Community Funding Lead (Grade VII)

CONTEXT LAWPRO is leading a ‘new approach’ to water management in Ireland that involves coordination and close cooperation between local authorities, WFD implementing bodies and stakeholders for the development and implementation of national River Basin Management Plans. The overall aim of this approach is to protect and restore good water quality in Ireland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, groundwater, and coastal waters through integrated catchment management. Achieving that aim will require active involvement of local authorities and other public bodies, water users and local communities. Implementation of the River Basin Management Plan is co-ordinated on a regional basis by the five water and environment management committees, comprising representatives of each local authority in the Region and the EPA. This structure drives collaboration and integration, both within local authorities, between local authorities and externally with other public agencies. The shared service’s approach to delivery includes all stakeholders through a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency structure. This shared service arrangement takes account of the need to deliver maximum benefit with limited resource availability. LAWPRO ensures that its resources are utilised locally to implement the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 – 2021 and, the 2022 – 2027 Plan (Water Action Plan 2024).

The strategic role of the Programme is: 2.1.1 To promote knowledge sharing and coordination in implementing the Water Action Plan 2024 and Programme of Measures (POMs) by local authorities, other public authorities, sectoral interests, and community groups. 2.1.2 To co-ordinate/undertake statutorily required public consultation in the development of the National RBMP and POMs and a public awareness campaign in water resources management. 2.1.3 To deliver on the actions assigned to them in the Water Action Plan 2.1.4 To seek consistency of Water Action Plan implementation across agencies through the operation of the WFD Regional Committees. 2.1.5 To assist the Minister and the EPA and work collaboratively with local authorities in the development of RBMPs and POMs. 2.1.6 To mobilise and support engagement of voluntary and community groups in protecting our natural waters. 2.1.7 To foster linkages with industry and agricultural sectors. 2.1.8 To develop linkages with local sectoral representative organisations, such as Catchment Partnerships, Rural Development Companies, Rivers Trusts, Tidy Towns Groups, business and industry sectors including Chambers of Commerce, farming organisations, sports clubs and volunteering sectors, angling and outdoor recreational user groups, etc.

2.2 RECRUITMENT DETAILS As part of the team structure of The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), it is intended to immediately recruit one [1] position of Community Funding Lead (Administrative Officer – Grade VII). A panel will be formed from which any subsequent Community Funding Lead (Grade VII) fixed term positions may be filled, including posts that may arise in any of the LAWPRO locations.

Current LAWPRO Regional Office Locations: • Head Office: Ballingarrane, Clonmel Co. Tipperary • Border Region: Donegal Town, Co. Donegal or Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan • Midlands and East Region: Dublin 8 or Tullamore, Co. Offaly • South-East Region: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary or Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny • South-West Region: Croom, Co. Limerick or Inniscarra, Co. Cork • Western Region: Galway (Liosbán Estate) or Castlebar, Co. Mayo

A Fixed Term Contract of Employment will be issued by the relevant employing Local Authority (LA) (Tipperary or Kilkenny County Council) and it is envisaged that contract will terminate on or before the 22nd December 2027. A review of LAWPRO is currently being undertaken by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to inform the appropriate level of resources required to meet Water Framework Directive objectives into the future. Public consultation on the timetable and work programme for Ireland’s fourth cycle Water Action Plan 2028 – 2033 has commenced. Should current permanent/full-time Local Authority staff be successful and accept a post in this competition, appropriate secondment arrangements will be put in place. JOB REQUIREMENTS 2.3 MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Minimum eligibility requirements are the minimum requirements required for the Community Funding Lead position and are set out by LAWPRO in consultation with Kilkenny/Tipperary County Council Human Resources Departments and the Water Policy Unit of the DHLGH as they are not determined centrally by the Department. Applicants will be required to submit scanned images of documentation to establish the applicant meets the following minimum eligibility criteria:

PLEASE NOTE FAILURE TO UPLOAD ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS I.E.

