RCPI

RCPI

About the Organisation The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is a postgraduate medical training college with a distinguished history dating back to 1654. Dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care, RCPI supports physicians in enhancing their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives. Through its Faculties and Institutes, RCPI offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses that equip doctors with the knowledge and capabilities needed to care for patients and run safe, efficient healthcare systems. RCPI also provides a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners across the wider healthcare sector. RCPI is an inclusive, values-driven organisation that celebrates diversity and has been awarded a Silver accreditation from Investors in Diversity, reflecting its commitment to fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusion. About the Role RCPI is seeking an experienced and motivated Education Specialist to join its team on a two-year fixed-term contract. This is a pivotal senior role within the organisation, responsible for designing, developing, and continuously improving RCPI's postgraduate training programmes. Reporting to the Education Manager, the Education Specialist leads curriculum development, assessment strategy, professional examinations, and educational transformation initiatives, all aligned with Medical Council standards and international best practice. The postholder operates with a high degree of autonomy, shaping institutional and faculty approaches to education, influencing national and international stakeholders, and ensuring RCPI remains at the forefront of postgraduate medical education. Working in close collaboration with national clinical leads, training bodies and their education committees, the Irish Medical Council, and other regulatory stakeholders, this role carries direct responsibility for RCPI training programmes — with a meaningful impact on physician competence and patient safety both nationally and internationally. Application closing date: 13 August 2026 at 16:00 Key Responsibilities Strategic Curriculum Leadership Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing development of postgraduate curricula, including national and international training programmes and fellowship programmes Define and implement competency-based approaches to education and training, and lead curriculum transformation initiatives Develop and oversee curriculum frameworks, blueprints, and standards that link learning outcomes, training exposures, assessment, and progression Lead specialty and cross-specialty curriculum reform, including initiatives with an international dimension Assessment Strategy & Design Lead the design and implementation of RCPI's assessment strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and best practice Oversee professional examinations including item development, question writing, standard setting, performance analysis, and quality assurance Design and implement innovative assessment approaches, including digital and workplace-based methods Provide expert advice to governance and examination boards on assessment design, grading, and decision-making Programme & System Leadership Lead major strategic education initiatives and programmes across the organisation Take full ownership of programme development from concept through pilot to operational delivery Lead the design and development of education systems and platforms (including ePortfolio), encompassing long-term improvement planning Define and implement processes, frameworks, and models adopted across RCPI programmes Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Influence Engage and influence senior clinical stakeholders, faculties, training bodies, and regulatory organisations Lead Postgraduate Training bodies, governance forums, and strategic working groups as required Build consensus and drive decision-making on complex and sensitive educational issues Represent RCPI in national and international education forums as appropriate Faculty Development & Educational Leadership Lead the design and delivery of faculty development initiatives, including workshops on assessment, curriculum, and education design Act as a subject matter expert in education, advising colleagues and stakeholders across the organisation Mentor and support education team members and contribute to broader capability development within the function Quality Assurance & Regulatory Leadership Engage with faculties around Medical Council accreditation processes, including the preparation of submissions and responses Monitor and interpret emerging national and international regulatory requirements and translate these into operational practice Embed quality assurance and continuous improvement mechanisms across RCPI training programmes Requirements Professional Knowledge & Experience — Essential Postgraduate qualification in Education, Health Professions Education, Psychology, or a related discipline Significant experience (typically 4–5+ years) in education design, curriculum development, and assessment Demonstrated experience leading strategic education initiatives or programmes Deep understanding of quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, and assessment methodologies