Senior Marine Advisor (Engineering)

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 role of the Senior Marine Advisor – Engineering (Engineer Grade I) is to provide professional engineering, environmental and other technical recommendations within the organisation in respect of MARA’s consenting, monitoring, compliance, planning support and enforcement functions. A core element of the role will be to support Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), ports and harbours infrastructure, coastal protection works, cables and other critical state infrastructure consented by MARA.

The Senior Marine Advisor will report to a Director (Principal Officer grade) who holds one of the senior management roles within MARA and operates under the overall strategic direction and leadership of the Chief Executive Officer (Assistant Secretary grade).

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
While the responsibilities and key deliverables for the role of Senior Marine Advisor (Engineering) will vary from time to time, depending on the business needs of the organisation, in carrying out the duties of the position, Senior Marine Advisor (Engineering) will be required to: 

• Make considered recommendations and provide technical analysis and engineering advice on matters of Maritime Engineering, including the provision of technical expertise on Offshore Renewable Energy infrastructure, ports and harbours infrastructure, coastal protection works, cables and other civil engineering works as it relates to the Maritime Area. 

• Knowledge of and make recommendations on matters relating to the interaction of the Maritime Area Planning Act with other relevant legislation (i.e. The Foreshore Act, The Planning and Development Act, The Dumping at Sea Act, The Arterial Drainage Act, The Roads Act, The Railways Act etc.).  

• Provide effective and timely technical/professional recommendations and reports in respect of MARA’s consenting, monitoring, compliance, planning support and enforcement functions based on desk study review of relevant documentation and on-site inspections where relevant. 

• Ensuring that all recommendations and assistance given is delivered to a high standard in keeping with current best practice and complies with all relevant environmental, maritime and planning requirements and guidelines.  

• Design and implement key processes and policies and lead the engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders using the maritime area, including offshore wind, ports, tourism, local authorities and other regulators.  

• Support the work of MARA as a decision-making competent authority, through the provision of reports, analyses and opinions, and assessing submissions made by members of the public, State bodies and others on Marine Area Consent and Marine Usage Licence applications. 

• Support the implementation of the National Marine Planning Framework, the Habitats and Birds Directives, the Water and Marine Strategy Framework Directives, and the National Climate Action Plan as required through reports and advice. 

• Collaborate with colleagues, as appropriate to ensure that the MARA Geographical Information Systems Database is maintained, up-to-date and strive to develop and increase its capabilities.  

• Advise colleagues, as appropriate, on legislation, guidelines, legal cases and matters related to the efficacy of the MARA functions.  

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and the development of technical procedures. 

• Represent MARA at meetings with Government Departments, public bodies, interested parties, stakeholders and intending developers on matters relating to management of the Maritime Area.  

• When required, represent MARA in legal proceedings. 

• Provide a high standard of knowledge and experience of marine data capture and analysis. 

• Any other duties as directed from time to time. 

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 directorate in accordance with good financial practice. 

• Create and maintain a good working environment in the directorate and wider MARA agency in keeping with the Values of MARA. 

• 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. 

• Any other duties as directed from time to time.

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 9:00am on Tuesday 4th August 2026. 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.

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