Apply now Apply Now

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has overall responsibility for public policy at a national level in respect of criminal justice, public safety, national security, civil and family law, immigration issues including international protection processing and accommodation, cyber security and data protection policy. Its vision is a safe, fair, inclusive Ireland, achieved through the organisation’s values which are to operate in an open, collaborative and professional manner.

Main Duties of the job

The division is responsible for operating significant systems of procurement and provision of accommodation and services to persons seeking international protection (IP), in a context of unprecedented recent growth in demand. The division currently accommodates in the region of 33,000 people at 300 centres and has a budget of €1.2m in 2026. It is responsible for conducting formal assessments of international protection applicants to determine any special reception needs for vulnerable persons, including children. It is responsible for developing and implementing IP accommodation policy, including transitioning to a new model of accommodation and related supports for persons in the IP process, centred around the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy which was approved by Government in April 2024. The division is also playing a key role in delivering the Migration Pact in 2026 and beyond. Reporting to the Deputy Secretary General Migration the Head of International Protection and Integration Division will be a key member of the Management Board, contributing to the overall mission and strategic direction of the Department. This is a high-level strategic role which will have six direct reports at Principal Officer level.

The successful candidate will have:

•           Excellent organisational skills with an ability to lead and manage a high-performance division in a fast-paced environment.

•           Experience in managing large scale operations and overseeing system and organisational change.

•           Experience of managing large budgets and capital delivery programmes.

•           Experience of delivering modernisation projects while ensuring business as usual is continually improved.

•           A proven track record in policy development and operational delivery in a complex area where Government policy envisages substantial further service improvement and change.

•           A demonstrated ability to lead and co-ordinate cross-cutting action across Departments and agencies in both policy and operational spheres.

•           Experience in relation to the governance and oversight of multiple agencies and groups.

Information about the Organisation

The Department is responsible for over 4,600 people, with a budget of approx. €2.7 billion. It also sets the strategic direction for the wider Justice sector which comprises more than 27,000 people with an operating budget of over €6 billion. It also has an international reach, with more than 50 officers posted in 11 Irish embassies and missions across four continents, working on a broad range of immigration services and international policy issues. Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 will involve officials in leading more than 20 Working Groups across both the Justice and Home Affairs, and the Telecommunications Ministerial Councils. Producing high quality and timely legislation to support and drive change is a key responsibility and the Department annually manages the largest volume of legislation drafted across Government.

Selection Process Details

This is a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) position. Further information on this significant opportunity including details on how to apply, is available on www.publicjobs.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday 13th August 2026. If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Aoife Lyons by email at aoife.lyons@publicjobs.ie . They are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act. 

Back to Jobs