Clerical Officer

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.

At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 – 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others.

SOLAS is seeking to recruit a panel of Permanent Clerical Officers for various Business Units across SOLAS. Successful applicants will be placed on a panel for a period of up to 12 months to fill future permanent vacancies should they arise. 

 The Clerical Officer will provide administrative support to the Business Units. The successful candidate will provide a range of office administration duties, clerical support and customer service duties to the business units. Candidates should have a flexible and innovative approach to work as well as excellent administration and communication skills. They must be team players and be willing to engage in continuous training. 

This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €30,797 to €47,950 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.

Role Summary To provide an efficient and effective clerical administrative, organisation and customer support service.

Key Tasks/ Responsibilities 1. Provide a high level of clerical services using Microsoft Office products and in-house computerised systems. 2. Preparation and issue of correspondence for internal and external use. 3. Face-to-face, telephone and written communication with customers both internally and externally. 4. Roster duties on dedicated call-centre lines where necessary. 5. Acting as a point of contact for general queries regarding the unit’s work. 6. Maintain all necessary records including electronic back-ups which are related to the unit. 7. Checking, processing, editing, filing and retrieving of information both electronically and manually. 8. Validation, reconciliation and payment of invoices and accounts in line with relevant procurement procedures. 9. Scheduling and organising meetings and events/ management of diaries. 10. Liaise with other units within SOLAS in pursuit of information to ensure the smooth running of the unit. 11. Ensure a high level of customer service. 12. Compilation of stock takes, ordering of equipment/ office supplies. 13. Undertaking of projects and collation of data. 14. Assist in the maintenance and improvement of Quality Systems. 15. Any other duties/ project work which may be specified from time to time.

Requirements Essential: • NQF/QQI Level 4 standard of education is the minimum standard required. • Appropriate ICT skills, e.g. proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and e-mail. • Well motivated to make a positive contribution to the provision of SOLAS services. • Have demonstrated ability, initiative and flexibility in previous positions. • Ability to organise, plan, schedule and follow-up. • Ability to multi-task within a busy work environment. • Good communication skills, and able to respond to queries in a confident manner, both written and verbal. • Good numerical abilities. • Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable: • At least 1 year relevant experience with a proven record of administrative and organisational skills. • Experience in deadline driven environment. • Previous call-centre experience. • Knowledge of SOLAS and its services. • Basic web maintenance experience. • Basic report writing skills. • Evidence ofself-development.