Education Officer (Higher Executive Officer)
Osborne are delighted to be partnering with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in the recruitment of a Higher Executive Officer.
For details of the position and information on how to apply please see details below.
The Organisation
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) is Ireland’s national human rights and equality institution. It was established in November 2014 under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 with a statutory mandate to:
- Protect and promote human rights and equality.
- Encourage the development of a culture of respect for human rights, equality, and intercultural understanding in the State.
- Promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights and equality in the State.
- Encourage good practice in intercultural relations, promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in the State and respect for the freedom and dignity of each person, and,
- Work towards the elimination of human rights abuses, discrimination and prohibited conduct.
IHREC’s strategy and policy is determined independently by the fifteen members of the Commission who are appointed by the Head of State, President Michael D. Higgins. The diverse membership of the Commission broadly reflects the nature of Irish society.
The Director of the Commission is responsible for the leadership and management of staff and the work of IHREC in accordance with the strategy and policies of the Commission. The staff of the Commission currently work in six teams: Policy & Research, Strategic Engagement, Legal, Monitoring & Compliance, Corporate Services and Office of the Director. Permanent staff of the Commission are civil servants in the service of the State.
IHREC’s work ranges from operating at the policy level to review the effectiveness of human rights and equality law, policy and practice in the State and within public bodies, protecting and promoting human rights and equality within the courts system, and working with communities and civil society to monitor and report on people’s real-life experiences of human rights and equality in practice. Whether addressing individual concerns, engaging with government or public bodies on policy and practice issues or raising awareness with public audiences on human rights and equality, our mission is to build a just and inclusive society that protects and promotes human rights and equality in Ireland.
The Role
The HEO (Education Officer) will play a key role in supporting the Commission to deliver a Human Rights and Equality Education and Training Programme with formal (post-primary sector) and non-formal (community and youth sectors) education stakeholders in line with the Commission’s strategic priorities.
The main responsibilities for the role will include:
Strategy Development, Implementation & Monitoring:
- Managing the development, delivery, monitoring and review of IHREC’s Human Rights & Equality Education and Training Programme.
- Preparing policy positions and submissions from a human rights, equality, and intercultural understanding perspective, to inform Department of Education and Youth, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and other relevant consultations, reviews of subjects and related education and training policies.
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of Human Rights and Equality Education Standards based on UN and Council of Europe best practice that can be applied in formal (post-primary) and non-formal education and in the continuous professional development of teachers.
Material/Resource Development:
- Co-ordinating and collaborating in the development of human rights and equality-based education materials and resources for use in: –
- post-primary curriculum including Politics and Society, Civic, Social and Political Education, and Transition Year in collaboration with key stakeholders, and
- non-formal education and training settings, including youth work, and
- with other key stakeholders.
Partnerships:
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the formal and non-formal education sectors, including but not limited to the Department of Education and Youth and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
- Providing secretariate support to the work of an IHREC Education and Training Advisory Committee which will advise on the development of education resources.
Event Management:
- Organising and delivering events to support human rights and equality education and training for formal (post-primary) and non-formal education and continuous professional development audiences.
Finance & Administration:
- Managing the programme budget, managing contractors and ensuring effective and efficient administration and record keeping practices are in place.
Other:
- Working with the wider Strategic Engagement Team to deliver agreed goals, targets, and objectives.
The responsibilities outlined above should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the requirements of IHREC.
Application and Further information:
For further information and to apply for this role, see attachments below:
Applications should be submitted via email and must include:
- A completed Application Form outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position
Only applications fully submitted will be accepted into the campaign.
To apply for this role candidates must submit the relevant, signed and completed application form to ihrec@osborne.ie
Closing Date:
Deadline for application: Please note latest receipt for applications is Wednesday 24th June 2026 at 1 pm. Incomplete applications, postal applications or CV’s will not be accepted. Any applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received. If you do not receive acknowledgement of your application within two working days of submission, please contact Osborne Recruitment at ihrec@osborne.ie to ensure your application has been received.
No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to IHREC.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups including ethnic minority and people with disabilities.
To view this in Irish, please visit – Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin Sinsearach