QUALIFICATIONS, I.D. ETC., AT SUBMISSION STAGE WILL AUTOMATICALLY RESULT IN AN INVALID APPLICATION. ALSO, FAILURE TO FULLY COMPLETE EACH QUESTION ON THE APPLICATION FORM MAY DEEM YOUR APPLICATION INVALID (ANSWERS WHICH REDIRECT TO OTHER RESPONSES ARE NOT PERMITTED). 2.3.1 Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2.3.2 Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 2.3.3 Education, Experience etc. Candidate shall: (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 NFQ Level 6 Qualification OR (iii) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard, OR (iv)a professional qualification in a Community Development related discipline, AND (v) have at least 5 years satisfactory experience in community development, and funding schemes. TRANSPORT & DRIVING LICENCE It is essential the candidate has their own transport and a full Irish driving licence free from endorsements. 2.4 DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS A good knowledge of local government functions, policy, services and activities or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.

The ideal candidate shall: 2.4.1 The ability to work closely with senior management and their teams to devise, design and implement funding aspects of LAWPRO’s Strategic Plan; 2.4.2 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to network, build relationships and engage effectively with, and influence, stakeholders at all levels; 2.4.3 Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work in a changing environment; 2.4.4 Ability to think strategically and create a positive working relationship with colleagues and external stakeholders; to work in multidisciplinary teams and to network effectively; 2.4.5 Have strong leadership, management, interpersonal and communication skills; 2.4.6 Have an excellent knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace; and 2.4.7 Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local and regional government. Applicants should satisfy themselves they are eligible under the required qualifications. Kilkenny/Tipperary County Councils may not be in a position to investigate the eligibility of all candidates in advance of the interview/examination, and hence persons who are ineligible but nevertheless enter, may put themselves to unnecessary expense.

2.5 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 (f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident.

3.0 JOB DESCRIPTION 3.1 ROLE Reporting to a Regional Coordinator, the LAWPRO Funding Lead (Grade VII) will lead on the devising, coordination and oversight of LAWPRO’s community funding schemes. This will include capacity building of staff and working collaboratively with LAWPRO’s external partners and stakeholders, including community and voluntary organisations focussed on water quality projects and initiatives. The funding lead will be responsible for developing LAWPRO strategic funding relationships. The Community Funding Lead will also be an active member of LAWPRO’s Communities Team, working collaboratively with LAWPRO’s Catchment Science and Administration Teams and with other agencies, as required. Tasks associated with this role include: 3.1.1 Advise on the development of LAWPRO’s work programmes, its community funding schemes, and identification of new funding opportunities. 3.1.2 Leading the internal Funding Working Group to develop and implement LAWPRO funding schemes with agreement of the Senior Management Team. 3.1.3 Adherence to good governance through coordination of internal and external evaluation processes, ensuring rigorous, impartial procedures to assess applications. 3.1.4 Timely fund drawdown and delivery of projects, ensuring value for money, and compliance with applicable government circulars and local authority policies and procedures. 3.1.5 Preparation of funding reports for LAWPRO Senior Management Team, annual reports, Oversight Committee, Tipperary County Council Internal Auditor, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other relevant bodies, as required. 3.1.6 Assessing the impact of funding schemes in terms of water quality outcomes. 3.1.7 Coordination and administration of funding schemes offered by LAWPRO to ensure the effective rollout and operation of schemes that are compliant with good governance and practices. 3.1.8 Reviewing and revising funding guidelines and providing analytical reports in relation to funding schemes. 3.1.9 Development of relationships and synergies with other public funding bodies in the climate action and biodiversity areas, such as Inland Fisheries Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Heritage Council, Local Authorities, Government Departments, etc. 3.1.10 Development of a LAWPRO Funding Strategy to secure sources of funding to support the delivery of actions under the Water Action Plan and foster strategic funding partnerships with relevant partners. 3.1.11 Identify and promote new funding sources such as EU Interreg and the private sector Corporate Social Responsibility Funds and recommend ways for LAWPRO and communities to access these funds to protect and restore water quality. 3.1.12 Develop links with LEADER companies to promote water related projects under theme 3 of the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 – Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. 3.1.13 Research opportunities under national funding calls, such as the Just Transition Fund, Climate Action Fund, Nature Restoration Fund, Shared Island, to support the delivery of actions under the Water Action Plan. 3.1.14 Identify and disseminate information on any other water related funding opportunities for community organisations, local authorities and other relevant agencies. 3.1.15 Represent LAWPRO at events and carry out other multi-functional operations as required by the Director of Services. 3.1.16 Any other duties relevant to the role which may be identified from time to time. The LAWPRO Funding Lead will be employed by Kilkenny County Council or appointed by secondment arrangement where appropriate.

