Head of Government Affairs

The Head of Government Affairs is accountable for leading Ibec’s government affairs and lobbying activity, ensuring a strategic, coordinated and compliant approach to political engagement, advocacy and stakeholder management.  
 
The role owns the development and execution of Ibec’s government affairs and lobbying strategy and is responsible for building and maintaining effective relationships with government, political stakeholders and key influencers. The role ensures that Ibec’s policy priorities are advanced through disciplined lobbying, advocacy and engagement activity, aligned to member interests and organisational priorities.  
 
Government Affairs plays a leadership and enabling role across the organisation, providing expert advice, coordination and capability to support effective engagement with government and political stakeholders. The Head of Government Affairs works closely with Policy teams, Corporate Affairs, and Sector teams to ensure that lobbying activity is aligned to agreed positions and narratives, while remaining clearly accountable for execution and influence. 
 
Closing date for applications will be 13th March 2026. Strategic Planning and Leadership  

• Set the strategic direction for Government Affairs and lobbying in partnership with the Executive Director of Lobbying, Policy and Global Affairs 
• Translate Ibec’s business and policy priorities into Government Affairs objectives  
• Develop and manage the annual Government Affairs business plan and budget 
• Ensure lobbying activity is prioritised, coordinated and resourced to maximise impact 
• Establish clear frameworks, processes and standards to govern Government Affairs activity across the organisation 
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on political risk, stakeholder dynamics, and lobbying strategy 

 
Lobbying & Political Stakeholder Engagement  

• Lead Ibec’s approach to lobbying and political engagement in line with legislative and compliance requirements 
• Build and maintain senior relationships with government, political stakeholders, and key influencers 
• Ensure a consistent and strategic approach to lobbying across policy areas, sectors and member interests 
• Establish and oversee a stakeholder management system to support effective engagement and insight 
• Convene and lead forums or networks of Government Affairs professionals from member organisations where appropriate 
• Provide political intelligence and insight to inform policy development and advocacy activity 

 
Collaboration and Interface Management  

• Work closely with Policy teams to align lobbying activity with policy development and advocacy objectives 
• Coordinate with Corporate Affairs teams to ensure lobbying activity aligns with agreed public positioning and narrative, without duplicating ownership 
• Support internal communications of key policy and lobbying messages in collaboration with Corporate Affairs and Strategy functions 
• Act as a senior interface with Sector and Associations teams to support effective engagement with government and political stakeholders 

 
Leadership and Development  

• Lead, coach and develop a high performing Government Affairs team 
• Build capability in lobbying, stakeholder engagement and political intelligence across the organisation 
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement 
• Ensure Government Affairs activity is outcome focused and aligned to organisational priorities 

 
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. Qualifications 

• Third level degree in a relevant discipline 
• Relevant post graduate qualifications  

Knowledge 

• Excellent insight into the broad Government Affairs/lobbying landscape and key policy challenges facing Irish business 
• Demonstrated experience delivering lobbying outcomes in complex political environments 
• Strong political judgement with ability to manage sensitive issues and advise leaders 
• Excellent knowledge of policy areas, policy development and the Irish political system  
• Working knowledge of ways to maximise engagement with broad stakeholder groups  

Experience  

• Experience working at a senior level in Government Affairs, lobbying or related role/s 
• Experienced at policy development and managing multiple stakeholders 
• Experience delivering significant projects in related fields  
• Has previously led a team of professionals 
• Excellent stakeholder relationships across policy makers and other relevant influencers 

Competencies  

• Very strong leadership skills 
• Strategic planning and implementation  
• Excellent communicator 
• Excellent stakeholder relationship management and networking skills  
• Very strong collaborator with ability to navigate in a multifunctional environment 
• Action oriented 
• Project management 

Ibec Core Competencies 
 
Bias towards action 

• Collaborative – work together as ‘oneIbec’.
• 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