Communications Officer

THE COMPETITION

The Southern Regional Assembly is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the Temporary (Maternity Leave cover) post of Communications Officer. The Southern Regional Assembly will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Communications Officer from which an immediate temporary vacancy and potential future relevant temporary vacancies may be filled, subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This panel will exist for one year and may be extended for a further period of one year at the discretion of the Director. Suitably qualified persons are invited to apply for inclusion on this panel.

About the Role

The Communications Officer is a supervisory position within the Assembly and is assigned responsibility for the administration and management of a work area, section or team. The Projects Officer works as part of a team, as well as on their own initiative, assisting with the implementation of work programmes to achieve goals and standards set out in Departmental and Team Plans. The post holder has a supervisory role in the day-to-day operations of a work area or as a team leader. The Communications Officer is expected to carry out their duties in a manner that enhances public trust and confidence and ensures impartial decision making.

The key duties and responsibilities of the post of Communications Officer include:

• Coordinating communications activities relating to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme in the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme area

• Supporting compliance with ERDF communications, publicity and visibility requirements

• Developing and delivering communications campaigns to highlight ERDF project achievements, programme outputs and regional impact

• Liaising with project partners, Managing Authorities, Government Departments and other stakeholders to support programme communications and engagement

• Producing, editing and publishing content for websites, social media channels, newsletters, publications and other communications materials

• Identifying and promoting project case studies, success stories and communications opportunities arising from ERDF funded projects

• Maintaining digital communications channels including Assembly website content and social media platforms

• Maintaining communications content, imagery and evidence to support programme reporting, monitoring and evaluation

• Acting as a guardian of the Southern Regional Assembly's brand and visual identity, ensuring the consistent application of branding and communications standards across the organisation

• Supporting media engagement, press releases, events and publicity activities relating to ERDF funded projects and schemes

• Providing communications advice and support to Assembly staff in the development of publications, presentations and stakeholder communications

• Supporting Assembly events, publications and communications initiatives

• Undertaking work related travel, as required (both domestic and international)

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local and regional government

• Knowledge of current local and regional government issues

• Practical understanding of economic, social and regional development issues at national, regional and local level

• Understanding of the role of a Communications Officer

• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills

• An awareness of the communications, publicity and visibility requirements associated with EU Cohesion Funds is desirable

• Experience in website management, social media, media relations and corporate communications

• An ability to deal with people and stakeholders across a range of organisations

• Relevant administrative experience

• Relevant experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, content creation and public relations activities

• Experience of working as part of a team

• Experience of preparing and presenting reports, presentations and correspondence, etc.

• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems, ideally including design / graphic / desktop publishing applications

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of EU Policy, specifically Cohesion Policy

• Experience in EU-funded programmes or projects

• Awareness of the principles, management , control and reporting requirements of EU Structural Funds

• Knowledge & Experience in Project Management

Qualifications for the post

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, Training, Experience, etc.

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

(i) (a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics, and

(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics) or

(ii) have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, or

(iii) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

And

Possess a full clean Class B driving licence and have access to his/her own vehicle. 

4. Age

Each candidate must be under 65 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 65 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Competencies for the Post

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these.

Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Project Management

• Determines appropriate measures to achieve the project goals

• Prioritises and co-ordinates activities

• Controls processes and activities to ensure project progress

• Monitors and reviews their own work to ensure deadlines are achieved

• Ability to make a good and competent impression right from the first contact

• Ability to focus on the essentials

Delivering Results & Performance Management

• Translate the business or team plan into clear priorities and actions for their area of responsibility

• Plan work and allocation of staff and other resources effectively.

• Implement high quality service and customer care standards.

• Make decisions in a timely and well informed manner.

• Lead and develop the team to achieve corporate objectives.

• Effectively manage performance.

Communicating Effectively and Personal Effectiveness

• Have effective written and verbal skills.

• Take initiative and be open to taking on new challenges or responsibilities.

• Manage time and workload effectively.

• Maintain a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role.