The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.

Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.

About the Role

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is seeking to appoint a Clinical Lead. The Clinical Lead will work collaboratively with NIAC and other stakeholders to protect the health of the population from vaccine-preventable diseases. The appointee will be accountable to the Chair or their delegate in matters pertaining to immunisation. For all other matters, line management will fall under the governance of Healthcare Leadership.

The successful candidate will lead the Secretariat to support the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in developing robust evidence-based advice related to vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Clinical Lead will be responsible for duties including, but not limited to:

• Leading on implementation of the annual work plan
• Working in close collaboration with the Chair and fulfilling the delegated responsibilities
• Supporting the Chair in reviewing the membership of the Committee
• Liaising with the Department of Health, Health Service Executive, National Immunisation Office, Health Products Regulatory Authority, and other stakeholders as required
• Reviewing and coordinating the weekly work activities of the Special Advisors and Technical Researchers, in consultation with the Chair and Programme Manager
• Ensuring appropriate evidence-based standard operating procedures and guidance is available
• Liaising with subject matter experts, applying high-quality methodology using systematic search strategies, synthesis, and quality assessment to produce the best evidence to inform the preparation of key documents (e.g., letters, recommendations, statements)
• Co-authoring and approving documentation for meetings before circulation to Committee members
• Co-authoring the annual workplan and supporting the development and/or review of other reports as required
• Overseeing the review and update of the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland as agreed by the Chair and Committee
• Assisting with advice and responding to immunisation queries
• Attending and contributing to national and international meetings of relevance to NIAC
• Promoting immunisation as a prevention
• Supporting immunisation-related evidence-based research
• Supporting education and training in vaccinology
• Strong commitment to the promotion of safe immunisation as prevention to optimise population health
• Striving to counteract vaccine hesitancy through evidence-based transparent practices and education
• Leading the Secretariat to achieve the above

About you

• Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills
• Medically qualified on the specialist register in an appropriate discipline
• Relevant clinical experience in immunisation as prevention
• Expertise in a relevant area including but not limited to public health, infectious diseases, immunology, paediatrics, clinical microbiology, primary care
• Strong research and critical appraisal skills
• Excellent documentation, writing and organisational skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work flexibly, both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and networking skills
• Basic IT skills including virtual communication skills

Applicants are invited to submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, specifically address how their experience fits with the requirements of the role

The post will be appointed following interview. For further information, please contact NIAC (n[email protected]).