• Location: Wexford, Wexford
• Type: Permanent
• Job #47113

Head of Governance, Access to Information and Communication 

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: 
This person will be a key member of MARA’s Policy and External Affairs Directorate.  The incumbent provides strategic leadership and oversight of MARA’s governance framework compliance with statutory obligations relating to transparency (Freedom of Information FOI) and Access to Information (AIE) as well as communications.  The role ensures that MARA operates with integrity and accountability. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 
Departmental

• Co-ordinate all liaison activity between MARA as a State Agency and its parent Department to support a positive working relationship. 

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Department representatives 

• Manage processing of departmental queries, ensuring quality control and recording of official responses 

• Engage with MARA’s parent department – Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) on the Oversight Agreement and Performance Delivery Agreement. 

• Co-ordinate liaison with the Department in relation to the development of relevant legislation. 

Governance

• Provide high standards of secretariat services of MARA’s Board, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and any other Boards which are formed under MARA’s jurisdiction. 

• Develop and implement governance strategies, policies and plans that are aligned with the highest governance standards. 

• Monitor to ensure MARA’s continued compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and requirements under the Ethics in Public Office Acts and other relevant legal obligations. 

• Keep the Board, ARC and any other committees/boards informed and up to date on emerging developments in MARA and externally. 

• Provide support to the Board (s) and Committee (s) as required, including managing the cycle of statutory approvals, preparation of agendas, papers and management of action points. 

• Manage the programme of work for all MARA Boards and committees, liaising with staff to schedule Committee and Board approvals, compiling papers and provide management support. 

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of corporate governance policies, systems and practice. 

Strategy and corporate reporting 

• Contribute to the delivery of MARA’s Statement of Strategy (SoS) every three years. 

• Support and assist colleagues across MARA, as needed, to support the attainment of MARA priorities under the Statement of Strategy. 

• Contribute to MARA’s corporate reporting programme including delivery of a suite of corporate publications – programme of work, annual reports, quarterly reports, CEO reports, monthly governance reports and other reports as required. 

Communications 

• Represent MARA at national and international forums on relevant issues. 

• Preparing and providing written and verbal briefings, presenting information in a clear, concise and effective manner. 

• Effectively manage MARA’s communication strategies. 

• Act as MARA’s spokesperson, where appropriate and coordinate media relations, press releases and official statements. 

• Strengthen internal communication systems to build strong internal inclusion. 

Access to Information (AIE) 

• Oversee compliance with corporate legislation including Freedom of Information (FOI), Access to Information on the Environment (AIE), Data Protection, Procurement and other Corporate Legislation such as Protected Disclosures, Official Languages etc. 

• Manage and streamline the FOI and AIE processes to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Manage the process for responding to Oireachtas, Department and stakeholder information requests in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Ensure effective implementation of access to information regulations and policies, balancing transparency with confidentiality and data protection obligations. 

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 Unit and wider MARA agency in keeping with the Values of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority. 

• 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. 

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.

#INDTQUINN
#INDOSB1

• Location: Wexford, Wexford
• Type: Permanent
• Job #47112

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.

#INDTQUINN
#INDOSB1a