Head of Governance, Access to Information and Communications

Head of Governance, Access to Information and Communication 

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: 
This person will be a key member of MARA’s Policy and External Affairs Directorate.  The incumbent provides strategic leadership and oversight of MARA’s governance framework compliance with statutory obligations relating to transparency (Freedom of Information FOI) and Access to Information (AIE) as well as communications.  The role ensures that MARA operates with integrity and accountability. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 
Departmental



Co-ordinate all liaison activity between MARA as a State Agency and its parent Department to support a positive working relationship. 





Build and maintain strong working relationships with Department representatives 





Manage processing of departmental queries, ensuring quality control and recording of official responses 





Engage with MARA’s parent department – Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) on the Oversight Agreement and Performance Delivery Agreement. 





Co-ordinate liaison with the Department in relation to the development of relevant legislation. 



Governance



Provide high standards of secretariat services of MARA’s Board, Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and any other Boards which are formed under MARA’s jurisdiction. 





Develop and implement governance strategies, policies and plans that are aligned with the highest governance standards. 





Monitor to ensure MARA’s continued compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and requirements under the Ethics in Public Office Acts and other relevant legal obligations. 





Keep the Board, ARC and any other committees/boards informed and up to date on emerging developments in MARA and externally. 





Provide support to the Board (s) and Committee (s) as required, including managing the cycle of statutory approvals, preparation of agendas, papers and management of action points. 





Manage the programme of work for all MARA Boards and committees, liaising with staff to schedule Committee and Board approvals, compiling papers and provide management support. 





Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of corporate governance policies, systems and practice. 



Strategy and corporate reporting 



Contribute to the delivery of MARA’s Statement of Strategy (SoS) every three years. 





Support and assist colleagues across MARA, as needed, to support the attainment of MARA priorities under the Statement of Strategy. 





Contribute to MARA’s corporate reporting programme including delivery of a suite of corporate publications – programme of work, annual reports, quarterly reports, CEO reports, monthly governance reports and other reports as required. 



Communications 



Represent MARA at national and international forums on relevant issues. 





Preparing and providing written and verbal briefings, presenting information in a clear, concise and effective manner. 





Effectively manage MARA’s communication strategies. 





Act as MARA’s spokesperson, where appropriate and coordinate media relations, press releases and official statements. 





Strengthen internal communication systems to build strong internal inclusion. 



Access to Information (AIE) 



Oversee compliance with corporate legislation including Freedom of Information (FOI), Access to Information on the Environment (AIE), Data Protection, Procurement and other Corporate Legislation such as Protected Disclosures, Official Languages etc. 





Manage and streamline the FOI and AIE processes to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. 





Manage the process for responding to Oireachtas, Department and stakeholder information requests in a timely and accurate manner. 





Ensure effective implementation of access to information regulations and policies, balancing transparency with confidentiality and data protection obligations. 



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 unit in accordance with good financial practice. 





Create and maintain a good work environment in the Unit and wider MARA agency in keeping with the Values of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority. 





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. 





Assisting with such other duties and responsibilities as are assigned from time-to-time by the Director of Policy and External Affairs and others. 




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 Monday 17th November 2025 at 10:00am. 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. 


Please submit your updated CV in Word Format. If you are living in Ireland and hold a valid work permit we would love to hear from you, if however you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search.
Osborne is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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