Chief Pharmaceutical Officer 2026DOH02
Date posted: 19 June 2026
Before you apply
Secondment will take place on a grade for grade basis, existing terms and conditions will be maintained.
Reference
2026DOH02
Category
Health and Social Care Professionals
Grade
Pharmacist - Chief I 3263
Advertisement Type
Secondment
County
- Dublin
Location
Department of Health, Block 1 Miesian Plaza, Miesian Plaza, 50-58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, D02 XW14
Recruiter
National
Contract type
- Fixed Term Wholetime
Post specific related information
To apply for this role candidates must be currently employed in a permanent capacity in the Irish health service with the Health Service Executive, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland or the Health Products Regulatory Authority where a secondment to the Department of Health is possible.
As envisaged in the 2025 Programme for Government and 2025 Community Pharmacy Agreement, the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer (CPO) will have a key strategic role that will provide leadership on policy direction and evidence-based expert advice for pharmacy and pharmaceutical care policy. The overarching objective of the CPO is to lead on the development of a strategic plan for pharmaceutical care in Ireland, in line with broader healthcare objectives and policies, including those outlined in 2017 Sláintecare report. This will include important considerations relating to the future role of pharmacy, workforce planning and education.
See attached Job Specification for comprehensive post specific information on the role.
Closing date
09/07/2026 12:00:00
Application details
To apply for this role candidates must be currently employed in a permanent capacity in the Irish health service with the Health Service Executive, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland or the Health Products Regulatory Authority where a secondment to the Department of Health is possible.
Applicants should submit a CV (2 pages) and a succinct Expression of Interest cover letter, highlighting relevant experience by email to Health_Secondments@health.gov.ie by noon on Thursday 9th July 2026.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Skills Match meetings with Department of Health officials are provisionally scheduled for the week commencing 20th July, this is subject to change. As part of this meeting, candidates will be invited to deliver a 10-minute presentation to the Department on the topic of:
‘Vision for a strategic plan for pharmaceutical care in Ireland’
Assignment will take place shortly thereafter.
Applications will be treated in strict confidence. All enquires, applications and all aspects of the proceedings are treated as strictly confidential and are not disclosed to anyone outside those involved in that aspect of the process.
See attached Job Specification for comprehensive post specific information on the role.
Informal enquiries
health_secondments@health.gov.ie