Head of Policy (Assistant Principal)
The Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) is a new independent body responsible for the sustainable management of Ireland’s diverse and unique maritime area, brought about by the enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (MAP Act). Established in July 2023, as part of the biggest reform of marine governance in Ireland in almost a century, MARA will be key to the transformation of our maritime governance regime.
The system and structures set out in the MAP Act are key legal enablers of development and the protection of the environment and cultural heritage in the maritime area for the future generations, including the envisaged expansion of the offshore renewable energy sector required to meet Ireland’s 2030 climate goals in an integrated and sustainable manner.
The Role:
The head of Policy will be a key member of MARA’s Policy and External Affairs Directorate. The Policy Unit in MARA contributes to Mara’s functions in many ways, including but not limited to the following:
National and international stakeholder engagement
Proactive engagement in considering and informing a range of national policies as they relate to MARA’s functions
Reviewing MARA’s functions in line the MAP Act
The role will involve working with internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain MARA’s reputation as a well-functioning regulatory agency that delivers societal value. A key component will involve interacting with relevant government departments and agencies on relevant national and EU maritime legislation.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Policy
Contribute to the objectives of the Policy and External Affairs Directorate and MARA’s wider strategic priorities through, inter alia, detailed policy mapping and analysis, desk-based research and engagement with MARA’s wide range of national and international stakeholders
Maintain key relationships with Agency and Department representatives through regular consultation.
Assess and understanding the impact of national and international maritime policy developments as they may relate to MARA.
Contribute to MARA’s strategic development and the delivery of MARA’s statutory functions as they relate to the MAP Act.
In conjunction with the Director of Policy and External Affairs, shape MARA’s position on policy matters, horizon scanning and identifying gaps, risks and opportunities in the overall maritime regulatory environment. Support MARA’s input to government policies affecting MARA’s functions.
Preparing and providing written and verbal briefings, presenting information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
Support and assisting the Director of Policy and External Affairs plus other colleagues across MARA, as needed, to support the attainment of wider organisational objectives.
Liaise and oversee stakeholder engagement.
Lead consultations and engagement exercises to ensure transparency and legitimacy in policy development.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with government departments, industry, external stakeholders and international regulators.
Develop and advance MARA’s strategic policy and legislative requirements. Current key outputs include:
Development and implementation of MARA’s competitive Maritime Area Consent (MAC) process for the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector;
Legislative review of the Maritime Area Planning Act (MAPA) 2021 and relevant secondary legislation;
Develop co-operation agreements with other maritime authorities
Review of MARA’s levy framework;
Manage the roll out of new functions to MARA;
Align MARA’s statutory functions with national policy and legislative requirements in relation to seaweed harvesting.
Manage the team assigned within the internal unit ensuring that all goals are met, leave is managed, and training opportunities are identified to support a high performing team.
Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for staff.
Coordinate and compile data for internal and external audits, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with audit requirements
Leadership/Management
Manage the team assigned within the internal unit ensuring that all goals are met, leave is managed, and training opportunities are identified to support a high performing team.
Provide mentoring and professional development opportunities for staff.
Coordinate and compile data for internal and external audits, ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance with audit requirements
Manage the budget allocated to the unit in accordance with good financial practice.
Create and maintain a good work environment in the Policy Unit and wider MARA agency in keeping with the Values of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority.
Promote open communication among staff and good levels of staff morale.
Be conscious of health and safety matters in the workplace and in particular to comply with employees obligations as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 and to ensure that the procedure as set out the Safety Statement are implemented at all times.
Assisting with such other duties and responsibilities as are assigned from time-to-time by the Director of Policy and External Affairs and others.
Adhere and comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and regulations to maintain a safe and secure working environment.
Application and further information
For further information and to apply for this role visit https://osborne.ie/public-sector/mara-employment-opportunities/ or 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 mara@osborne.ie
Closing Date:
Deadline for application: Please note latest receipt for applications is Monday 17th November 2025 at 10:00am. 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 mara@osborne.ie to ensure your application has been received.
Please submit your updated CV in Word Format. If you are living in Ireland and hold a valid work permit we would love to hear from you, if however you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search.
Osborne is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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