Grade IV Assistant Staff Officer

Salary: The gross salary applicable to the post of Assistant Staff Officer is currently €39,490 - €56,015 p.a. (rates effective 01/06/2026)

Hours of Work: The appointee will be required to work 35 hours per week together with such additional hours as may be required from time to time for the proper discharge of their duties.

Annual Leave: 23 days annual leave per annum. The ‘annual leave year’ operates from September to August. Annual Leave will be in accordance with arrangements authorised by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science from time to time. For part-time contracts or contract durations of less than 12 months, the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis.

Overview of Role & Context

South East Technological University (SETU) is Ireland’s newest TU, designated in May 2022. The university has designed an organisational change programme that will support elevated performance in the delivery of educational programmes, in research and innovation, in mobilising regional alliances, and in building institutional capacity, resilience and sustainability. The Office of the Vice President Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning plays a critical leadership role in the delivery of the change programme, with assessment enhancement and capacity building an important part of this. Grade IV Assistant Staff Officer – Academic Unit Review Capacity Building are Technological Enhancement Fund (TEF) posts, one for each faculty within the University, to support faculties in the development, production and review stages of the Academic Review Process (AUR).

Reporting to the Academic Unit Review (AUR) Lead, the appointee will provide a key supporting role in the planning, organising, administration and submission of academic unit reviews. This could include, but not be limited to, aspects around or related to project management governance, meeting and administrative organization, communication, training, quality assurance support and document editing and production. The administrative officer may also be required to provide support to senior staff across the areas of the VP for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning including deputising for more senior administrative staff as the occasion demands. The appointees will support and assist with developing and maintaining working relationships with key stakeholders across all areas and campuses relevant to the role. The role will be supported by the Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), which provides targeted support for initiatives that are critical to the strategic development of eligible higher education institutions (HEIs), including Technological Universities (TUs).

Key objectives of the TEF include:

• Contribute towards enhancement initiatives that will strengthen the performance of established TUs, Institutes of Technology, and specialist colleges.

• Provide support for eligible HEIs to determine or consolidate their position in the higher education landscape.

• Facilitate the development and/or continuation of initiatives that further national policy and priorities in the technological sector and in specialist colleges.

• Support the implementation of the recommendations set out in the TURN report and OECD review of Technological University academic career paths, contracts and organisation in Ireland.

Key Responsibilities / Duties:

Please note that the Office of the VP for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning (within which the appointee and Academic Unit Review Lead are situated) may undergo a period of re-structure during the term of this post and therefore the following responsibilities are an indication of the type of duties currently assigned to the post and may be altered. The principal duties will include but are not restricted to:

• To support the work of the AUR Leads in terms of planning, reporting and implementing the AUR process.

• To assist the AUR Lead with any other roles that come within their remit.

• To assist with the development of relevant plans and reporting on progress against plans and targets.

• To provide necessary administrative support to the AUR Lead in undertaking their role, including (but not limited to): research activities and information sourcing and summarising; data gathering and analysis; development of documents; maintaining accurate records; arranging and co-ordinating meetings and events; note and minute taking and production; and managing communications and responses.

• To assist in the design, development, co-ordination, delivery and analysis of training sessions as required.

• To provide ongoing cross cover for, and support to, other administrative staff within the areas of the VP for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning, particularly at peak times.

• Other duties as may be assigned by the CBL and/or other management members.

• To identify improvements to the effectiveness of the area and to liaise with relevant stakeholders in the development and implementation of resulting changes to both policy and process.

• To encourage, maintain and develop excellent communicative channels with internal and external stakeholders.

Academic Qualifications

• Leaving Certificate- having obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher, Ordinary or vocational programmes) or equivalent.

or

• have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher.

or

• have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

Experience

• At least 2 years relevant administration experience.

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent written, numerical and analytical skills.

• Excellent organisational skills.

• Self-motivated and proactive.

• Sound judgement and problem solving skills.

• Be capable of getting through high volumes of work and prioritising tasks.

• Ability to multi-task, accurately receive and record information, and professionally, succinctly and clearly communicate with internal and external stakeholders in a fast paced environment.

• Positive team player that works effectively with and supporting others.

• Administrative experience gained in complex environment.

Specific Personal Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks.

• Ability to deal with students and staff in a sensitive manner.