Graduate Opportunities AO General 2022

Introduction The Civil Service is at the heart of Irish society. Everything we do impacts our country, and most importantly, our people. We are a robust and trusted institution, which has served the people of Ireland since the foundation of the State. Most recently, the Civil Service has played, and continues to play, a critical role in supporting the whole of Government response to the needs of the nation during the pandemic.

While the challenges which face the Civil Service today are different to those faced at the foundation of the State, our core values remain the same.

The Irish Civil Service is a large complex organisation employer nearly 42,000 people in approximately 40 Government Departments and Offices with a diverse set of responsibilities to support the Government by developing policy options and legislation to address major national issues, co-ordinating the broader public service, helping to manage the economy and delivering services to the public.

Civil Service Renewal 2030 is an ambitious 10-year strategy of reform for the Civil Service. The Strategy will be implemented through a series of 3-year action plans that will detail the precise goals and initiatives which will progress each of our strategic priorities to ensure a diverse and high performing Civil Service that is more inclusive, engaged, agile and ready to meet current and future challenges. By implementing these plans and demonstrating an enduring commitment to public service values, the Civil Service can create a more diverse yet unified, professional, responsive, open and accountable organisation that inspires trust and confidence in Ireland and internationally. The Civil Service can offer suitable candidates a very satisfying and varied career, with competitive terms and conditions.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the centralised independent recruitment provider for the Civil and Public Service and will conduct the selection process for this competition. PAS will establish a panel of suitably qualified individuals to fill vacancies, which may arise in the Civil Service. Please note, this also includes Garda Civilian positions in An Garda Síochána.

The Role The Administrative Officer (AO) is the main graduate recruitment grade for the Civil Service and provides successful candidates with the opportunity to progress to middle management. As an AO, you would have a crucial role in policy and strategy formulation across the spectrum of economic, financial, international, environmental and social issues. Those appointed will have the opportunity to effect real change in the Civil Service and help shape a changing Ireland. You will also have the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the development and implementation of government policy over a period of time. Assignments may also be made to support functions e.g. Facilities Management and Corporate Affairs.

To apply you must have / expect to hold a minimum Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (first or second class primary Honours Bachelor Degree level).

Consideration may be given to relevant qualifications as deemed equivalent by the Public Appointments Service. In addition to having achieved a high standard of education, effective AO candidates should demonstrate: -excellent communication (oral and written), presentation and interpersonal skills -the capacity to carry out research, analysis and problem solving -experience of effective team-working and delivering to tight deadlines -the capacity to work in a multidisciplinary environment and exhibit leadership potential -the capacity to show initiative while working with minimal supervision -evidence of working on projects and producing results within budget and deadlines.

It is expected that from the outset, newly recruited AOs will be able to make a substantive contribution to the work of the Civil Service. While training is to a significant extent “on the job”, induction and training courses in specific skills and areas of work will be provided to assist you to become familiar with the public sector. Those appointed will undertake the Graduate Development Programme which will build upon your experience to further develop your expertise, confidence, self-awareness and personal effectiveness to enable you to realise your potential and deliver important outcomes early in your career. It is envisaged that these graduate recruitment opportunities will arise across a range of Departments. Selection for the position of AO involves a demanding assessment process that may take place over a period of time. However, PAS will make the process as streamlined as possible and will keep applicants informed as they progress through the selection process.

A detailed description of the competencies expected of all AOs is set out in Appendix 1. The onus is on the candidate to ensure that they satisfy the essential eligibility requirements for the positions for which they are applying.

Candidates are required to confirm at application stage that they hold / will hold the required qualifications. Admission to the competition does not imply acceptance that a candidate is eligible to compete in the competition.

Further information on the graduate recruitment campaign

Applicants for the Irish Language Stream The Civil Service is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Official Languages Act. It is intended that any vacancies arising, which require staff to provide a full range of services through the Irish language (Functional Bilinguals), may be filled from this competition. In this regard individuals who have proficiency in the Irish language and who fulfil all other eligibility criteria set out below may indicate their interest on the application form.

Candidates who are successful at the online assessment stages, and indicate their interest on the application form, will be required to undergo an assessment of their Irish language skills. All candidates must reach the qualifying standard at each element of the selection stages, including the additional Irish assessments, in order to be considered for the Irish stream. They must achieve the required level in the Irish language, i.e. demonstrate a minimum Level B2 on the Europass self-assessment framework. Please note that in the case of the Irish stream, attendance may also be required at a separate assessment/interview through the Irish language.

Summary Conditions of ServiceStarting

Salary: €33,889

Annual Leave: 25 Days

Hours of attendance: 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week.

You can find all the information you need here: https://publicjobs.ie/en/index.php?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&Itemid=263&cid=162326&campaignId=22329002