Assistant Principal Officer (APO) in Human Resources (HR)

Role Description:

The Assistant Principal Officer (APO) in Human Resources (HR) will manage the Payroll Unit

and the Superannuation (pensions) Unit in Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB). They will work with the senior management team, leaders and stakeholders across GRETB. Reporting to the Director of Organisation Support and Development (OSD), the APO will have responsibility for leading and motivating teams of people, analysis of public policy, compliance, providing advice, and managing internal and external stakeholders.

Person Specification:

Essential

• A third level educational qualification, at least level 7, in a relevant discipline(s) commensurate with this role;
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in senior management in a large organisation;
• Leadership expertise with experience of delivering high quality results in an efficient and effective manner;
• Excellent judgement, problem-solving, analytical and decision making skills;
• Satisfactory knowledge of the duties and functions of an Education and Training Board;

Desirable

• Experience in HR in relation to payroll and pensions;
• Experience in working in a shared services environment using CORE;
• A high level of ICT literacy including a proven ability to apply technology in the workplace and manage information in a shared service environment.
• Inniúlacht le dualgais an phoist a chomhlíonadh go héifeachtach trí mheán na Gaeilge. Capacity to discharge the duties of the post through the medium of Irish.

Key areas of responsibility:

The Assistant Principal Officer will initially lead the administration of the Payroll and Superannuation Units and ensure an excellent service and compliant payments to over 2000 staff and pensioners.

The initial duties will include but are not confined to the following;

• Manage payroll related functions to ensure that GRETB’s shared services partner, Education Shared Business Services (ESBS), can process payrolls in a timely manner;
• Approve incremental credit arrears and requests for funds;
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the superannuation schemes while ensuring necessary compliance;
• Oversee the processing of retirements in a timely manner and ensuring a smooth transition for all retirees from working life into retirement;
• Oversee the preparation of relevant payments under the rules of the Schemes and authorise payment of same;
• Manage significant pensions and payroll projects while working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure returns and requests for information are completed accurately and timely;
• Co-ordinate responses to audit queries in your area;
• Represent GRETB at ESBS, ETBI, NSSO, SOLAS, Department and other external stakeholders meetings/forums;
• Provide best practice advice and guidance on Payroll and Superannuation issues;
• Support principals and managers to ensure employee relations matters related to these areas are managed appropriately and consistently;
• Support, mentor, train and performance manage staff in your area;
• Develop and monitor implementation of relevant policies;
• Monitor changes in legislation and circulars and develop a communication strategy to ensure employees are aware of emerging developments;

Any other duties as may be assigned by the CE or Director of OSD in line with the changing needs of the organisation.

Key Competencies:

Leadership

• Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of GRETB;
• Brings a focus and drive to building and sustaining high levels of performance, addressing any performance issues as they arise;
• Leads and maximises the contribution of the Human Resources team as a whole;
• Considers the effectiveness of outcomes in terms wider than own immediate area;
• Clearly defines objectives/goals and delegates effectively, encouraging ownership and responsibility for tasks;
• Develops capability of others through feedback, coaching and creating opportunities for skills development;
• Identifies and takes opportunities to exploit new and innovative service delivery channels;

Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making

• Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately and informing stakeholders on organisational issues;
• Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data);
• Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages;
• Uses judgement to make clear, timely and well-grounded decisions;
• Considers the wider implications, agendas and sensitivities within decisions and the impact on a range of stakeholders;
• Takes a firm position on issues of importance to GRETB;

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard;
• Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance, timescales and other resources constraints, re-prioritising in the light of changing circumstances;
• Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to the work of the HR department;
• Looks critically at issues to see how things can be done better;
• Is open to new ideas initiatives and creative solutions to problems;
• Ensures controls and performance measures are in place to deliver efficient and high value services;
• Effectively manages multiple projects;

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing;
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues;
• Promotes teamwork within HR, but also works effectively on projects across Departments/Sectors
• Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing;
• Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including staff, and Public Service Colleagues;

Specialist Knowledge and Expertise

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation;
• Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of education and Human Resources issues and is sensitive to wider sectoral and organisational priorities;
• Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/area;
• Is focused on self development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role;

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Is self motivated and shows a desire to continuously perform at a high level;
• Is personally honest and trustworthy and can be relied upon;
• Ensures the customer is at the heart of all services provided;
• Through leading by example, fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity;

Further information can be found on the GRETB website.