Business Advisor

The Position:

Waterford City and County Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Business Advisor on a 12 Month Specific Purpose Contract.

Introduction to Role:

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. The LEOs are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and through which financial and other supports can be provided to the business community. The dissolution of the previous City and County Enterprise Boards and the transfer of their functions to Enterprise Ireland led to the formation of the 31 LEOs in 2014. The Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities and are a significant element in the enhanced role which local authorities now have in the whole area of economic development.

The Waterford Local Enterprise Office was established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the two previous Enterprise Boards – County and City - and forms part of the Economic Development Directorate of Waterford City and County Council. It has two customer service points – one at 35 The Mall in Waterford City where the LEO HQ is currently based and one in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan. The main functions of the office are the provision of:

• Business Information and Advisory Services
• Enterprise Support Services
• Entrepreneurship Support Service
• Local Enterprise Development Services

Waterford City & County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Waterford City & County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. This panel will exist for one year and may be extended for a further period of one year at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Head of Enterprise in the Local Enterprise Office, or such designated person as may be assigned from time to time, the Business Advisor will be responsible for the financial management of the LEO including the grant application process. He/she will work as a member of a small dynamic team providing support and assistance to small and micro businesses. He/she will also assess grant applications and provide advice and guidance to loan applicants and those who receive grant support. He/she will provide the key administrative support to the LEO’s Evaluations and Approvals Committee

The Business Advisor will report on targets and metrics as set out in the LEO Waterford Development Plan and update the Enterprise Ireland systems established to keep track of progress on these key metrics.

While the role will involve significant client engagement at the individual and/or business level, it will also entail broader engagement with the wider business community and other business support agencies. The premier responsibilities of Business Advisor in the functioning of the LEO are in the provision of professional support in terms of Business Services and Marketing related activity.

More specifically, the role and responsibilities of the Business Advisor encompass the following key areas:

·       Management and delivery of Customer Services, including outreach to and engagement with micro, small and medium enterprises within the Business Advisors assigned portfolio.

·       Reviewing and undertaking due diligence of business / project proposals for financial assistance, for financial and in-kind supports within the Businesses Advisors assigned portfolio, and of making decisions or recommendations on same.

·       Provision of support in any Business Service, Consulting or Research Assignments

·       Management of the LEOs relevant external contracts and ensuring best practice in the procurement of the LEOs goods and services under the Business Advisors assigned portfolio.

·       Support the financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting for the LEO. This includes providing data and information for the financial and other reporting to the Council bodies, to Enterprise Ireland, to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to various other government departments and to any other bodies as required from time to time.

·       Provision of professional support to the LEO Management Team

·       Management of the LEOs front-office services

·       Supporting the work of the Senior Enterprise Development Officers

·       Development and maintenance of the LEO Web Site and social media platforms

·       Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the LEO services may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the LEO and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team.

Qualifications

Post of Business Advisor

The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has declared that the qualifications for the position of Business Advisor shall be as set out hereunder.

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character

2.     Health

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

3.     Education, Experience, Etc.;

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

(a)             Hold a professional qualification in business and/or financial management (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent professional qualification.

REQUIREMENTS:

The person appointed will be able to clearly demonstrate the key competencies as set out in this Booklet. In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following:

·         excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community

·         excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management

·         significant experience in event management and/or delivery of projects

·         Be experienced in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective

·         experience in the management and utilisation of new communications technologies

·         Have a strong capability to multitask and work to deadlines

·         self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small-team environment

·         an understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses and the role of the Local Enterprise Office, including knowledge of its supports, services and processes

·         the ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance by supporting the current Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).

Desirable criteria;

It is desirable that the candidate will possess a strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates an understanding of the phases of business development including a demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret business proposals from various perspectives, e.g. finance, marketing, process/operations, etc.

Salary scale: €56,754 - €69,337 (LSI2) per annum (EL 03/25). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Remuneration is paid fortnightly directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. 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.

Hours of Work:

The normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. All hours worked are subject to and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, and the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001. Waterford City & County Council requires employees to record their hours using the CORE/TDS Clocking system.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement for the grade is 30 days per annum. The Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council retains autonomy with regard to office closures, (e.g. Christmas Office Closure); any days arising from such closure will be reserved from the employee’s annual leave entitlement. Proposed office closure days will be reviewed and advised to all employees each year.

Location of assignment/appointment:

Waterford City & County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

Superannuation:

The relevant Superannuation Scheme will apply. The provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 may apply.

Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority, 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (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 officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. The provisions of the Spouses and Children’s/Widows and Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply.

New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority.

Retirement Age

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act2004.

Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness to carry out the duties to which they have been assigned.

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Residence:

The successful candidate shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Drivers Licence:

Business Advisor employed by Waterford City & 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 employee to arrange the appropriate car insurance for business use and to indemnify Waterford City & County Council with the indemnity specified on the insurance certificate under the heading “Persons or classes of person who are covered”. Documentation to confirm the appropriate insurance cover will be required to be supplied to the Council on an annual basis.

Code of Conduct/Organisational Policies:

Employees are to be required to adhere to all current and future Waterford City & County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment. A full list of relevant policies is contained on the council Intranet.

Training:

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Commencement:

Waterford City & County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month (subject to notice requirements) and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such other longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, Waterford City & County Council shall not appoint them.

Reporting Arrangements:

Business Advisor reports directly to their relevant supervisor or to any other employee of Waterford City & County Council as the Chief Executive, Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose. A system of regular appraisal (PMDS) will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Health & Safety:

Waterford City & County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, in so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees. All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk.

Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.