Local authorities will be looking to recruit Graduates in 2027 under the following skills areas. This list may change between now and the opening date of the recruitment competition, subject to the specific needs of the local authorities.
1. Generalist
Graduates recruited under the Generalist stream will possess degrees relevant to the delivery of public service, and be placed in specific business units within a local authority. Based on your qualifications, interview results, and the employing local authority’s requirements, you could expect to be assigned to any of the fundamental areas within the remit of local government. These include, but are not limited to, HR management, communications & marketing, community development, innovation & change management and climate action. You will gain professional experience in the core business area you been assigned to, delve into a variety of projects and initiatives, and contribute to the development of sector-wide solutions and policy.
2. Economic, Enterprise & Business Development (EE&BD)
Graduates in Economic Enterprise and Business Development will be involved in the important work of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), which provides a range of supports and advice to local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. In addition to the functions of the LEOs, other business units within local authorities are increasingly strengthening their focus on economic and business development. Your role will contribute to initiatives and programmes that support enterprise, economic development and job creation.
3. Project & Programme Management
Graduates in Project and Programme Management will join multi-disciplinary project teams within their local authority. You could work on a variety of projects–from large-scale capital investment infrastructure to business process change, all aimed at improving outcomes and making real changes at a local level.
4. Data Analytics & Data Metrics
Graduates in Data Analytics & Data Metrics will play a vital role in helping their local authority plan for the future. You will work with population, customer service and other key datasets, analysing information and generating insights to support decision-making and evidence-based policy.
5. General IT Skills
Graduates in IT will join a local authority’s IT support team, ensuring staff have access to efficient digital systems and technology to facilitate the delivery of high-quality services to the public. You will gain practical experience across a range of IT functions, contribute to technology-driven initiatives, and support efforts to modernise digital and ICT services within local government.
6. Cybersecurity
Graduates in Cybersecurity will work as part of a local authority's cybersecurity team, contributing to the enhancement of safeguards against cybercrime. You will gain experience in identifying and mitigating threats, developing defensive measures, and safeguarding the local authority. You will also be involved in the development of innovative approaches to utilise digital technology in support of cybersecurity initiatives.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Science
Graduates in AI & Data Science will work as part of a local authority's IT team, advising business units on the effective deployment of AI tools to optimise the use of data held by the local authority, while ensuring GDPR and legal compliance. You will gain experience in applying AI within a large public sector body involving cleansing, organising, and interpreting data for business decisions. You will also be engaged in the development of innovative approaches to ensure that local authority employees adhere to the guidelines regarding the use of AI tools in their work.
8. Irish Language
Graduates with qualifications in the Irish language can expect to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within a local authority. You will play an important role in supporting your local authority in fulfilling its obligations under the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028, ensuring that the delivery of public services through the medium of Irish language improves over time.
9. Legal & Research
Graduates with qualifications in Legal Studies and/or Legal Research will be assigned to the law department of one of the larger local authorities. You will be part of the team responsible for providing guidance and advice on the expansive legislative framework underpinning the delivery of local authority services. Your role will involve supporting the wider team, including conducting research into existing case law relevant to the various business functions of local government.
10. Ecology/Biodiversity
Graduates in Ecology and/or Biodiversity will be assigned to a multi-disciplinary team within a local authority, responsible for rolling out initiatives and implementing policies related to biodiversity conservation. You will contribute to your local authority’s obligations outlined under Ireland's 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) for 2023–2030, which aims to address the challenges posed by biodiversity loss and promote sustainable practices.
We anticipate that the Local Government National Graduate recruitment competition will open for applications towards the end of Q1, 2027. Recent graduates and final-year students expecting to graduate in 2027 will be eligible to apply.
Register your interest at graduates@lgma.ie to receive updates and job alerts.