Community Education Facilitator

Background

Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP) supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) 

There is a significant Green Skills deficit in the combined cross-border Construction Sector. This is contributing to considerable underachievement of environmental targets and increased levels of public expenditure. There is an urgent need to accelerate the decarbonisation of residential and public buildings, which in NI, contribute to 16% of local CO2 emissions, the highest in the UK. In Ireland, this figure is 10% and growing. GRASP will address the Green Skills deficit required to enable achievement of Programme area net zero CO2 emission targets (2030 and 2050).  

GRASP will enable 8 Further Education and Training (FET) institutions in the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) area, to collaborate with Construction Sector partners to develop a suite of Green Skills qualifications designed to meet increasing demand. Green Skills are those required to construct /retrofit buildings to near zero energy standards. GRASP will be led by South West College (SWC) will partner with Southern Regional College (SRC), North West Regional College (NWRC) in Northern Ireland (NI), and, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB) ATUL; & FC in Ireland

The partners have identified 50 Green Skills Programmes of Study aligned with specific Construction Sector needs, as confirmed through targeted consultation with public and private developers. These span areas including: (i) domestic retrofit; (ii) NZEB tradesperson and site supervision; (iii) PassivHaus design; (iv) photovoltaic systems management; (v) environmental auditing and (vi) digital construction technology. In addition, GRASP will include two Green Skills Academies: (i) ‘Women into Construction’ and (ii) ‘Labour Activation’.  

GRASP will also encompass cross-cutting activities, (i) activities designed to promote Green apprenticeships and develop joint awards, (ii) development and delivery of a residential carbon literacy programme and (iii) a schools outreach programme designed to raise awareness of Green Skills employment opportunities.  

GRASP will result in a collaborative and consistent approach to Green Skills development and delivery across 9 counties in the Programme area: Armagh, Cavan, Derry-Londonderry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Leitrim, Tyrone and Sligo. This will result in the development of a Construction Sector workforce, which is adaptable and knowledgeable in sustainable practices. As such, GRASP will increase regulatory compliance and profitability, whilst creating a more environmentally sustainable Programme area.

The GRASP Community Education Facilitator (CEF) will be responsible for managing participant recruitment across defined areas and will collaborate with partners as a member of a cross-border team to manage the delivery of a range of programmes within the construction sector.

Selection Criteria - Qualifications and Experience:

Essential Criteria:

Applicants must have,

·       A relevant third level qualification.

·       Experience of co-ordinating / managing a significant programme/project.

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with and support project stakeholders sensitively and appropriately.

·       Excellent knowledge and skill in the use of ICT.

·       Good judgement, problem solving and analytical skills.

·       Good organisational skills and ability to manage/prioritise deadlines.

·       Ability to generate strong team morale, co-operation and participation.

·       Ability to process work with a high level of attention to detail.

·       The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

·       Confidentiality and discretion to a high degree.

·       Full valid Driver’s License and access to own transport.

Desirable

·       Experience of project planning to include agreeing targets and reviewing own performance to ensure goals are achieved.  

·       Experience of working in the design, development and delivery of skills and/or innovation programmes that impact on community and/or industry. 

·       Experience of recruitment in a target driven setting where achievement of KPIs is a significant focus. 

·       Experience in developing progress reports for senior management to ensure appropriate governance and oversight is maintained. 

·       Communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with relevant internal / external stakeholders.

Role and Responsibilities:

1.     To support the Programme Development and Delivery Manager to implement an operational plan providing for the efficient and effective discharge of the GRASP Programme across the contract Area (Fermanagh, Tyrone, Armagh, Derry – Londonderry, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan) ensuring the programme aims, objectives and KPIs are met. To lead participant recruitment for all GRASP provision delivered by CMETB, including Women into Construction, Labour Activation and Green Skills programmes ensuring that recruitment to all provision is maximised and KPIs met. 

3.     Collaborate with College and programme partners and stakeholders to co-design programmes ensuring alignment with industry need. 

