Broadband Development Officer

The Position

The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract posts for the position of Broadband Development Officer will be drawn.

Broadband Development Officer (IS Project Leader) is a position within the Information Systems and is responsible for the management of complex multi-disciplinary ICT projects.

Broadband Development Officers (BDOs) are local authority employees, supported by central government, tasked with ensuring the digital development of their Local Authority areas.

BDOs act as a single point of contact for Local Authority colleagues, the general public, elected representatives, government departments and agencies, and commercial operators for matters related to telecoms services, telecoms infrastructure and the use of digital technologies for the public benefit.

BDOs support local, regional and national policies and initiatives intended to close the digital divide by improving connectivity and promoting the use of digital technologies to support balanced regional social and economic development.

BDO will promote digital transformation, and drive engagement with Smart Community programmes. All activities will be aligned with Ireland’s national and EU digital strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities

The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such duties as designated from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position shall include but are not limited to:

HIGH-LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

The remit of the Broadband Development Officer is to project manage internal and external interactions in respect of the NBP, as well as with any telecommunications company that is seeking to roll out infrastructure in the county.

The appointed officer will be the dedicated local point of contact in Westmeath County Council with responsibility for promoting telecommunications infrastructure development and will act as the liaison with operators on coverage and roll out issues.

This post will help develop the local digital strategy to ensure that full use is made of the new infrastructure once in place.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support implementation of the EU Connectivity Toolbox in Ireland, for example by:

− Encouraging the efficient and appropriate use of assets and infrastructure to support telecommunications service improvements.

− Advising colleagues, as appropriate, regarding telecoms deployments and use.

• Support delivery of the National Broadband Plan in their Local Authority area.

• To be familiar with the Report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce and the 40 recommendations within and to keep up to date with the latest developments (policy and otherwise) in that area. Areas include;

− Relevant documentation relating to guidance on the potential location of overground telecommunications infrastructure on public roads (Green Book)

− Relevant guidelines for managing openings in public roads (Purple Book)

− The Report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce (2016) and subsequent quarterly reports

− Ireland’s Broadband Intervention Strategy (Aims and Goals)

− To develop a communications strategy for the county that will identify the key stakeholders and that will outline structures for engagement.

• To develop an understanding of the various platforms through which telecommunication services can be delivered and to be aware of the potential barriers within Westmeath County Council which have the potential to impact on rollout of these services.

• To be the single point of contact for engagement with the Department and telecommunications operators in the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure, including the NBP, in Westmeath.

• Community engagement – develop a community engagement plan - explain and manage the impacts of the network build on the local community in terms of road works, traffic delays,

• Infrastructure impacts e.g. potentially additional masts, additional cabling on poles, street furniture, etc.

• To attend all relevant Broadband related meetings as required by the Council and to actively co-ordinate, support and deliver on the requirements of the various Council substructures set up to assist in the delivery of the NBP.

• Provide administration and support to relevant workgroups.

• Coordinate meetings of program management, infrastructure and digital strategy work groups.

• Prepare relevant communication updates and communicate same to relevant parties.

• Act as a point of contact to guide public queries in relation to the NBP.

• Be an advocate of the benefits of high-speed broadband to local communities in terms of rural rejuvenation, economic stimulation etc.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

• To be the single point of contact for engagement with telecommunications operators who are building out the Broadband Structure; to determine the infrastructural requirements of the broadband management as required by the contractors and to deliver on relevant areas as required.

• To achieve commitment and consistency at all levels within the organisation for the development and implementation of telecommunication infrastructure roll out. In particular in the areas of Planning, ICT, Roads, Water and other infrastructural issues.

• To understand the challenges, and submit responses to the Sub Groups provided by the Department as required.

• To be prepared to devise solutions to challenges which are met in the process of rolling out the infrastructure.

• To engage with Broadband Development Officers from other Councils appointed for the delivery of the National Broadband Plan and to utilise this engagement to keep abreast of the arrangement in other Councils.

