project teams.

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of and interest in online safety policy and regulation;
Experience in a regulatory or public sector environment;
Flexibility and ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:

A CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via HERE
If you have any special requirements throughout the recruitment process, for example, if you have a visual impairment or are neuro-divergent, we are happy to accommodate your needs where possible, please reach out to us via [email protected] to request support.
Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland and all positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland.
Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process.

Closing Date: Monday, 6th of January 2025 at 3pm