4.     Administer any and all benefits and barrier payments which may be payable to participants on the programmes.  

5.     Support programme delivery to ensuring all participants are supported to reach their full potential maximising on programme retention, achievement and progression to the wider College offer. 

6.     Collaborate with GRASP programme management and teaching teams to co-design new curriculum and services which are aligned with industry need. 

7.     Participate in a cross border working group to co-design a range of jointly delivered programmes including cross border apprenticeships  

8.     Lead, in collaboration with Development Officers from partners the design, development and roll out of the Household Carbon Literacy, Schools engagement programme and Cross Border Apprenticeship Awareness Raising Programme ensuring all targets are achieved. 

9.      Collaborate with Development Officers and curriculum staff from across the partnership to co-design and deliver a GRASP Continuing Professional Development Programme supporting staff upskilling to meet the delivery requirements of the programme. 

10. Liaise with staff from Futurecast to agree the schedule of industry/student Green Futures Masterclasses and engage with stakeholders to ensure they are appropriately attended. 

11. Co-ordinate, with Programme Co-ordinators in partner organisations the operation of the Mobile Training Unit ensuring that this resource is utilised across the partnership.      

The above list is not exhaustive and may be varied having regard to the changing needs of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board scheme. Therefore, other responsibilities may be assigned from time to time.

Competencies required:

The person appointed to the PEACEPLUS GRASP Community Education Facilitator (CEF) position will be required to show evidence of the following 6 competencies, in their application form.

Leadership

·       Works with the relevant team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise.

·       Allocates work fairly and appropriately and ensures that everybody does their fair share.

·       Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.

·       Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet the ETB’s objectives.

·       Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.

·       Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team.

·       Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision Making

·       Actively listens to others and tries to understand their perspectives, requirements and needs.

·       Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors.

·       Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.

·       Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these decisions.

·       Puts forward solutions to address problems.

·       Is respectful, courteous, and professional, remaining composed, even in challenging circumstances.

·       Communicates clearly when speaking and in writing.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

·     Shows respect, tact and maintains composure when dealing with customers or staff members.

·     Demonstrates the ability to be assertive and negotiate when necessary, communicating in a clear and confident manner whilst remaining approachable and polite.

·     Listens to others and invites feedback, dealing with information in a constructive way.

·     Influences others by actively listening and clearly expressing their position.

·     Produces written letters /reports in a clear and concise manner.

Delivery of Results

·       Delivers results on time and to a high standard.

·       Takes responsibility for own work and the work of the team.

·       Plans and prioritises the work schedule, ensuing the efficient use of all of the resources

available and delivering on objectives even with multiple or conflicting demands.

·       Evaluates the current work practices to identify changes that could be made to help them.

run more effectively.

·       Maintains accurate records and monitors work, ensuring any errors are identified and

Rectified.

·       Appreciates the need to delegate work appropriately rather than doing everything oneself.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development:

·       Develops and maintains the skills and expertise required to perform in the role effectively, e.g., relevant technologies, IT systems, relevant policies etc.

·       Clearly understands the role, objectives, and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit.

·       Is committed to self-development and continuously seeks to improve personal performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values:

·       Consistently strives to perform at a high level and deliver a quality service.

·       Serves the Government and people of Ireland.

·       Is thorough and conscientious, even if work is routine.

·       Is enthusiastic and resilient, persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks.

·       Is personally honest and trustworthy.

·       At all times, act with integrity.

Shortlisting

Shortlisting will take place on the basis of the information provided in the application form.

During any shortlisting exercise that may be employed, CMETB examines the application forms and assesses them against criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in the candidates' own interests to provide a detailed and accurate account of qualifications and experience in their application form. Additional data is not accepted after the deadline, no exceptions.

No late applications accepted and, no CVs accepted.

Remuneration

Based on CEF Salary Scale (€47,932 - €74,735)

The Selection Process may include:

·       Shortlisting of candidates on the basis, of the information contained in their application.

·       Qualifying preliminary interview.

·       A presentation.

The Selection Process will include:

·       A competitive interview.

·       Reference checking.

·       Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment medical assessment.

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board is an equal opportunities employer.