JOB DETAILS

The Head of EU and International Policy is responsible for leading Ibec’s strategic policy agenda across European and global landscapes. This role ensures that Irish business interests are proactively shaped and protected within the EU legislative framework and international policy forums.

Operating at a Strategic Business Lead level, the role provides leadership to a team of policy professionals, ensuring that Ibec’s international advocacy is high-impact, evidence-based, and seamlessly integrated with national priorities. The successful candidate will translate complex global developments into actionable insights for Irish business, acting as a key senior advisor on the geopolitical and regulatory trends that impact Ibec’s members.

The closing date for applications will be 3pm on Thursday the 28th of May.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Strategic Planning and Leadership

Set the strategic direction and multi-year plan for EU and International Policy in alignment with Ibec’s enterprise strategy.
Lead and develop a high-performing team of policy experts and professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Manage the unit budget and resources to maximise international influence and member value.
Contribute to enterprise-level planning, ensuring global policy trends are integrated into Ibec’s strategic foresight.

Policy Development and Thought Leadership

Lead the development of Ibec’s positions on major EU and international policy files, including trade, digital regulation, and global sustainability standards.
Oversee the delivery of high-quality, member-driven submissions to EU institutions and international bodies.
Establish Ibec as a global thought leader by identifying emerging international issues and developing proactive research and public framing.
Ensure consistency and integration between domestic policy positions and international advocacy efforts.

International Stakeholder Engagement

Ensure effective representation within BUSINESSEUROPE and across EU institutions.
Build and maintain senior-level relationships with international stakeholders, diplomatic networks, and global business organisations.
Represent Ibec at senior national and international forums, acting as a credible and authoritative voice for Irish business.

Strategic Partnership and Interface Management

Partner closely with the Head of Government Affairs and Head of National Policy to align international advocacy with domestic lobbying and policy goals.
Advise and guide sector associations to ensure their international policy interests align with the broader enterprise strategy.
Provide strategic counsel to the CEO and Executive team on the implications of global regulatory and geopolitical shifts.
Integrate Ibec Global activity into the EU and International team and develop an extensive programme of networking and engagement to strengthen global business and stakeholder networks to maximise Ibec member value, with a strong focus on the US and other leading trading partners.
Lead for Irish business at Business at OECD (BIAC), the WTO, UN, and other international agencies.

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time. Sector assignment may be subject to change.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as International Relations, Law, Economics, or Public Policy.
Postgraduate qualification in European Affairs or a related field is highly desirable.

Knowledge

Expert understanding of the EU legislative process, international trade dynamics, and global regulatory environments.
Deep insight into the interplay between international policy and the Irish economic landscape.
Knowledge of stakeholder dynamics within complex, multi-divisional or federated organisations.

Experience

Significant senior experience in policy leadership, international affairs, or regulatory advocacy within a complex environment.
Proven track record of influencing high-level policy outcomes at the EU or international level.
Demonstrated experience advising senior executives on complex geopolitical or commercially sensitive issues.
Experience leading professional teams and managing strategic business units.

International Travel and Role Location

The successful candidate will be required to travel extensively in Europe and elsewhere internationally. The role will be based in either Ibec’s Dublin or Brussels offices, and the successful candidate will be required to be available to meet regular business commitments in both locations.

Competencies

Strategic Thinking and Judgement: Ability to connect global trends to organisational strategy and anticipate emerging risks.
Influence and Executive Presence: Credible presence with the ability to influence at the highest levels of government and international institutions.
Collaboration and Navigation: Skilled at operating effectively in a matrixed environment, balancing diverse sectoral interests.
Communication: Ability to translate complex international policy into clear, persuasive, and member-friendly narratives.

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies

Bias towards action

Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec Leadership Competencies

Navigate Ambiguity
Strategic Growth Mindset
Integrity and Trust
Business Acumen

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email dearbhla.rice@ibec.ie

About us

Working in Ibec

Join Ibec and further your career.

Working in Ibec means you are part of an overall effort to deliver on a vision for Ireland to be a balanced, growing and prosperous society. We look to the workplace of the future with the changing needs of our members as well as our workforce to create a dynamic and exciting working environment.
We hire people from many backgrounds who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, professional and, most importantly, passionate about business.

Head of EU and International Policy

Job Description