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 Legal Specialist (Grade VIII)

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title, Grade Code Legal Specialist (Grade VIII)

Campaign Reference NRS15091

Closing Date Friday 28th November 2025 at 12:00 Noon

Proposed Interview Date (s) Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

Taking up Appointment A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post There is currently one permanent and whole-time vacancy available in the HSE Office of Legal Services 63-64 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Grade VIII Legal Specialist, HSE Office of Legal Services from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

 Informal Enquiries  Anne Marie Cullen, HSE Deputy Chief Legal Advisor Email: AnneMarie.Cullen@hse.ie Mobile: 087 716 1118

Details of Service

The HSE is a statutory body established by the Health Act 2004, with responsibility for the delivery of health and personal social services to a population of over 5.3 million people living in Ireland. 

The HSE Office of Legal Services is responsible for managing the organisation’s legal risks in addition to managing the purchase of legal services by the HSE and the provision of legal advice to HSE Senior management.  It sits within the HSE Centre and reports directly to the HSE CEO.

Reporting Relationship The Legal Specialist will report directly to the HSE Deputy Chief Legal Advisor or their nominee.

Key Working Relationships

The Legal Specialist will be a member of the HSE Office of Legal Services Team (“OLS”) and will work collaboratively with the other members of the OLS team. The role will also require effective internal and external working relationships with:

•                          HSE Senior Management and office of the CEO

•                          HSE Contracted Law Firms

•                          External Counsel

•                          HSE Data Protection and FOI Officers

•                          Legal Units of the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) 

•                          Decision Support Service

•                          Office of the DPP

•                          State Claims Agency

•                          Tusla

•                          Other internal/external stakeholders as appropriate

Scope and Purpose of the Post

•                  Assist the HSE Chief Legal Advisor and the DCLA in the management of HSE contracted law firms to ensure the delivery of safe and cost effective legal advices  to the organisation.

•                  Identifying litigation and issues of strategic concern to HSE and preparing briefing notes on same.

•                  Provide an in-house legal advisory role (in such core areas of law as may be identified by the DCLA but will, for avoidance of doubt, include Data Protection and Freedom of Information) within the organisation.

•                  Reviewing, redacting and releasing service user records to facilitate requests from the DPP under a Memorandum of Understanding between the HSE and DPP and where necessary liaising with and instructing Documentary Counsel.

•                  Work as part of the OLS team in furnishing legal advice to HSE senior management and, where appropriate, directly engaging Counsel.

•                  Participating in HSE Working and Steering Groups.

•                  Supporting the OLS Knowledge Manager in providing a legislation scanning service and, in the identification, keywording/tagging, electronic filing and retrieval of key legal documents in the OLS knowledge management system.

•                  Assisting the DCLA in HSE applications to the Department of Health, DCEDIY and DPENDR for sanction of out of court settlements in compliance with the public spending code.

•                  Ensure that legal services are delivered to the highest standards within available resources.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Contract Management

Under the direction of the DCLA, the post holder will work as part of the office’s contract management team in its oversight of HSE contracted law firms.  This will include:

 

•                  Assisting in auditing HSE contracted laws to ensure defined Key Performance Indicators comprised in their respective service level agreements are reached.

•                  Nominating counsel in accordance with the OLS Protocol.

•                  Attending six weekly contract management meetings with the law firms nominated HSE Contract Managers, taking of minutes and following up on agreed actions.

•                  Providing the DCLA and Chief Legal Advisor with support and guidance to enable the management of legal services to senior management to the highest standard.

•                  Identifying opportunities for cost savings and value for money initiatives.

•                  Working with HSE law firms, preparing HSE applications to the Department of Health, DCEDIY and DPENDR for sanction of out of court settlements.

•                  Identifying opportunities for more use of mediation and alternative dispute practices.

In-House Advisory Role

•                  Providing substantive in-house advices in the core areas of Data Protection and Freedom of Information and such other discrete legal practice areas as may be identified by the DCLA and the Chief Legal Advisor.

•                  Reviewing, redacting and releasing service user records to facilitate requests from the DPP under a Memorandum of Understanding between the HSE and DPP and where necessary liaising with and instructing Documentary Counsel.

•                  Attending before the Circuit Courts and Superior Courts as needed.

•                  Supporting the DCLA and the OLS Knowledge Manager in the provision of triage and substantive in-house legal advices to divisions of the HSE.

•                  Representing OLS in partaking in internal and multi-agency/multi-disciplinary steering and working groups where legal input is necessary.

•                  Advising on legal issues arising on HSE policies, procedures, guidelines and practices.

•                  Providing high quality and timely legal research for the DCLA and Chief Legal Advisor and their team.

•                  Supporting the OLS Knowledge Manager in providing a legislation scanning service and the identification, keywording/tagging, electronic filing and retrieval of key legal documents in the OLS knowledge management system.

General

•                  Contributing to OLS’s Operational Plan.

•                  Promoting a high standard of legal excellence in the HSE.

•                  Adequately identifying, managing and monitoring risk within the area of responsibility.

•                  Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

•                  Supporting, promoting and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

•                  Demonstrating pro-active commitment to all communications with internal and external stakeholders.

•                  Engaging in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.

•                  The person appointed at this grade may be assigned regulatory responsibilities and functions on behalf of the HSE.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

•                  Hold a professional legal qualification as a barrister or solicitor and be a practicing member of the Law Society of Ireland or the Bar of Ireland for a minimum of 3 years.