• Liaise with the roads department regarding traffic management plans in respect of road closures.

• Engage with main contractors or sub-contractors to ensure the smooth network rollout.

• Liaise with the relevant departments regarding planning issues / applications.

• Identify through local sources mobile blackspots within the area and assist with efforts to mitigate these.

DIGITAL STRATEGY

• Contribute to and assist in the delivery of a Digital Strategy in cooperation with key stakeholders from the Council, Government Agencies, the Community Sector, Third Level, Business and Non-Governmental organisations. This will include;

− Setting out the key challenges facing each of the individual sectors in maximising the use of broadband / becoming more digitally connected,

− Identifying opportunities in relation to overcoming the challenges identified,

− Addressing strengths in the digital area and developing a vision and objectives around how to maximise this including the development of digital related employment opportunities,

− Developing promotional and marketing activities which will create awareness of the digital opportunities and stimulate demand for broadband services,

− Developing a training programme for key sectors of the community (business and otherwise) in the context of promoting take-up of broadband services,

− Assisting in optimising the digital experience for customers through advocating for increased online services and communications as they emerge,

• Drive the development and establishment of Smart Places, this includes:

− Supporting the development and sustainability of National Hub Network Hubs, BCPs and other publicly accessible digital facilities in their Local Authority area.

− Identifying and supporting initiatives that drive use of digital technologies.

− Engage with and support the objectives of relevant Smart initiatives.

• Manage the delivery of relevant Department of Rural and Community Development (RCD) initiatives, such as:

− Digital Innovation Programme projects

− Demand stimulation and marketing measures

− Other relevant schemes as they arise

• Developing Local Digital Strategies and / or Smart Places Strategies.

• Being active members of the Telecoms Action Group (TAG), including attendance at meetings and participation in research and project groups, as appropriate

PROCUREMENT

• Leading the procurement process for ICT hardware, software, and services, including drafting specifications, evaluating bids, and negotiating contracts.

• Ensuring compliance with procurement policies and regulations and maintaining accurate records of procurement activities.

• Managing vendor relationships to ensure the delivery of high-quality products and services.

• Draft technical specifications and evaluation criteria that are supplier-neutral and standards-compliant.

• Manage tender process.

• Perform robust due diligence (financial checks, reference site visits, security questionnaires) on shortlisted vendors.

• Negotiate SLAs, KPIs, and penalty / bonus clauses to guarantee performance and value for money.

• Maintain a contracts register with renewal dates, licence counts, and support tiers to avoid ‘auto-renew creep’.

• Ensure procurement files are audit-ready, meeting OGP guidelines and EU Remedies Directive requirements.

• Foster collaborative supplier relationships via quarterly business reviews and innovation workshops

Qualifications for the Post

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa

Or

A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Candidates must have on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms:

(i) A) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award (i.e. honours degree) in a relevant computing discipline and at least 4 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date*

OR

B) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award (i.e. honours degree), or higher, with computing taken in the final year and at least 5 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date*

OR

C) A qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award qualification in a relevant computing discipline and at least 5 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date*

OR

D) A Level 6 NFQ major award qualification in a relevant computing discipline and at least 6 years direct relevant, recent ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date*

And

(ii) have satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

• Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Driving Licence

Broadband Development Officer employed by Westmeath County Council will be required to use their car on official business. In such situations the employee must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport.

It is the responsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and to indemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence 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.

Particulars of Office (including retirement)

The Post

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 may be used to fill permanent and fixed term positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. Vacancies may arise on a county-wide basis. Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any work location having regard to funding and/or operational circumstances.

Salary

The current salary for the post of Broadband Development Officer is €60,611 - €78,795 per annum (including Long Service Increments), which is analogous to Administrative Officer scale as per Circular EL 02/2026. Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance.

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, the Council reserves the right to deduct monies from your “wages” (for the purposes of the Payment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of the amount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section 5(5).

Superannuation and Retirement

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of 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 dependent or qualified children).

A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% 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 dependent or qualified children).

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration.

A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.