Assistant Arts Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Arts Office is responsible for implementation of the Offaly Arts Strategy 2024-2028. The arts office is charged with developing and delivering high quality, imaginative arts activity with and for the people of Offaly and its visitors. In doing so the county arts office advocates for and clearly communicates the significant role that arts play in enriching the wellbeing of society, of our citizens, and in enhancing the public realm.

The Arts Office delivers the priorities outlined in the Offaly Arts Strategy and manages the delivery of the art programme, co-funded by The Arts Council, to deliver a number of shared objectives within the strategic partnership outlined within a Framework Agreement.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Arts Officer Position shall have:

A good knowledge of current arts practice and the organisation of the arts in Ireland especially as it applies to the professional development of artists, arts organisations and festivals;

•        Have a good knowledge base of local, national and international policy relating to Art and Cultural development, as it applies to the Local Authority Arts Service;

•        Have the creative and organisational ability to drive the development and delivery of professional development programmes in an arts context;

•        Evidence of devising and managing art projects and programmes:

•        Evidence of excellent organisational, administrative and IT/multimedia skills;

•        Evidence of excellent communication, interpersonal and teambuilding skills;

•        Ability to sustain a complex workload

•        Experience of working with artists and arts companies and producing professional development learning programmes;

•        Experience in community co-ordination / engagement and in delivery of community programming within an arts context;

•        Experience in developing and managing public art projects;

•        Experience of documenting and evaluating arts programmes;

•        Proven track record in financial management;

•        Flexibility to attend after hour functions as required.

ROLE & DUTIES OF THE POST

Reporting to the County Arts Officer, under the relevant Director of Service or other such nominated officer, the key responsibilities of this Assistant Arts Officer shall, in the context of Offaly County Council’s Arts Strategy 2024 – 2028 include, but not be limited to:

•        Support Offaly County Council in the ongoing development and delivery of arts services provided by the local authority

•        Assist with and contribute to the implementation of all elements of the County Arts Strategy.

•        Take an operational lead on any existing or new arts engagement programmes as specified under Offaly County Council / Arts Council framework agreement

•        Manage the delivery of projects to a high artistic standard within budget and within prescribed timeframes as determined by the local authority

•        Assist to demonstrably increase the levels of public engagement in the arts throughout the county, to ensure a growth in diversity in the delivery of arts projects and programme across communities,

•        Assist to improve opportunities and support for artists and those working in the arts

•        Assist with annual funding applications and source additional funding as appropriate;

•        Have responsibility for the day-to-day management of agreed arts budget;

•        Have responsibility for the delivery of arts office programmes including public art and any other arts programmes initiated by the Arts Office,

•        Assist with the management of the Offaly County Council Annual Arts Grants, Bursaries and Awards Schemes;

•        In consultation with the County Arts Officer, manage, evaluate and assess the impact and delivery of programmes, including monitoring and evaluating projects to inform forward planning and decision making;

•        With the County Arts Officer, identify, negotiate, develop and maintain partnerships, within the local authority, with external agencies, networks and individuals ensuring clarity over respective aims, roles and responsibilities to grow resources for the sector;

•        Provide mentoring, information, advice and guidance both internally and externally around the field of arts development, as appropriate;

•        Prepare documentation and reports as appropriate;

•        Represent the Arts Service and Offaly County Council at internal and public meetings, events and functions as required;

•        Carry out all duties in compliance with appropriate procedures including the maintenance of records and information;

•        Work in a flexible manner in line with the organisation’s corporate objectives and role and be willing to perform such other appropriate duties in relation to the arts in the region as may from time to time be assigned by the Council;

•        Travel throughout the county as required by the role;

•        Take responsibility for tasks that will be assigned from time to time at the discretion of the Arts Officer or local authority

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

1.     Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department / organisation.

• Develops the expertise necessary to carry out the role to a high standard and shares this with others

• Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the Department and / or wider public

• Consistently reviews own performance and sets self-challenging goals and targets

2.     Delivering Results:

Organising Work Programmes and Implementing Solutions

• Demonstrates the ability to translate the business/team plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of operation

• Demonstrates the ability to help establish high quality service and customer care standards

• Demonstrates the ability to convert operational objectives into specific wok plans, program activities and schedules, taking into account the broader operation plan when setting priorities

Managing Resources

• Demonstrates the ability to allocate resources across jobs to ensure that priorities are met and that work is executed in the most efficient manner possible to deliver quality work and services

3.     Performance through People

Leading and Directing

• Demonstrates the ability to lead the team/service area in a manner that provides clarity of purpose and a focus on delivery

• Demonstrates the ability to show visible commitment to the purpose, mission and vision of the organisation

• Demonstrates the ability to provide a positive sense of purpose for the team in terms of its contribution to council objectives

Performance Management

• Demonstrates the ability to lead and develop the team and its members to achieve corporate objectives though the effective management of performance

4.     Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Communicating effectively

• Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner, verbally and in writing

• Is able to listen effectively and develop a two-way dialogue quickly

• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers

• Effectively influences others to take action

• Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working

• Works effectively

Knowledge & Understanding of the post / of local government

• Demonstrates knowledge & understanding role and of the structure and functions of local government

• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues and future trends

• Demonstrates understanding of the role of Assistant Arts Officer in this context

QUALIFICATIONS

Character

Candidates shall 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, Training, Experience, etc.

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

Hold an ordinary degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in an Arts or Cultural discipline.

Candidates shall also:

(a)   Have at least three years’ satisfactory relevant arts development and administration experience, including experience in the area of programme development and budget management

and

(b)  Have satisfactory knowledge of a public service organisation

and

(c)   hold a full clean, Class B driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1.     The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2.     Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.  Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.   Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.  Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale.  The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €48,089 - €57,572 LSI 2

3.     Duties:

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

a)     such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, 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 general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

4. Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

5. Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunertation will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

6. Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

7. Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

8. Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.

9. Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (ie. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

10. Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

11. Travel:

Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall 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.

Offaly 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.

12. Taking Up Appointment:

Offaly County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.

13. Recruitment & Selection Processes:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position.  While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same.  In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description.  An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.  This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience.  It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form.   On occasions a short listing interview may take place.

Competitive Interview:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority.  The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.  Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview.  Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

Right to Review:

Offaly County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy document is available from the Human Resources Department on the HR page of iPortal or on our website at www.offaly.ie/careers . This document includes details of the review procedure available to applicants for each stage of the recruitment process.