EU Project Co-Ordinator

THE ROLE

Carlow County Council is seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic and experienced EU Project Co-Ordinator to be responsible for co-ordination of delivery of a number of EU funded projects including financial and administrative reporting.

The principal tasks of the EU Project Co-ordination will be to ensure high quality, timely and accurate reporting for EU funded projects funded projects and providing associated support to meeting organization and project management facilitation.

The EU Project Co-Ordinator will:

➢ Be responsible for financial and administrative project reporting for EU funded projects within the Economic Development Department

➢ Be responsible for the co-ordination of project activities in the EU folio of projects

➢ Be responsible for the delivery of SME research and stakeholder engagement.

➢ Utilise Carlow County Council internal systems to support tracking of project spend and staff working time

➢ Support efficient and effective project timesheet reporting of all relevant staff to ensure maximum drawdown

➢ Prepare for, and support, EU and Carlow County Council auditing as required

➢ Lead the organisation of EU project meetings, both within Ireland and in other locations

➢ Support internal and external project communications

➢ Participate in and administrate International Project Actions

➢ Maintain and update centralised SharePoint system with project documentation

➢ Provide general administrative support for EU Project services section manager and team

➢ Operate within the Economic Development Team and support the wider Economic Development Programme which includes but is not limited to the activities of the Local Enterprise Office, Economic Development Function and EU Projects

➢ Support the Head of Local Enterprise Office and the Economic Development Officer with EU project applications as they arise

➢ Any other duties as required that may be assigned and relevant to the role and grade

Please note this role does involve International Travel over the lifetime of the contract and as part of projects. It is envisaged that there will be 4-5 engagements across Europe.

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.

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

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, ETC.

Candidates for the role should demonstrate the following requirements:

• At least a Degree in Business or a related subject and/or at least 2 years’ experience in stakeholder focused role in the public or private sector.

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint

• Good writing skills and attention to detail

• Experience of developing and maintaining robust record keeping and filing systems

• Excellent organisational skills, ability to schedule tasks and meet ongoing deadlines

• Ability to work as part of a team and to use own initiative

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

• Experience in projects with other regions and countries

Desirable

• Familiarity with the enterprise development sector

• Previous experience of EU co-funded projects

DRIVING LICENCE

Must hold a current full driving licence in respect of category B vehicles and have use of personal transport for work, as there will be a requirement to travel to various Council premises and other locations.

THE POST:

The post is wholetime, temporary and pensionable on a 30 Month fixed term contract basis. The person appointed will be placed on probation for a period of 12 months during which time performance will be strictly monitored. If performance and attendance is not satisfactory the employment will be terminated. Notice of termination, except in case of summary dismissal, will be in accordance with the provisions of Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973.

HEALTH:

For the purposes of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

PROBATION:

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which such persons shall hold such position on probation,

(b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period,

(c) such persons shall cease to hold such position at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory,

(d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one week’s notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts,

(e) there will be assessments during the probationary period.

RESIDENCE:

The holder of the office shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance, thereof.

WORK BASE:

Carlow County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

HOURS OF DUTY:

The person appointed will work a typical flexible five (5) day thirty-five (35) hour week over 5 days Monday to Friday. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours, as required. The person appointed may be required to work overtime in specific circumstances as agreed by the Head of the Local Enterprise Office or the appropriate supervisory officer. Time off in lieu on a time for time basis will be given should circumstances arise.

SALARY:

The annual salary which is analogous to the post of Staff Officer (1st August 2025) as follows:

€51,722 - €53,266 - €54,844 - €56,454 - €58,076 - €59,967 (LSI1) - €61,865 (LSI2)

Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. The starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the position shall pay to the Local Authority any fees or other monies (other than inclusive salary) payable to or received by such holder by virtue of the position or in respect of services, which are required by or under any enactment to perform.

ANNUAL LEAVE:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. The granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended).

SICK LEAVE:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

REFERENCES:

Applicants are required to advise the names of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related (at least one of the referees should be an existing or former employer).

In advance of any offer of employment, Carlow County Council reserves the right to seek both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The Council reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.

VETTING:

Garda vetting is required for certain roles within Carlow County Council. Failure to complete a Garda vetting form on request may prevent your employment with Carlow County Council. In the event of an unsatisfactory Garda declaration being received Carlow County Council reserves the right not to commence employment.

In the event of an existing employee changing role as a result of promotion or otherwise to a role that requires Garda Vetting and an unsatisfactory disclosure being returned, Carlow County Council reserves the right to withhold promotion, and also to investigate if further sanction/disciplinary action is warranted on foot of disclosure on a case-by-case basis.

TRAVEL:

When required to do so, holders of the post must hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles 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. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Carlow County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses 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 Carlow County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy.

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.

Carlow County Council reserves the right to provide a van to enable you to carry out your duties. The provision of a van will be at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

TRAINING:

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post and to attend all mandatory training.

USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY:

The successful candidate will be required to use all equipment provided, including computers, handheld terminals, mobile telephone, electronic equipment, video or other monitoring equipment and any other new technology which may be introduced in the future.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Carlow County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. He/She shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

SUPERANNUATION & RETIREMENT:

Superannuation

If you are pensionable under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 and are liable to pay Class A PRSI contributions, you would be required in respect of superannuation to make contributions at the rate of 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children) plus 1.5% of full pensionable remuneration. You are required in respect of spouses’ and children’s pension benefit to contribute at the rate of 1.5% of full pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of schemes made under the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998. Maximum retirement age is 70.

If the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 applies to your employment, 65 is the minimum age at which your pension may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation you will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. You may also be required to pay Spouses and Children/Widows and Orphans contributions at the rate of 1.5% of gross pay. Maximum retirement age is 70.

Persons who become pensionable staff of a local authority for the first time on or after 01 January 2013 are assigned to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. If you are pensionable under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012, you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution. You are required to pay contributions as follows: 3% of gross remuneration and 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

The minimum age at which you may retire is allied with the State Contributory Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028). The maximum retirement age is 70. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority. You are reminded that under this agreement the Council may refer you to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness for carrying out the duties to which you have been assigned. Further information is available from the Human Resources Department.

Pension Accrual

A 40-year limit on total service that can be counted towards pension where a person has been a member of more than one existing public service pension scheme would apply. This 40-year limit, which is provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 came into effect on 28 July 2012. This may have implications for any appointee who has acquired pension rights in a previous public service employment.

Pension Abatement

If the appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and is in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during his/her reemployment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.