Digital Programme Officer

The Position This new position will be tasked with implementing the county's Digital Strategy. The role will report directly to the Head of Information Systems, who in turn reports to the Directorate of Finance, Digital Services, Innovation, and Governance. The successful candidate will work with stakeholders including citizens, businesses, visitors, elected representatives, Kildare Public Participation Network, Council Departments, Government agencies, Schools, Universities and the digital community in Kildare on delivering the Kildare County Digital Strategy. This role also involves supporting the ongoing development of telecommunications and broadband services throughout Kildare by collaborating with Regional and National Broadband Action Groups as part of the National Broadband plan, and assuming the responsibilities of the Broadband officer. The Kildare County Digital Strategy, Kildare Konnected (2022 – 2025) was officially launched in 2023. The strategy aims to create an inclusive, progressive, innovative, and connected digital society and economy for the benefit of Kildare’s citizens and businesses. Developing and implementing a new Digital Strategy beyond 2025 will also be a key responsibility of this role. The Competition The purpose of this recruitment campaign is to form a panel for Kildare County Council from which permanent and temporary posts may be filled in the Digital Programme Officer Grade as vacancies arise.

The Role • Deliver Digital Initiatives in Kildare. Some examples include: o Digital Economy – Digitalisation supports for Enterprise. o Digital infrastructure & Connectivity – NBP Rollout & Telecoms upgrade o Digital Skills & Literacy – co-ordination and encouragement for Digital skills training for all citizens with a special focus on all levels in Education. o Digital Society & Culture – Being a catalyst for driving Digital in both cultural and tourism initiatives. o Digital Public Services – Being an advocate for providing services through digital channels. • To develop and implement a Kildare Digital Strategy to encourage the take up of high-speed connectivity amongst all sectors of the population, including the creation of awareness of and the stimulation of demand for broadband services. • To Support implementation of the EU Connectivity Toolbox in Ireland, for example by: o Encouraging the efficient and appropriate use of assets and infrastructure to support telecommunications service improvements.

o Advising colleagues, as appropriate, regarding telecoms deployments and use. • To facilitate the successful rollout of the National Broadband Plan by acting as a single point of contact for the NBP contractor(s) and telecommunications companies and relevant Government departments. • Being active members of the Telecoms Action Group (TAG), including attendance at meetings and participation in research and project groups, as appropriate. • To engage with Digital Programme Offices and government departments to stay updated on developments within other local authorities or public bodies.

The Candidate It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that he/she has: • Excellent interpersonal skills that enable them to establish positive relationships with staff of the Council, Council Members & other elected representatives, citizens, partners, external agencies, and suppliers etc. • Well-developed presentation and negotiation skills: able to communicate clearly, pleasantly, and confidently with staff and stakeholders both orally and in writing. This is a public-facing role. • Will serve as a dedicated proponent for digital technologies and solutions throughout the county. • Confident in their technical abilities, ability to assimilate technical information related to the implementation of the Digital Strategy and the NBI roll out. • Can work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Able to work on their own initiative and be a self-starter, prioritising work with minimum supervision. • Must be committed to self-development and be enthusiastic about acquiring new skills and knowledge around developments in digital technology. The role will be primarily based in Naas but also requires engagement with stakeholders throughout the county. The person appointed will be under the direction and control of the Head of Information Systems. They must undertake those duties as assigned to them by their supervisor

Duties and Responsibilities The Digital Programme Officer will be expected to carry out the following nonexhaustive list of duties: • The successful candidate Support will be tasked with the development and implementation of the new Kildare’s Digital Strategy (2026 – 2029). • The successful candidate will work with stakeholders including citizens, businesses, visitors, elected representatives, Kildare Public Participation Network, Council Departments, Government agencies, Schools, Universities and the digital community in Kildare on delivering the Kildare County Digital Strategy. • Manages the implementation of actions outlined in the Digital Strategy and leads specific actions as necessary.

• Collaborate with the Innovation Team on relevant projects and initiatives that support the objectives of both teams/roles. • Perform the role of Broadband Officer by providing a local point of contact for National Broadband Ireland (NBI), telecoms operators and the public regarding telecoms. Be the appointed person for NBI on the continued successful broadband roll out in County Kildare. • Liaise with operational Departments on the implementation of the National Broadband Plan • Work closely with the Communications Team to prepare and issue communications updates to relevant parties and to develop promotional and marketing activities that create awareness of digital opportunities and stimulate demand for broadband services. • Engage with Digital and Broadband Officers from other Councils and relevant staff from national agencies to keep abreast with arrangements and developments nationally • Attend all relevant Digital and National Broadband Plan meetings as required by the Council and in particular actively co-ordinate, support and deliver on the requirements of the various Council structures set up to assist in the delivery of the Digital Strategy and the National Broadband Plan • To be the first point of contact for engagement with national agencies and telecommunications operators in the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure in Kildare including the National Broadband Plan

