Presidency Policy Officer (Temporary) For Access Programme Graduates

The Department of Foreign Affairs is seeking a number of Presidency Policy Officers (Administrative Officer level) for temporary positions in the lead up to, and during, the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ireland will assume the rotating six-month Presidency on 1 July 2026.

Ensuring a successful EU Presidency in 2026 is essential for Ireland’s position, influence and reputation in the EU and for advancing the Union’s agenda against a complex geopolitical background.

Successful candidates will have an exciting opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the work of the Department, either directly related to the Presidency or in other priority areas where they will provide cover for staff who have been assigned to Presidency duties.

Successful candidates will take up duty on different dates between June 2025 and June 2026. It is envisaged that temporary Presidency Policy Officers will conclude their roles by the end of 2026. Contract duration will, therefore, vary between six months and eighteen months depending on start date. We expect the majority of roles to start in September 2025.

To improve access to opportunities for graduates who are from backgrounds which are underrepresented in the Department, a dedicated stream of temporary Presidency Policy Officers will be created for candidates who have attended third level education with the support of an access programme in their college/university. Specifically, applications are welcomed from candidates who attended college/university with the support of a Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) or through a college Foundation Course or via a Mature Student pathway.

Closing Date: 12pm Friday 04 April 2025.

Please see the attached competition booklet for further information and details on how to apply.