AP Assistant Director, Vetted Researchers, 18 month fixed-term contract

Dublin - Ireland

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 3 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About this role

Role Purpose

The Assistant Director Vetted Researchers role (Assistant Principal) in An Coimisiún is a senior management role with significant managerial responsibilities. As Assistant Director you will be responsible for leading efforts to operationalise Article 40 of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Your work will contribute to the delivery of strategic outcomes including safeguarding children promoting democratic integrity enhancing trust in online platforms and fostering diversity and inclusion. You will be instrumental in enabling research into key issues such as the impact of social media on children information distribution policies on platforms algorithmic decision-making in recommender systems and risk mitigation strategies under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

About the Team

The mission of the Research and Strategy team is to undertake research to inform all functions of the organisation; and to design and coordinate the processes by which the organisational strategy is developed and implemented and by which strategy implementation is monitored and reported on. The team undertakes research and strategy work in-house and commissions and oversees third-parties to undertake work on behalf of An Coimisiún as required.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement application processing workflows compliant with statutory obligations.
Oversee assessment of researcher applications through the end-to-end processing pipeline including complex applications ensuring timely and transparent case progression.
Lead on the development of internal assessment frameworks which encompass regulatory requirements including data protection.
Lead on continuous improvement initiatives including coordination with ICT teams on system optimisation and training and guidance for case management team.
Monitor and report on case management performance identifying bottlenecksimplementing corrective actions and developingreporting frameworks.
Work with legal services to translate legal requirements into practical operational procedures and guidance.
Produce high-quality guidance materials presentations and reports and represent the organisation at international meetings and working groups.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About You - Experience Skills Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of data protection principles including the ability to apply regulatory requirements within research settings.
Strong expertise in managing data within research projects including governance documentation and data lifecycle processes.
Ability to plan coordinate and deliver projects or processes effectively ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail when managing data documentation and decision-making tasks.
Strong written communication skills in a variety of forms including presentations strategy documents correspondence and reports.
Ability to work effectively under pressure manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.

Desirable Criteria

Relevant experience of implementation and/or knowledge of Irish and/orEuropean legislation and policies concerning digital services.
Experience in complaints handling or managing detailed application-based processes demonstrating sound judgement and clear communication.
Proven experience in conducting managing or evaluating research projects.

Key Information - Benefits Package & Pay

This position is offered on a 18 month fixed-term basis.
Full time 35 hrs per week
Annual Leave: 30 days per annum
The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.
Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings Shelbourne Road Dublin 4 D04 NP20.
For a full list of benefits see our website here
This position is graded at the Assistant Principal scale
Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position please submit:
A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills experience and values meet the requirements of the position
Appointment to this role is subject to the candidates eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the processLate applications or applications not received through the correct channel as indicated above will not be considered.
For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role please contact

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided if required during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact

Closing Date: 3pm 13th January 2026

Required Experience:

Director

About this roleRole PurposeThe Assistant Director Vetted Researchers role (Assistant Principal) in An Coimisiún is a senior management role with significant managerial responsibilities. As Assistant Director you will be responsible for leading efforts to operationalise Article 40 of the Digital Serv...