•                  A track record in a legal advisory role working in-house in a large complex organisation as a legal professional or have experience in advising large organisation clients.

•                  Significant experience in advising in the Data Protection and Freedom of Information legal practice areas.

•                  Experience in managing and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, as relevant to the role.

•                  The requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Other requirements specific to the post Access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role as post may involve travel.

Additional eligibility requirements

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)   EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)  Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrates:

•                   Knowledge of the Irish Health system.

•                   Detailed knowledge of the statutory and regulatory environment in which the HSE operate.

•                   Detailed knowledge of the statutory and regulatory context surrounding health and well as current best practice and international trends in the delivery of legal services.

•                   Knowledge of the legal framework of the HSE, the corporate governance framework of the HSE and supporting governmental policies including standards of business conduct.

•                   Demonstrate knowledge and experience relevant to the role as per the duties & responsibilities, eligibility criteria and post specific requirements of the role.

•                   Excellent written communication skills including the ability to produce professional reports.

•                   Excellent MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Teams, Access and legal case management systems.

 Leadership & Direction

Demonstrates:

•                   The ability to remain informed in a dynamic and challenging environment.

•                   Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members and other stakeholders to facilitate high performance, developing and achieving clear and realistic objectives.

•                   The capacity for management responsibility and demonstration of initiative.

•                   An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.

Managing & Delivering Results (Operational Excellence)

Demonstrates:

•                   Adequately identifies, manages and reports on risk within area of responsibility.

•                   An ability to prioritise conflicting demands and to address medium and long term goals while also managing short term objectives.

•                   The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and to evolve and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

•                   The ability to work on a self-directed basis.

•                   An awareness of resource management and the importance of value for money;

•                   The ability to work to tight deadlines and operate effectively with multiple competing priorities.

•                   The ability to take person responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion.

Working with and Through Others (Influencing to Achieve)

Demonstrates:

•                   The ability to be flexible, team oriented and a relationship builder and have a significant track record of achievement in the area.

•                   The ability to work independently as well as work with a wider multidisciplinary / multi-agency team in a complex and changing environment.

•                   The ability to set high standards for the team and puts their work and the work of the organisation into meaningful context.

•                   Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.

Critical Analysis, Problem Solving & Decision Making

Demonstrates:

•                   The ability to evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and make effective decisions.

•                   Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.

•                   Anticipates problems and recognizes when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level).

•                   The ability to consider the range of options available, involve other parties at the appropriate time and level, to make balanced and timely decisions.

•                   A knowledge and application of evidence based decision making.

•                   Reviews evidence on an ongoing basis to ensure that previous decisions continue to be evidence based. 

Building & Maintaining Relationships/Communication Skills

Demonstrates:

•                   Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to facilitate work with a wide range of individuals and groups.

•                   A strong results focus and ability to achieve result through collaborative working.

•                   The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing tailoring to meet the needs of the audience.

•                   The ability to lead, direct and influence multiple stakeholders and ensure buy-in to plans and their implementation.

•                   An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.

•                   Effective conflict management skills.

•                   The ability to interact in a professional manner with staff and other key stakeholders.

•                   The ability work closely with and support the effective development of the OLS team.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting/Interview     

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.  The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.  Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. 

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not progressing to the next stage of the selection process. 

 Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.

Read more about the HSE’s commitment to

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

Read the .

The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Tenure The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time. 

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration The salary scale for the post (as at 01/08/25) is:

€82,258 - €82,997 - €86,243 - €89,502 – €92,736 - €95,983 - €99,213

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale.  Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011).  Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Working Week The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

You are required to work agreed roster/on-call arrangements advised by your Reporting Manager. Your contracted hours are liable to change between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of collective agreements and HSE Circulars.

Annual Leave The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme.  Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment.  Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

 * Public Servants not affected by this legislation: Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

All Mandated Persons under the Children First Act 2015, within the HSE, are appointed as Designated Officers under the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998.

Mandated Persons such as line managers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, social care workers, and emergency technicians have additional responsibilities. 

You should check if you are a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit for further information, guidance and resources.

Infection Control Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

 

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service , as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures .
• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

 

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001

Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995.  Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below:

A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post.  This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not later than 31st January in the following year.

B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the HSE and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest.  A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer.  The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer.

C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission’s website.

For further application detail, please follow the Apply Noe option of use this link:

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

Ethics in Public Office 1995 and 2001

Positions remunerated at or above the minimum point of the Grade VIII salary scale are designated positions under Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995.  Any person appointed to a designated position must comply with the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 as outlined below:

A) In accordance with Section 18 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995, a person holding such a post is required to prepare and furnish an annual statement of any interests which could materially influence the performance of the official functions of the post.  This annual statement of interest should be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer not later than 31st January in the following year.

B) In addition to the annual statement, a person holding such a post is required, whenever they are performing a function as an employee of the HSE and have actual knowledge, or a connected person, has a material interest in a matter to which the function relates, provide at the time a statement of the facts of that interest.  A person holding such a post should provide such statement to the Chief Executive Officer.  The function in question cannot be performed unless there are compelling reasons to do so and, if this is the case, those compelling reasons must be stated in writing and must be provided to the Chief Executive Officer.

C) A person holding such a post is required under the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 to act in accordance with any guidelines or advice published or given by the Standards in Public Office Commission. Guidelines for public servants on compliance with the provisions of the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 are available on the Standards Commission’s website.

For further application detail, please follow the Apply Noe option of use this link:  

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