Qualifications Character: Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

Education, Training and Experience etc.: Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: (a) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award (i.e. honours degree), in a relevant Technology/Computing discipline* and at least 2 years directly relevant**, recent Digital/ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date OR (b) A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award (i.e. honours degree), or higher, with Technology/Computing* taken in the final year and at least 3 years directly relevant**, Digital/ICT hand-on experience from your employment to date

OR (c) A qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award (i.e. ordinary degree), in a relevant Technology/Computing discipline* and at least 5 years directly relevant**, recent Digital/ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date (d) A qualification at Level 6 on the NFQ major award qualification in a relevant Technology/Computing discipline* and at least 6 years directly relevant**, recent Digital/ICT hands-on experience from your employment to date AND (e) Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisations or the ability to acquire such knowledge *A qualification which has a significant digital component, for example computer science, digital media, electronic engineering, information technology, telecommunications. ** Relevant technology/computing hands-on experience should include but is not limited to areas such as managing delivery of computing/technology or digital projects, experience of working in a technical capacity with technology partners, knowledge and experience of current Digital enabling technologies. Please supply copies of any certificates, diplomas or degrees you may have with the application form. *Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Driving Licence Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below). They must be a competent driver and, shall drive a car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. The council must be indemnified on their insurance. Competencies for the post of Digital Programme Officer 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 to these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by the candidates:

Management and Change Strategic Ability Displays the ability to think and act strategically to ensure that their functional responsibility is properly aligned with purpose, mission and vision of the Council.

Political Awareness Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the organisation.

Networking and Representing Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests. Sustains a positive image and profile of the local authority. Bringing about Change Effectively manages the introduction of change; fosters a culture of creativity in employees and overcomes resistance to change. Influencing and Negotiating Brokers agreement with others, to your team’s objectives. Takes a long-term pragmatic view when required.

Performance through People Leading and Motivating Leads, motivates and engages others to achieve quality results. Managing Performance Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan. Communicating Effectively Recognises the value of and requirement to communicate effectively with all employees. Has excellent verbal and written communication skills. Has very good interpersonal skills. Delivering Results Problem Solving and Decision Making Can pinpoint critical information and can address issues logically. Understands the context and impact of decisions made. Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operation, having regard to corporate goals, operational objectives, available resources. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver operational plans. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services, which are linked to the corporate priorities, with a focus on continuous improvement. Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning, and implements improvements required.

Personal Effectiveness Qualifications and Knowledge Achieves a proficient level of knowledge, skills, and formal qualifications, where necessary. Engages in regular critical reflection on feedback and experiences in the workplace and acts on these to enhance personal development. Resilience and Personal Well Being Remains calm under pressure and can separate personal issues from work issues. Values the wellbeing of self and others by managing stress levels and work-life balance. Has a strong sense of self belief. Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles. Does more than is required or expected, anticipating situations and acting to pre-empt problems. Takes action within the bounds of own ability. Creates new opportunity.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government including service requirements. Knowledge of current local government issues. Understanding of the role of a Digital Programme Officer. Understanding key challenges facing the local government sector and Kildare County Council. Knowledge and experience of Digital strategies and systems. Particulars of Employment The Post The post is whole time (i.e., 35 hours per week) and appointment may be permanent or temporary.

Location Kildare County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidates 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.

Commencement Kildare 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 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, Kildare County Council shall not appoint them.

Working Hours The current working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Kildare County Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time in line with Government Circulars. Kildare County Council also has a flexi time system in operation, details of which are available from the Human Resources Section. 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. Kildare County Council requires employees to record their hours using a Clocking system.

Reporting Arrangements The Digital Programme Officer will report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee of Kildare County Council as the Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose. A system of regular appraisal will be operated during employment, which will involve discussions between the employee and the line manager regarding performance and conduct.

Probationary Period of Employment Where a person is permanently appointed to Kildare County Council, the following provisions shall apply – a) there shall be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person shall hold the position on probation; b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at their discretion, extend such period; c) such a person shall cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation, unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory; d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts; e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

Remuneration €59,417 per annum to €72,069 per annum (maximum) €74,649 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €77,243 per annum (LSI 2) (after 6 years satisfactory service at maximum) On appointment successful candidates will be placed on the first point of the salary scale. Appointment to a higher point of the salary scale may apply to candidates employed elsewhere in the public service, subject to verification of service history. Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employees 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.