4.0 PARTICULARS OF OFFICE 4.1 SALARY The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to Kilkenny/Tipperary County Councils any fees or other monies (other than inclusive salary) payable to and received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform. In accordance with EL02/2011 persons who are not serving Local Authority employees must be placed on the minimum of the scale. Where a person being appointed is a serving Local Authority employee normal starting pay rules will apply. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government policy. The current salary scale for the position is €59,417 minimum of the scale to €77,243 maximum of the scale inclusive of LSIs. 4.2 SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTION 4.2.1 Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 New members joining the public sector on or after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. It applies to all first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as former public servants returning to the public sector after a break of more than 26 weeks. Your contributions will be made up of 3% of your gross pensionable remuneration and 3.5% of your net pensionable remuneration (your gross pensionable remuneration less twice the value of the Contributory State Pension). Your normal retirement age under this scheme is the same age at which you can claim the Contributory State Pension. The minimum age for receipt of this pension is age 66. There is a compulsory retirement age of 70 years. 4.2.2 Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment after 6th April 1995 and prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who became pensionable employees after 6th April 1995 and prior to1st of January 2013, without a break in employment, will join the LocalGovernment (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Contributions are payable at the rate of 1.5% of your basic salary, 3.5% of basic salary less twice two times the value of the Contributory State Pension and a further 1.5% is payable for spouse and children’s contributions (*non-officer grades pay a co-ordinated contribution:

‘Non-New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 6th of April 1995 and prior to 1st April 2004) have a minimum retirement age of 60 and a compulsory retirement age of 70. ‘New Entrants’ (those who became pensionable after 1st April 2004 and prior to 1st January 2013) have minimum retirement age of 65 with no compulsory retirement age. 4.2.3 Persons who commenced in Public Service Employment before 6th April 1995: Their minimum retirement age is 60 and they have a compulsory retirement age of 70 as per Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government Circular Letter CL/2/2019. Contributions are 5% of basic salary and 1.5% of basic salary toward Widow’s & Orphan’s or Spouse & Children’s Scheme.

4.3 PENSION ABATEMENT If the appointee was previously employed in the Civil Service or in the Public Service please note that the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (Section 52) includes a provision which extends abatement of pension for all Civil and Public Servants who are re-employed where a Public Service Pension is in payment. This provision to apply abatement across the wider public service came into effect on 1 November 2012. This may have pension implications for any person appointed to this position that is currently in receipt of a Civil or Public Service pension or has a preserved Civil or Public Service pension which will come into payment during his/her employment in this position. 4.4 PENSION ACRUAL A 40-year limit on total service that can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one pre-existing public service pension scheme (i.e. non-Single Scheme) as per the 2012 Act shall apply. This 40-year limit is provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. This may have implications for any appointee who has acquired pension rights in a previous public service employment. 4.5 PROBATION The following provisions shall apply: 4.5.1 There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation; 4.5.2 Such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period; 4.5.3 Such persons shall cease to hold such employment at end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory. 4.6 PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE/ EXAMINATION For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for each successful applicant, before he/she is appointed, to complete a pre-employment questionnaire which will be examined by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by Kilkenny County Council. In some circumstances an in-person medical examination may have to be arranged. In the event the applicant does not take up the post following the pre-employment medical, he/she will reimburse Kilkenny County Council the cost of the medical questionnaire/ examination, as per a previously signed understanding. 4.7 HOURS OF WORK The hours of work are 35 hours per week including, part of the work schedule that is required outside of normal office hours. The salary being paid for the post is in respect of all 35 hours worked.

4.8 ANNUAL LEAVE Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days per annum in accordance with Department of Environment, Community & Local Government Circular LG(P) 07/2011. 4.9 TRAVEL When required to do so holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles free from endorsement and disqualification and, shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Local Authority. It is Kilkenny/Tipperary County Councils’ policy that all staff using their private cars for work purposes, regardless of the frequency should: 1) Indemnify Kilkenny/Tipperary County Councils on their personal insurance policy 2) Note business class on their personal policy 3) It is the obligation of the driver/owner to ensure that the vehicle is fit to be on the public road. When applicable for specific roles, travelling and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and any other relevant documents. 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.

4.10 LOCATION The holder of the office shall be based in one of LAWPRO’s offices located across the country and reside within a reasonable distance thereof. The holder shall be required to attend meetings, training and events at various locations across the country as part of the national programme.