Administrator

SUMMARY OF ROLE

To assist the Senior Strategic Planning Officer in the development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Corporate Plans. The role holder will support continuous improvement and transformation projects/initiatives as required and ensure a high-quality service delivery across areas of responsibility.

This role operates at a high pace in an environment which values attention to detail and productive, high-quality, smart ways of working. The role holder will interface with a wide range of internal and external senior professionals. Professionalism, discretion, and the exercise of considered thinking and sound judgement are prerequisites for the role.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Assist in the development and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Corporate Plans. • Preparation of reports in relation to the organisation’s performance against strategic objectives. • Assist in the implementation of continuous improvement and transformation projects/initiatives. • Liaising and establishing relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Government Departments. • Preparation of strategic presentations, briefing materials, reports, and memos for a senior audience. • Resource and workload management for own area of responsibility – budget, staff. • Effective planning and management of strategic and operational information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the development of the organisation’s Corporate Plans from initial design through to final approval, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with governance requirements.

• Assist in the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the organisation’s performance against strategic priorities, ensuring timely, accurate insights to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and transformation projects, including research and development of presentations (oral and written/presentation format) for the CEO and Senior Management Team.

• Organise and prioritise own work and the work of the section in conjunction with the Senior Strategic Planning Officer, undertaking administrative tasks to ensure effective and efficient management of information and maintenance of records.

• Initiate and develop effective administrative procedures in conjunction with the Senior Strategic Planning Officer.

• Deputise for the Senior Strategic Planning Officer as required.

• Comply with and actively promote Waterways Ireland policies and procedures on all aspects of equality.

• Complete all training as required by Waterways Ireland within specified timeframes.

The above list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of the role. The organisation operates within a changing environment, and you will be required to be flexible and adapt to these changes and to develop your role accordingly.

The reporting line and key duties and responsibilities of this role may be subject to change following the outcome of a review of the organisation’s structure and staffing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their application and at interview how they meet the criteria outlined below.

Eligibility Criteria

1.1 A minimum of 2 A Levels (grades A–C) or equivalent and a minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A–C), including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

And

1.2 A minimum of 2 years’ relevant administrative experience, of which 1 year must include staff management responsibilities and supporting continuous improvement projects/initiatives.

Or

1.3 At least 5 years’ relevant experience in administrative duties, of which 2 years include staff management responsibilities and supporting continuous improvement projects/initiatives.

And

1.4 Successful candidates will be required to travel to the Body’s regional offices. It is therefore essential that applicants either have a full current driving licence and/or access to a form of transport which will permit the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Applications will also be considered from candidates with relevant formal qualifications considered to be of an equivalent or higher standard to those previously stated.

Essential Criteria

• The ability to work independently using own initiative and in conjunction with other colleagues, managing own time and that of others to achieve quality results within required timescales.

• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information, develop, analyse, and report on strategic plans with accuracy and attention to detail.

• A proactive approach to work with the ability to propose improvements in work practices and activities, contributing to efficient use of resources.

• Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills, establishing excellent working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

• The ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced work environment by adapting to changing priorities and work processes.

• Demonstrable experience in the use of Microsoft Office, with the ability and desire to learn new systems.

Desirable Criteria

• A relevant business-related qualification.

• Experience in supporting the development of strategic plans/projects and/or assisting in the development of corporate business plans.

Short-listing Process

Reserve Panel

This competition will create a merit-based panel which will last 12 months. Any vacancies for this role that arise over the next 12 months will be offered to successful applicants in order of merit.