Administrative Officer

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sligo County Council is the Authority responsible for Local Government in County Sligo. The corporate headquarters are located at County Hall, Riverside, Sligo, and there are three Municipal Districts [Borough District of Sligo (Sligo/Strandhill), Municipal District of Sligo (Sligo/Drumcliffe) and Municipal District of Ballymote-Tubbercurry]. Sligo County Council has 18 elected members and approximately 460 staff. The Chief Executive of Sligo County Council is Mr. Martin Lydon and the Cathaoirleach is Cllr. Dónal Gilroy. Sligo County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include Planning, Local Enterprise Office, Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Motor Taxation, Water, Environment, Emergency Services along with Housing, Libraries and the Arts. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT, Corporate, Finance and Human Resource functions.

THE COMPETITION

Sligo County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Administrative Officer (Grade VII). Sligo County Council will, following the interview process, form three panels for the post from which future relevant vacancies may be filled, subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The panels will exist for one year and may be extended for a further period of one year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for inclusion on the following panels:

Panel A (Confined to Local Authority Sector)

Panel B (Open Competition)

Panel C (Confined to Sligo County Council)

Panel A (Confined to the Local Authority Sector) will comprise of successful applicants, in order of merit, from within the Local Authority Sector only i.e. candidates serving in a Local Authority or Regional Assembly (where applicable). Panel B (Open Competition) will comprise of all successful applicants in order of merit and may include candidates serving in a Local Authority, Regional Assembly and external candidates. Panel C (Confined to Sligo County Council) will comprise of successful applicants, in order of merit, from within Sligo County Council only.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Administrative Officer is a middle management position within Sligo County Council 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 Administrative Officer contributes to and implements the strategic and policy decisions of the Council, through ensuring the implementation of operational plans. 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.

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

30 annual leave days per annum (pro-rata)

Availability of flexi-time (accruing one day in a four-week period)

Availability of Blended Working (up to two days per week subject to departmental requirements)

A range of Family Friendly Policies

Availability of Cycle to Work Scheme

Paid maternity & paternity leave

Pension Scheme

Access to services provided under Sligo County Council’s Employee Assistance Programme

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

CHARACTER

Each candidate shall be of good character.

HEALTH

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

CITIZENSHIP

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, ETC.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(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 or 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.

Confined Competition

(v)(a) be a serving employee in a local authority or a regional assembly and have at least two years satisfactory experience in a post of Clerical Officer or 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.

CAR & DRIVING LICENCE

It may be necessary for the person employed to travel in the course of their official duties. On the latest date for receipt of application forms, applicants must hold a full unendorsed driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, shall maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council.

DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government.

• Knowledge of current local government issues, priorities and concerns and the strategic direction of local government.

• Understanding of the role of an Administrative Officer.

• Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level.

• Experience of managing and supervising staff, including managing performance.

• Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.

• Effective budget and financial and resource management skills.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• The ability to work within, and lead, a multi-disciplinary team.

• Experience in delivering quality customer service to a wide and varied customer base.

• Ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff to achieve the required performance targets.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage work in a dynamic environment.

• Commitment to achieving quality results.

• Ability to manage change effectively.

• Flexibility and openness to working in a dynamic environment.

• Strong commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

DUTIES

The duties of the post are to give the local authority, and

(a) such other local authorities or bodies, for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the City and County Management Acts, is Chief Executive, and

(b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph,

under the direction and supervision of the appropriate officer, such services of an executive, supervisory, or advisory nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions, and duties, including the following:

To be responsible for the management of staff in one or more sections in the service delivery areas of the Council.

To implement operational plans to achieve corporate objectives.

To contribute to the development and implementation of strategies, policies and plans for their areas of responsibility.

To support the line manager and senior management team in the efficient and effective delivery of services and implementation of policy.

To lead and motivate staff, ensuring performance management and staff development processes are implemented.

To participate in the formulation and implementation of service delivery plans, corporate plans, budgets and other operational strategies.

To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, circulars, and Council policies and procedures.

To oversee and monitor the preparation and maintenance of appropriate records, reports and returns.

To ensure effective financial management and value for money in the operation of the section or department.

To contribute to the development and implementation of best practice procedures and systems within the local authority.

To represent the Council as required, including attending meetings and working groups.

To undertake any other duties of a similar level that may be assigned from time to time.

PROBATION

Where a person is permanently appointed to a Sligo County Council position, the following provisions apply:

There will be a probationary period of one year (at least) before appointment is confirmed.

If at any time during the probationary period the appointee’s service is deemed to be unsatisfactory, the employment may be terminated.

The appointee will be subject to satisfactory performance and service during this period.

SALARY

The salary scale for the position is €59,384 - €77,017 (Circular EL 05/2024).

The starting point on the scale will be determined in accordance with Departmental Circulars and based on relevant service.

SUPERANNUATION

The appointee will be a member of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (2019). Membership includes the obligation to contribute to the scheme and retirement benefits will accrue in accordance with the scheme’s terms.

HOURS OF ATTENDANCE

The standard working week is 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The Council operates a flexible working hours system which may apply to this post, subject to the needs of the service.

LOCATION

The post will be based in County Hall, Riverside, Sligo, but the successful candidate may be assigned to any location within the administrative area of Sligo County Council.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The recruitment and selection process may include the following:

Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of information contained in their application forms.

Competitive interview.

Reference checks

Medical examination.

Garda vetting, where applicable.

Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in the application form and the extent to which candidates meet the criteria outlined in this job description.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Completed application forms must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 7th November 2025.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.