Director of AHR Licensing and Compliance - Principal Officer

About the Position

Our client, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is hiring for their Director of AHR Licensing and Compliance.

About the AHRRA

The Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA) is a new, independent Irish statutory authority established under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. The principal function of the AHRRA is to protect, promote and, in so far as is practicable, ensure the health and well-being of children born as a result of AHR, persons undergoing AHR treatment, and intending parents. The AHRRA will regulate AHR and surrogacy by licensing treatment providers, publishing codes of practice, approving surrogacy agreements that comply with the Act, maintaining databases and registers to be established under the Act, as well as other functions as required.

Role Purpose

The Director of AHR Licensing and Compliance will contribute to the establishment of the AHRRA as the State regulator responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing standards across all AHR activities. They will ensure that all Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) treatment providers and researchers operate safely, ethically, and in full compliance with the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 and any other relevant or amending legislation.

Responsibilities

• Providing guidance to the Authority on the appropriate frameworks to establish and maintain licensing agreements with licensed providers and researchers.
• Licensing all AHR treatment providers and researchers.
• Ensuring that all AHR treatment and research in Ireland is safe, ethical, lawful, and aligned with the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024.
• Ensuring compliance with the Act and with licence conditions.
• Protecting the health and wellbeing of children born through AHR, people undergoing treatment, and intending parents.
• Regulating standards of care, safety, data protection, and ethical practice.

Requirements

Essential Criteria

• At least 5–7 years in a senior regulatory, compliance, inspection, or enforcement role.
• Experience operating within a statutory or public sector regulatory framework.
• Proven ability to interpret, apply, and enforce legislation, regulations, and codes of practice.
• Experience designing or implementing licensing systems, regulatory standards, or compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of healthcare or biomedical regulatory environments.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation.
• Experience managing high-risk regulatory decisions.
• Strong analytical, judgement, and decision-making capability.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in assisted human reproduction, reproductive medicine, or embryology.
• Familiarity with EU and international AHR regulatory frameworks.
• Working knowledge of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016.

Eligibility to Work in Ireland

Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. Candidate must meet one of the following at the time of application:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA).
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK).
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons.
• A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission* or a Stamp 5 permission.

*Please note that a 50 TEU Visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

How to Apply

Candidates are required to submit an application form and upload a copy of their CV, and a cover letter (maximum two pages) demonstrating how their skills, experience, and achievements meet the essential criteria for the role.

To apply for this role please click the 'Apply Now' button below. Applications must be submitted before the application closing date.

Closing date: Wednesday 28th October 2026, 12 noon

Please note that late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.

The AHRRA is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We strive to create a workplace where everyone has equal access to opportunities and feels valued, respected and supported to be their authentic selves.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, where required, throughout the recruitment process.

To discuss or request accommodations in confidence, please contact [email protected].

Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected].