Chief Examiner
Job Title: Chief Examiner
Reporting to: Executive Director for Training and Assessments
Base: Remote and/or 15 Hogan Place, Dublin 2
Contract type: Fixed term contract for 3 years
Hours of Work: 1.5 days / 10.5 hours per week (1 day protected time, 0.5 day flexible)
Closing date for applications: Friday 25th September 2026
For any informal enquiries about this role please contact [email protected]
About The Irish College of GP’s
The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland. Please visit our website for more information: Irish College of GPs
Job Purpose
The Chief Examiner shares leadership duties with the Deputy Executive Director for Assessment for all matters related to MICGP examinations in accordance with the Examinations Operations Team Terms of Reference. Together, they are jointly accountable for the effective operation exams and for implementing the strategy and priorities established via the Examinations and Assessment Standing Committee (EA SC).
The Chief Examiner leads clinical and quality assurance matters of MICGP exams design, development and delivery in Ireland and Malaysia (in-person and remotely), supported by the Clinical Team (Lead Convenors) and the MICGP Examinations Panel. The role ensures that examinations are fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with regulatory and professional standards.
Key Result Areas:
Clinical Expertise
Ensure examinations are fit for purpose, rigorous, and fair
In collaboration with the Exams Operations Team, set and maintain examination standards, taking on board advice and input from other relevant individuals, e.g. statisticians
Oversee the development, maintenance, and performance review of question banks
Approve examination questions and clinical cases.
Oversee the ratification of examination results with input from relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the Exams Ops Team, specifically, the Lead Convenors and the Deputy Executive Director for Assessment.
Ensure all activities are performed in line with approved policies, procedures and SOPs across all assessments.
Analysis Continuous Improvement
Monitor examination performance and outcomes.
Implement improvements to enhance validity and reliability in line with best practice and regulatory requirements.
Adjudicate on borderline results cases.
Provide expert advice on candidate support and preparation resources.
Communication Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with College-accredited programmes to align assessments with curriculum.
Oversee lead convenor, convenor, examiner and writer training and performance.
Contribute to candidate-facing activities (e.g. webinars).
Lead and deliver examiner workshops, including the annual workshop.
General Management and Reporting (in collaboration with the Deputy Executive Director for Assessment)
Contribute to strategy and policy development for EA SC consideration
Contribute to annual and multi-year planning
Oversee ongoing development of MICGP modules
Provide input on the EA SC report on examination performance and emerging trends, including statutory and regulatory reporting as required
Participate in the application/implementation of governance arrangements, including appeals, disciplinary action, and risk and policy registers
Implement External Examiner recommendations as appropriate
Manage and ensure appropriate handling of conflicts of interest
Attend oversight and governance meetings as required
Person specification
The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, expertise, and competencies:
Essential
Be an active general practitioner in Ireland, holding the MICGP qualification and be a current member of the College in good standing
Be registered with the Irish Medical Council of Ireland on the Specialist Division for General Practice
Be enrolled on and in compliance with the Irish College of GPs Professional Competence Scheme
Have 7 years full-time postgraduate medical experience in general practice in Ireland or equivalent
Concurrently hold a part-time clinical appointment equivalent to a minimum of four sessions of clinical general practice per week
Significant experience in medical education, examinations, and assessment
Experience in leadership within a high-stakes, complex environment
Strong understanding of governance, quality assurance, and risk management
Proven ability in strategic planning, project delivery, and stakeholder management
If resident outside of Ireland: (please contact [email protected]if this applies to you)
Eligible for MICGP
Eligible to register with the Irish Medical Council of Ireland on the Specialist Division for General Practice
Must enrol on and comply with the Irish College of GPs Professional Competence Scheme if appointed
Desirable
Experience as an examiner for MICGP
Affiliation with a third-level institution or postgraduate training body
Experience in financial management, budgeting, and organisational planning
Evidence of working collaboratively in a professional setting
Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Executive Director for Training and Assessments
Accountable to: Examinations Assessment Standing Committee (EA SC)
Direct reports: Lead Convenors and Examinations Pane
The Irish College of GP’s is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that all job applicants and employees receive equal treatment regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community, or any other protected characteristic under Irish equality legislation. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the job application and interview process. Please email [email protected]to discuss any accommodations required.
