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The Medical Council is seeking to recruit a General Counsel (Principal Officer) to join their Executive Leadership team.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate Governance and Strategic the General Counsel will be an experienced lawyer with a background in regulation (Legal and Policy) and with highly developed strategic and operational leadership, communication, collaboration, negotiation, and people management skills.

The General Counsel leads the Legal team within the Council which has responsibility for the provision of legal advice across the Council’s business and regulatory functions, in respect of administrative law issues, statutory interpretation, litigation, information governance issues, contractual matters, legislative affairs, litigation or Judicial review of specific Complaints & Investigations and Fitness to Practise processes, and employment law issues.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, will play a key role in supporting the Executive Leadership Team by providing regulatory (legal and policy) advice to the organisation in support of our purpose and vision.

Key responsibilities: 

To provide strategic oversight and integrity on legal matters, advising on business and contractual decisions, managing legal risk and compliance, and leading the legal team. The key responsibilities include:

- Leading a team providing a broad range of legal, legislative & policy advisory related services to the Executive of the Medical Council and the President/Board of the Medical Council.

- Providing up to date, high quality, and informed legal advice, in a timely manner, to both the Medical Council (Board) and the Executive so that the Council’s interests are protected.

- Compliance with all relevant legislation (at domestic and European levels) in respect of the Council’s statutory remit and otherwise.

- Providing the President and members of the board of the Medical Council, its Committees, CEO & Executive with high quality legal and professional strategic advice on matters related to the Council’s statutory remit, its strategic objectives, and related matters.

- Providing opinion on the Council’s core administrative processes to ensure that they are robust and that those who enter the register are appropriately qualified and fit and proper to practise medicine.

- Leading in the development of regulations/legislative amendments and related material pertaining to the Council’s statutory functions/powers etc and contributing to the preparation of draft legislation, as required.

- Representing the Council where legal advice is required with a wide range of external solicitors, Government Departments, external stakeholders, and other regulators with a focus on building and maintaining strong relationships and streamlining legal processes.

- Leading a team providing legal advice and input into a broad range of areas including on the Council’s regulatory functions, administrative/regulatory law, statutory interpretation, corporate governance, litigation, data protection and freedom of information.

- Oversight of engagement and liaison with external legal advisers to formulate queries for legal opinions and interpreting any response(s) for the Executive/members of Council.

- Strategic management of budgetary spend and the management of external legal fees to ensure maximum value for money in any external legal services provided.

- Build and maintain effective relationships with key relevant external stakeholders and professional bodies to inform the work of the Medical Council and to contribute to the wider Health landscape.

- Support and encourage a culture of quality assurance, ensuring that systematic review and continuous improvement are integral to processes within this function and across the Medical Council.

- Management and oversight of sectional and strategic risk registers in line with the Medical Councils Risk Framework and associated processes.

- Carrying out duties appropriate to the post and any other tasks as may be assigned from time to time.

Essential Criteria:

Technical:

- Professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister licensed to practise within the State with at least 8 years of relevant post qualification experience as a legal practitioner.

- Recent experience at a senior leadership level in a similar role, ideally in a regulatory environment.

- Track record of managing a diverse range of legal issues from drafting legal documents, to managing litigation, regulatory/public law matters and complex legislative issues.

- High degree of technical expertise in regulatory law and policy, including in relation to the drafting of regulations, regulatory policy, and other legal documentation

- Excellent judgement and the confidence, discipline, and intellectual ability to deliver in a demanding environment.

Interpersonal:

- The ability to communicate effectively at a senior level and demonstrate sound strategic and professional judgment, together the excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- A demonstrated capacity to collaborate on policy and strategic issues.

- The capacity to constructively challenge established practices.

- Ability to lead by example and support teams to achieve strategic outcomes.

- Excellent team building and mentoring skills.

- Strong time management, planning and prioritisation skills.

Leadership:

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities aligned with the Irish Medical Council’s core leadership competencies. Specifically, they must:

- Have a proven track record of collaborating effectively at a senior leadership level, managing diverse stakeholder groups, and consistently delivering on strategic objectives.

- Be a recognised people leader and subject matter expert, with a well-established professional network that can be leveraged to generate insights and drive value for the organisation.

- Exhibit proficiency across the following essential leadership competencies:

- Craft the Future Vision and Purpose

- Enable Change

- Drive Excellence & Execution

- Deliver Results

- Empower and Develop Others

- Build and Nurture Relationships

- Influence Others

- Be decisive, energetic, and enthusiastic, with outstanding interpersonal, communication, and people skills.

Appointment details:

- Position Type: This appointment will be offered on a full-time permanent basis. A 6-Month probationary period applies to this appointment.

- Salary: Starting salary will be at €106,021, which is the first point of the Principal Officer PayScale. If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the PayScale may be higher based on your current salary. There will be salary increment each year in line with the Executive Officer Grade PayScale and subject to satisfactory performance, until the maximum point on the scale has been reached. The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Principal Officer PayScale PRINCIPAL - PPC €106,021 €110,520 €114,983 €119,481 €123,275 €127,211’ (LS1 After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum) €131,139 (LS2 After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum)

- Annual Leave: 30 working days plus public holidays

- Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

- Location: The Medical Council’s offices are located at Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2. They operate a hybrid working model with both remote working and a current requirement for on-site attendance two days per week.

- Pension: The Medical Council offers a pension through the Public Sector Scheme. Contributions to the scheme will commence on joining the organisation. Candidates currently working in the Public or Civil Service may transfer their pension.

Rewards/ Benefits:

- Dedicated Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Initiatives,

- Employee Assistance Programme,

- Wellbeing App,

- Training and Development,

- Public Service Sick Leave Scheme,

- TaxSaver Travel Tickets,

- Bike to Work Scheme,

- Subsidised Flu Jabs,

- Paid Exam Leave & Study Leave,

- Income Continuance Scheme,

- Civil Service Credit Union,

- Annual Salary Increment.

For more details please go to:

Apply by 7 November 2025 Expected Interview dates : End of November 2025

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