PAULA QUINN
61 Rail Park, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Summary
Senior Civil Service leader with over 22 years’ experience in complex, high-stakes public administration. Proven track record in leading large-scale system reform, capital delivery programmes, and multi-agency collaboration in politically sensitive environments. Currently leading the State’s transition to a sustainable, planned model of International Protection accommodation under the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy. Recognised for strategic leadership, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and ability to balance humanitarian responsibility with public confidence and value for money.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of State-Owned International Protection Accommodation (Principal Officer)
Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
04.2021 - Current
- Strategic Leadership and System Stewardship
- Leading the State’s transition from a reactive to a planned, sustainable, and resilient International Protection accommodation system under the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy.
- Setting strategic direction for delivery of 14,000 State-owned beds, ensuring alignment with Government priorities and oversight structures.
- Senior leadership of multi-strand accommodation delivery programme, including acquisitions, modular builds, and strategic State purchases.
- Oversight of €18.5m current budget and €40m capital budget, with responsibility for governance, accountability, and value for money.
- Central role in the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis, including establishing Citywest as a Transit Hub.
- Led system-wide approaches to capacity planning, emergency preparedness, and incident response.
- Led joint programmes with OPW, local authorities, and other Departments to develop innovative models of State accommodation.
- Delivered major policy initiatives including a new Local Authority Integration Model, a child payment for IP applicants, and the establishment of the first Victims of Trafficking Unit.
- Led delivery of a 700-unit rapid build housing programme for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, creating a national model for sustainable, cost-effective State accommodation.
- Engaged proactively with local authorities, service providers, NGOs, and community representatives to support public confidence.
Talent Acquisition Lead (Assistant Principal)
Public Appointments Service
04.2016 - 04.2021
- Led and managed multi-disciplinary teams of over 30 staff across medical, local authority, and specialist recruitment functions.
- Embedded performance metrics, risk management frameworks, and governance structures.
- Drove modernisation and digital innovation in recruitment services.
- Represented PAS on Business Continuity, Risk Management, and IT Steering Groups.
Recruitment Manager (Higher Executive Officer)
Public Appointments Service
09.2014 - 04.2016
- Managed the Medical Consultant Recruitment Unit with up to 15 staff.
- Developed performance metrics to improve transparency and efficiency.
- Engaged regularly with HSE senior management.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance recruitment effectiveness.
Process Lead – HR Shared Services Project (Higher Executive Officer)
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
11.2011 - 09.2014
- Led design and implementation of the first cross-Civil Service HR Shared Service Centre.
- Managed process mapping, role design, and organisational transition.
- Delivered training and post-implementation operational support.
- Worked closely with senior management and DPER HR Policy.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Employment Law
King’s Inns
01.2020
Taught Masters - Sociology
NUI Maynooth
01.2000
BA (Hons) - History & Sociology
NUI Maynooth
01.1999
Skills
- Strategic Leadership and System Reform
- Large-Scale Programme and Capital Delivery
- Risk Management and Contingency Planning
- Cross-Government Collaboration
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Budget and Governance Oversight
- Change Management and Modernisation
- People Leadership and Performance Management
- Policy Development and Implementation
- Strategic leadership
- Emergency preparedness
- Incident response
- Policy development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Cross-department collaboration
- Process improvement
- Organizational transition management
- Organizational leadership
- Multitasking capacity
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Operational risk management
- Multitasking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
Interests
Volunteering with a Special Olympics Club
Professional Development
- Strategic Leadership Programme, Roffey Park (2024)
- Programme for Senior Leaders, Common Purpose (2020–2021)
- Emerging Leaders Navigator, Common Purpose (2015)
Timeline
Head of State-Owned International Protection Accommodation (Principal Officer)
Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
04.2021 - Current
Talent Acquisition Lead (Assistant Principal)
Public Appointments Service
04.2016 - 04.2021
Recruitment Manager (Higher Executive Officer)
Public Appointments Service
09.2014 - 04.2016
Process Lead – HR Shared Services Project (Higher Executive Officer)
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
11.2011 - 09.2014
Advanced Diploma - Employment Law
King’s Inns
Taught Masters - Sociology
NUI Maynooth
BA (Hons) - History & Sociology
NUI Maynooth