Assistant Staff Officer

Salary: The gross salary applicable to the post is currently €39,099 - €55,460 per annum as at 01/02/2026.

If the appointee is external to the sector, appointment will be at point one of the scale, unless the arrangements set out in Circular Letter 08/2019 apply.

Hours of Work: The appointee will be required to work 35 hours per week together with such additional hours as may be required from time to time for the proper discharge of their duties.

Annual Leave: 23 days annual leave per annum. The ‘annual leave year’ operates from September to August. Annual leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time. For part-time contracts or contract durations of less than 12 months, the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis.

#SETU: A standby panel will be formed from which vacancies for this role may be filled across all SETU Waterford campuses.

Overview of Role & Context: South East Technological University (SETU) proposes to establish a panel for the position of Grade IV Assistant Staff Officer to meet current and future administrative staffing requirements that may arise within the University’s Waterford campuses.

The Assistant Staff Officer will work as part of an administrative team and will provide support to managers and departmental staff in the effective delivery of services and in achieving the objectives of the relevant department or functional area. The role will involve a range of administrative duties, including the implementation and administration of established procedures and work practices.

The successful candidates will be required to demonstrate flexibility in undertaking a variety of duties and to contribute to the efficient and effective operation of the department while maintaining high standards of service and best administrative practice.

This panel is being established for Grade IV vacancies on the Waterford Campus of SETU only and will remain in place for a period of two years from the date of its establishment, unless exhausted prior to its expiration date. The panel will be used to fill temporary vacancies that may arise during this period. Such vacancies may arise at short notice and may vary in nature and duration. Appointments may be made on a specified purpose or fixed-term basis, and may be whole-time or part-time, depending on operational requirements. Positions filled from this panel will be temporary in nature and may be for defined periods (for example up to 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months etc.). The panel will not be used to fill permanent positions.

Key Responsibilities / Duties: The duties below give an indication of the type of duties to be undertaken. On appointment to a specific role in a department/function, a detailed job description will be provided to the staff member taking up the post.

• The appointee may be assigned to any of a very wide range of areas or activities carried out in the University, in any of its Waterford campuses.
• The positions could include the supervision of small groups of staff, usually of one level, on routine clearly defined tasks where the jobholder’s duties include the organisation of work and staff to achieve specific, usually cyclical targets.
• The positions could involve work on specific areas of service provided by or within the University, involving the application of interpreted policy under general supervision only, to specific cases and the making of recommendations on a particular course of action. The positions would usually involve taking decisions, within clearly defined policy, on level/eligibility/entitlement with regard to such issues as course entry, services, fees, grants, etc., and communicating with students, staff, and members of the public on non-routine matters.
• The appointee could also be assigned as a secretary, involving the provision of a range of supportive services, including typing and administrative duties, to a senior officer/committee/staff member, and involving access to and processing significant confidential information. The position could involve regular contacts with students, staff, the public, organizations, and individuals at all levels where discretion, tact, courtesy, and judgement would have to be constantly exercised.
• All positions demand a good knowledge and skill in the use of Information and Communication Technologies, and appointees will be expected to use new techniques and technologies as they arise. The University will provide the necessary training as appropriate.
• Following appointment, the appointee may be assigned to a particular location and post across different Waterford campus locations.

Other Information: The post holder will require excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an excellent record of self-motivation, time-keeping, and flexibility, a high level of computer literacy, a proven track record of organisational abilities, and the ability to work on his/her own initiative.

Current sectoral arrangements governing appointments to administrative grades mandate that the commencing salary shall be the minimum of the salary scale for a staff member joining from outside the Education & Training Sector Pool. The Education & Training Candidate Sector Pool includes eligible Clerical Administration & Library staff within Technological Universities, Institutes of Technology, and Education & Training Boards at specific grades.

Academic Qualifications:

• Leaving Certificate – having obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher, Ordinary, or Vocational Programmes) or equivalent. or
• Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework, which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher. or
• Have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

Experience:

• At least 3 years relevant administration experience.

Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent written, numerical, and analytical skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills
• Be capable of handling high volumes of work and prioritising tasks
• Ability to multi-task, accurately receive and record information, and professionally, succinctly, and clearly communicate with internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
• Positive team player that works effectively with and supports others
• Administrative experience gained in a complex environment

I.T. Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Specific Personal Qualities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks
• Ability to deal with students and staff in a sensitive manner