Administrative Officer

The Position The Administrative Officer is a middle management position within the Local Authority and is responsible for the administration and management of one or more sections or departments handling specific areas of the Council’s activities, including the management of staff. The post holder will be expected to work closely with senior managers and elected representatives in delivering services to the highest standard and to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and policies. The Administrative Officer is the primary point of contact and liaison with other departments or directorates in relation to all operational matters for the service delivery section or sections for which they are responsible. The Administrative Officer is expected to carry out their duties with an understanding of the political context of local government and in such a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making. The person appointed will work under the direction and control of the Senior Executive Officer or other officer designated by the Chief Executive. Meath County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Administrative Officer from which future vacancies may be filled. 50% of posts filled will be confined to employees of the sector*, 30% will be filled by open recruitment and 20% will be confined to employees of Meath County Council. Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities • Responsibility for the management of one or more sections/departments within Meath County Council; • Responsibility for the day-to-day operations of these sections/departments; • To identify and agree work programmes, targets and deadlines and ensure their subsequent implementation; • To manage and supervise staff up to the position/grade of Senior Staff Officer or analogous grades and to ensure the training and development of such staff; • To build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment and maintain sound employee relations and morale as relevant, in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation; • To determine the nature, level and pattern of demand for the service in the service/department/function and to recommend both service level and strategic policy priorities to senior management; • To contribute to the strategic and policy making decisions of Meath County Council; • To achieve and maintain the productive association between elected representatives and the executive in the delivery of services; • To develop and maintain relationships with external agencies in accordance with policy and to ensure the agreements to co-ordinate work programmes are implemented; • To implement the requirements of the ‘Putting People First: Action Programme for Effective Local Government’; • To implement the systems necessary and co-ordinate the resources to support services; • To prepare budgets and ensure that work programmes are implemented within allocated budgets; • Representing the Council at a variety of meetings; • Preparation of reports for Council and other stakeholders; • Attending Court as a witness for the Council as required; • To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications for the Post Character Each candidate must be of good character. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Education and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms – Open Competition – Panel B (please see page 15 of this booklet for panel information)

i. (a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination of Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics, and (b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics) or ii. Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, or iii. Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard and, iv. Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff. v. Candidate’s must hold a full unendorsed Category B Driving License

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Confined Competition – Panel A & C (please see page 15 of this booklet for panel information) a) To be a serving employee in a Local Authority or Regional Assembly and have at least two years’ satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or an analogous post, and b) Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.

Requirements, Knowledge, and Skills In the context of the duties and responsibilities for the post of Administrative Officer listed above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills: • Have a satisfactory understanding of the Council’s purpose and priorities and knowledge of public service organisation in Ireland; • Demonstrate relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level; • Be self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative; • Have a career record that demonstrates an ability to manage and supervise staff; • Have excellent interpersonal and communications skills and be capable of representing the Council in a professional and credible manner; • Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace; • Understand the changing environment and be capable of implementing change in order to deliver quality services to citizens; • Understand the representational role of the elected members and be capable of working closely with them to deliver quality services and implement policy decisions; • Have experience of budget preparation and management; • Have satisfactory IT skills. Miscellaneous Provisions Salary Salary scale: €55,847- €72,602 per annum (EL 02/23). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Hours of Work The normal working hours will be 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to work outside of normal working hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training duties etc. as part of normal working hours without additional remuneration. All hours worked will be subject to the provision of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended. You may be required to complete a time-sheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001.

Start Date Meath County Council shall require a person to whom an offer of employment is made to take up an appointment within a reasonable period of time, usually two months from date of offer, to meet the organisational requirements of the Council. Meath County Council reserves the right to withdraw its offer in the event that an appointment is not taken up within such a period.

Leave 30 days per annum Sick Leave The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Probation The following provisions will apply: (a) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation, (b) such period shall be 9 months but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period, (c) such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Travel It is desirable that holders of the post should hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall be required to drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy. Meath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

Residence The person holding the office must reside in, or at an address convenient to performing the role/function as approved by the Chief Executive.

Safety and Welfare The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Meath County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Training It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post.

Garda Vetting Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.

Outside Employment The officer may not engage in private practice, or be connected with any outside business, which would interfere with the performance of official duties. Candidates will be assessed at interview under the following competencies. The candidates at the interview will be questioned on at least some of the indicators listed below under each competency.

Strategic Management and Change • Experience of implementing agreed strategies to meet objectives and the ability to expand and improve the range, quantity or quality of existing services. • Displays the ability to think and act strategically. • Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships. • Effectively manage the introduction of change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

Delivering Results/Communicating Effectively • Contributes to the development of operational plans and lead the development of team plans. • Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively. • Establish high quality service and customer care standards. • Make timely, informed and effective decisions and show good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations. • Have effective verbal and written communication skills

Leading, Motivating and Managing Performance • Lead, motivate and engage employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans. • Effectively manage performance.

Personal Effectiveness • Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed goals. • Manage time and workload effectively and operate in an environment with significant complexity and pace. • Maintain a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role. Knowledge, Skills and Experience • Knowledge of Local Government & the County Council. • Knowledge and awareness of key topical and priority issues. • Understanding of political reality / context of issues. • Understanding of the role of Administrative Officer. • Understanding relevant compliance standards, policies, procedures and legislation.