EU & International Relations Officer

The Position

The EU & International Relations Officer will be expected to perform duties in relation to the EU and international relations activities undertaken by Kerry County Council, and to work with other stakeholders to maximise the potential of these activities in the promotion of the county and the region. The role will foster EU and international relationships in areas such as environment, climate, urban and rural regeneration, culture, transport and mobility, social inclusion and economic development.

The main objective of the EU and International Relations Officer will be to shape and drive a programme of activities and events across a broad range of areas that actively develop and promote County Kerry and enhance its international profile as an attractive place to live, invest, study, work and visit.

The job requires a candidate with excellent oral and written communication skills and with the ability to think strategically. Fostering working relationships with a range of statutory, public and private sector partners is a key requirement of the job.

Appointments: Subject to the availability of suitability qualified candidates a panel will be formed on the basis of this competition, from which both permanent and/or temporary offers of employment may be made.

Salary: €61,217 - €79,583 - with annual increments payable subject to satisfactory overall performance, attendance, etc.

Offers of appointment to persons who are not serving local authority employees will be based on the minimum of this scale. Where the person being appointed is a serving local authority employee, normal starting pay rules will apply.

Annual Leave:30 days per annum

Hours of Work:While the normal working week will constitute 35 hours, the appointee will be required to work the hours directed by the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, which will include hours outside of the normal working day associated with the responsibilities and requirements of the post.

A flexible working hours scheme is in operation.

The Person

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.

Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a)     a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), or

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

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 in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

Education/ experience, etc.:

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

(a)    have a good general standard of education, and

(b)    have proven and relevant experience in administrative procedures including practical experience in work of an administrative nature, office organisation, and control of staff

The ideal candidate shall:

• hold a third level qualification (minimum level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant discipline
• have a minimum of 3 years relevant experience and a demonstrable track record in dealing with international relations
• possess a knowledge and understanding of international affairs from both a local and national perspective, including the policy drivers impacting same
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including report writing
• have the capacity to work on own initiative and also to contribute well in a team based environment
• have a good understanding and knowledge of Local Government and its role in developing international relations
• be comfortable working in multi-disciplined teams and have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage others to achieve maximum performance, effectiveness and efficiency

Duties and Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the post of the EU and International Relations Officer will include:-

•           proactively targeting EU Project funding in line with requirements of Kerry County Council’s strategic aims to deliver greater economic benefit and performance to Kerry

•           identifying potential opportunities that EU, national and local programmes and plans could yield benefits for County Kerry

•           developing and implementing a strategy for international relations, including a review of the twinning relationships and activities for Kerry County Council to optimise the social, economic, community and cultural benefits to County Kerry

•           working with key stakeholders to develop twinning relationships and EU funding that optimise the benefits to County Kerry and our partners areas

•           administration of the Council’s Twinning Grants Scheme

•           promoting engagement by local stakeholders in the development of EU and International Relations through activities, events and programmes

•           contributing to the collective marketing of the county and the region with a focus on Discover Kerry, which promotes the county as a place to live, work and invest in

•           carrying out administrative duties pertaining to the role

•           responsibility for financial management of the international relations budget assigned

•           proactively disseminating learnings through internal communication tools and professional networks

•           proactively using information and communication technology to improve service delivery and efficiency

In addition, appointees will be required to:

·             assist in the provision of prudent financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation

·             comply with Health and Safety legislation at all times

·             ensure an efficient and effective response to all stakeholders

·             prepare reports as required

·             attend training as required

·             participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to their grade

·             undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

·             deputise for other employees of a higher grade as required

Format of the Competition

All applications must be completed via the competition application form and filled out in full. When completing the application form, accuracy is essential as the information supplied in the form will play a central part in the selection process.

Where the volume of applications received exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies, and / or where it would not be practical to interview all applicants, Kerry County Council reserves the right to arrange short listing of applications. It is in each candidate’s own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of their relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence of the competencies required for the positions under each competency.

Short-listing may take the form of Desk-top Short-listing or a Preliminary Interview. Candidates deemed qualified and/or most suitable will progress to the interview stage

Applicants called for interview will be required to demonstrate the competencies outlined below.

Essential Skills

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria set out above, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they possess the following key competencies:-

Management and Change

·        Think and act strategically

·        Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

·        Effectively manage the introduction of change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

·        Promote and sustain an appropriate, positive, cohesive image and profile of the Council, with commitment to the standards and ethical principles of the public service

·        Recognise the importance of key stakeholders

·        Establish, maintain, participate in and contribute to networks to enhance service delivery

·        Build an appropriate network of technical and professional contacts

·        Articulate and understand the views of relevant stakeholders

Delivering Results

·        Contribute to the development of operational plans and lead the development of team plans

·        Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively

·        Establish high quality service and customer care standards

·        Make timely, informed and effective decisions and show good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations

·        Delivering funding to advance projects

Leading, Motivating & Managing Performance

·        Lead, motivate and engage employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans

·        Effectively manage performance

Personal Effectiveness

·        Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed goals

·        Manage time and workload effectively and operate in an environment with significant complexity and pace

·        Maintain a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role

·        Manage and supervise staff, including managing performance

·        Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

·        Relevant experience at a sufficiently high level

·        Knowledge and understanding of the role of EU & International Relations Officer

·        Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government and of current issues, priorities and concerns and the strategic direction of local government in relation to economic development

·        Experience of compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence, etc.

·        Effective budget and financial and resource management skills

Interview

Candidates invited to participate in the interview process will be expected to demonstrate the key competencies outlined above and will be assessed and marked on the basis how they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience.