Shape the Future of Healthcare Innovation in Ireland. Opportunity – Chairperson, National Oversight Group,Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI)

Chairperson, National Oversight Group, Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI)

Role Description

Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is a national initiative that works across the health sector and with Irish businesses to solve healthcare challenges, improve patient care, and accelerate healthcare innovation and commercialisation in Ireland. Its vision is to establish Ireland as a leading location for start-ups and expanding healthcare companies, facilitating access to the healthcare system and clinical professionals at each stage of development- idea, prototype or market ready product.

HIHI was established in 2016, and is jointly funded, by Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE), and the Department of Health (DoH). Enterprise Ireland (EI) is responsible for the operational oversight of HIHI on behalf of the Departments. The Health Service Executive (HSE) contributes staff to assist HIHI’s operations. The two Departments have overall responsibility for policy and governance in relation to the initiative.

The National Oversight Group (NOG) was established to give overall strategic direction to the establishment and development of HIHI. It is also responsible for setting the appropriate level of ambition at each stage of the HIHI’s development and overseeing delivery of its five-year Business Plan. NOG members are Department of Enterprise Tourism and Employment (DETE) and Department of Health (DoH) as Deputy Co-Chairs; senior executives from Enterprise Ireland; senior representatives from the HSE; the HIHI Principal Investigator and the HIHI Director; and a representative of University College Cork. Other stakeholders, partners and experts may be invited to the meeting by the Chairperson or joint deputy Chairs as appropriate.

As a unique joint government initiative, HIHI offers companies the opportunity to carry out pilot and clinical validation studies to accelerate the development of health-relevant industries. It also provides the health service with access to innovative products, services and devices to support delivery of high-quality health care including improved patient outcomes.

Location

Ireland (national role)

Term of Appointment

A five-year, fixed-term appointment, renewable once, subject to agreement and governance requirements. The position is not remunerated; a provision to cover reasonable expenses incurred in performing the duty of Chair is foreseen.

Purpose of the Role

The Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is looking to appoint an independent industry expert as their National Oversight Group (NOG) Chair. The Chairperson will be responsible for providing high-level strategic guidance on the HIHI Programme, convening the meeting, working with the secretariat to prepare the meeting agenda and signing off on agreed minutes and decisions taken.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent leadership to the National Oversight Group.
• Chair meetings of the National Oversight Group and ensure effective decision-making.
• Guide the long-term strategic direction and ambition of HIHI, including leading the NOG’s input to the preparation of the HIHI 5-year Business Plan.
• Ensure alignment of HIHI activities with national healthcare, research, innovation, and enterprise priorities.
• Monitor HIHI delivery and performance against agreed objectives and KPIs as set out in the HIHI 5-year Business Plan.
• Promote innovation that delivers measurable patient, health service, and economic benefits.

• Maintain and promote the highest standards of governance, accountability, transparency, and ethics.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with DETE, D/Health, Enterprise Ireland, the HSE, hospital groups, universities, research organisations, other relevant Government Departments, and industry stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for HIHI nationally and internationally.
• Foster collaboration across the healthcare and innovation ecosystem.

• Ensure all members contribute effectively to discussions and decision-making.
• Facilitate consensus while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant industry experience, together with a strong understanding of the academic and clinical/healthcare domains, ideally including experience in an academic or clinical setting.
• Significant executive, board-level, or non-executive leadership experience.
• Proven experience operating within complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience in governance, oversight, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead at a national level.
• Track record of delivering organisational impact through collaboration and partnership.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within healthcare, life sciences, medtech, innovation, research, academia, or enterprise development.
• Demonstrated experience of engagement at the interface between industry, academia and the healthcare system.
• Knowledge of the Irish healthcare system and public sector governance.
• Experience supporting innovation, commercialisation, or research translation initiatives.
• Previous chairing experience of boards, advisory groups, or oversight committees.

Key Competencies

Leadership

• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Ability to inspire confidence and build consensus.
• Strong judgement and decision-making capability.

Governance

• Deep understanding of corporate governance principles.
• Commitment to accountability, integrity, and ethical conduct.

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to represent HIHI effectively at senior national and international levels.

Collaboration

• Ability to build strong relationships across public, private, academicT and healthcare sectors.
• Skilled in managing diverse stakeholders and competing priorities.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at scheduled, quarterly National Oversight Group meetings.
• Review of relevant reports / other documents and providing high-level feedback.
• Participation in strategic planning sessions and key stakeholder engagements.
• Representation of HIHI at events, meetings, and external engagements as required.

Conflicts of interest

• Candidates must not have any legal impediment or conflicts of interest likely to interfere with their ability to assume the role and fulfil the duties of NOG Chair.
• Applicants must give careful consideration to the possibility of any potential conflict of interest that may exist and address this in their cover letter.
• The Assessment Panel may decide, based on any perceived level of conflict of interest, not to forward a particular candidate for consideration.

Expressions of interest for the role should be submitted by email to karina.horgan@enterprise-ireland.com and must include a detailed CV plus cover letter on or before November 23rd.