Assistant Principal Officer

Salary Scale

€85,204 – €103,773

(Salary will be paid in accordance with such rates as may be authorised by the Minister for Education. Please note that new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale).

Conditions

Offers of employment are subject to vetting, reference checks and pre-employment health assessment.

Overview of Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) is the largest education and training provider in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow and offers a broad range of education and training services to approximately 14,000 students and learners on an annual basis.

We manage 13 post-primary schools across the two counties and are the leading provider of Further Education and Training (FET). Through our FET Service, we offer a wide range of full-time and part-time courses, such as apprenticeships, basic education, community education and Youthreach (for early school leavers), as well as student supports and services for employers.

We also manage music education through the Music Generation programme and coordinate the delivery of youth services. We have a history of responding flexibly to community and employer needs and aspirations.

Purpose of the Post

The Assistant Principal Officer for Capital Building Projects (FET Focused), Climate Action, Sustainability & Estates Transformation is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the ETB’s climate action, decarbonisation, estate transformation and sustainability agenda across schools, centres and Further Education & Training (FET) provision.

This role is a central enabler of ETB obligations under the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate, the SOLAS FET Transformation Agenda, and the national Green Skills 2030 Strategy, which positions FET at the heart of Ireland’s green transition.

Key Responsibilities

The main areas of responsibility are:

a) Climate Action & Sustainability Leadership

• Develop and lead the ETB’s Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Strategy, ensuring measurable progress across emissions, energy, waste, biodiversity and sustainable travel.

• Lead and implement actions that support the national goal to halve emissions by 2030, as outlined in Green Skills 2030 and subsequent targets in the future.

• Drive culture change by embedding environmental awareness and sustainable practices among staff and learners.

• Lead and coordinate annual SEAI reporting and compliance with national climate directives.

b) Capital, Estates & Infrastructure Management (FET Focused)

• Lead and oversee the climate-aligned management, maintenance and strategic development of the ETB’s built estate.

• Ensure all facilities meet standards for energy performance, accessibility, universal design and learner-centred environments.

• Lead the sustainability dimension of capital projects, including new builds, refurbishments, NZEB compliance and green procurement.

c) Lead the FET Transformation Agenda of Integrated Campuses

• Provide leadership to ensure the ETB estate supports FET College capital developments, including consolidation, digital infrastructure and universal design.

• Lead the delivery of specialist FET training by ensuring appropriate physical infrastructure (engineering, construction, ICT, hospitality and science).

• Work with other senior leaders to ensure buildings facilitate flexible delivery, employer-engaged provision and blended learning.

• Provide technical guidance for site acquisition, planning and capital appraisal aligned with the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF).

• Design, develop and implement a consolidation plan for new or leased premises for FET provision in Carlow Town.

d) Enabling Delivery of Green Skills Across FET Programmes

• Lead and support the integration of green and transversal skills across all FET programmes.

• Drive infrastructure upgrades to support emerging areas including retrofit training, renewable energy labs, sustainable construction workshops and circular economy skills.

• Work with FET curriculum teams to ensure facilities support new programme development and industry-aligned learning environments.

e) Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Lead estates data management, including energy usage, carbon emissions, BER ratings and climate-related KPIs.

• Coordinate reporting to SOLAS, DFHERIS, SEAI and local authorities.

• Ensure compliance with climate disclosure frameworks, ESG reporting expectations and public sector sustainability regulations.

f) Procurement, Capital Projects & Governance

• Advise on and implement green procurement in line with national and EU guidelines.

• Manage external consultants, contractors, design teams and specialists in energy, engineering and conservation.

• Work in partnership with the Head of Procurement to align sustainability and procurement requirements across projects.

• Ensure all capital projects incorporate lifecycle costing, sustainability criteria, low-carbon materials and climate-resilient design.

g) Partnership, Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Work in partnership with SOLAS, ETBI, HEI partners, local authorities, industry and community stakeholders to advance sustainability and green skills actions.

• Support and co-lead employer engagement and ecosystem partnerships that enhance regional green workforce development.

• Promote awareness of green career pathways and FET opportunities, as recommended in Green Skills 2030 and subsequent strategies as they arise.

Essential Criteria

The following are essential requirements for appointment to this post:

• Proven experience in sustainability, climate action, estates/energy management, engineering, environmental science or a related field.

• Qualification in a related discipline at Level 7 or above.

• Strong understanding of NZEB standards, BER systems, decarbonisation plans and climate policy.

• Capital project and procurement knowledge (CWMF, Public Works Contracts).

• Strategic leadership and high-level project management skills.

• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data for evidence-based decision making.

• Excellent communication, influencing and partnership-building skills.

Desirable CriteriaDesirable Requirements

• Experience in FET, higher education or public sector operational environments.

• Knowledge of Green Skills 2030, FET College of the Future and the FET Transformation Agenda.

• Experience with ESG reporting and sustainability certifications.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Be a leader, committed to the highest standards of management, administration and governance.

• Have strong management and organisational skills.

• Be flexible with the ability to work across several functional areas.

• Have proven experience and ability to work to tight deadlines with a drive for results.

• Possess excellent problem-solving skills.

• Be motivated with a high level of initiative and be a team player with strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Competencies Required

The person appointed to the above post will be required to show evidence of the following competencies:

Leadership

• Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of the ETB as a member of the senior management team.

• 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 team as a whole, ensuring effective delivery of tasks.

• Considers the effectiveness of outcomes across the entire ETB.

• 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 introduce new and innovative ways to improve service across the ETB.

Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making

• Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue.

• Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data).

• Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages with awareness of possible consequences.

• Makes clear, timely and well-grounded decisions on important issues.

• Considers the wider implications of decisions on internal and external stakeholders.

• Takes a firm position on issues he/she considers important and works effectively with senior management.

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 resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances for self and relevant staff teams.

• Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to and underpins the work of the ETB.

• 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 consistently.

• Effectively manages multiple projects and personnel.

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 and is solution-focused.

• Promotes teamwork within the section, but also works effectively on projects across the ETB.

• Maintains poise and control when working to influence others.

• Instils a strong focus on high standards of customer service in his/her area.

• Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing.

• Engages effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including ETB staff, members of the public and colleagues in other public sector organisations.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the role's objectives and targets for self and the team and how they fit into the work of the ETB.

• Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of relevant national policy issues and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities.

• Is focused on self-development, keeps up to date with developments in the relevant field, seeks feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role currently and into the future.

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.

• Promotes the highest standards of customer care and respect.

• Through leading by example, fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity.