ICT Officer

Nature of Post

This post is a technical post within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Section of LMETB. The successful candidate will report to a Grade VI under the direction of the APO Head of ICT.

This is a challenging role within a team providing support to over 3,000 staff and over 30,000 learners (including primary, post-primary, FET and Special Education) across both Louth and Meath.

The role will suit individuals with good hands-on experience of working in an ICT environment supporting a diverse client base, who are self-starters and capable of working in a highly complex, fast-paced support function with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate will be expected to work unsociable hours on occasion to meet the business needs of the section.

Salary Scale

€52,762 - €63,109 (including two long service increments).

As per DES guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. However, incremental credit may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Annual Leave

25 working days per annum (pro rata).

Location

Appointment is to the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Scheme.

Initial assignment will be to LMETB's ICT Section.

Reporting/Accountability Relationship

The Grade V reports to the Grade VI.

Post Summary/Purpose

The successful applicant will have responsibility for the day-to-day administration of work within a section, including technical matters, and will have supervisory responsibility, under the general direction of a higher grade, ensuring that targets and service levels in the ICT Section are achieved and that work undertaken is accurate and in compliance with legislation, DES guidelines and internal procedures.

The role also involves providing senior technical leadership, ensuring robust deployment and management of devices, phones and hardware, while overseeing procurement and purchasing processes for IT equipment.

Core Technical ResponsibilitiesDeployment and Management of Hardware

• Oversee installation, configuration and maintenance of phones, laptops, desktops, tablets and other end-user devices.

• Manage inventory and lifecycle of IT hardware, ensuring timely upgrades and replacements.

• Work with local staff responsible for stock to ensure compliance and suitability.

• Implement and monitor device security policies, including encryption and remote wipe.

Network and Systems Support

• Ensure reliable connectivity across LMETB sites, including AMTCE and FET centres.

• Manage integration of new hardware with existing systems and platforms.

• Troubleshoot complex technical issues escalated from frontline support.

• Act as an escalation point for FET service users to ensure speedy and efficient resolution of tickets and issues.

Procurement and Asset ManagementProcurement Assistance

• Liaise with suppliers and procurement teams to source IT equipment and services.

• Ensure compliance with LMETB procurement policies and public sector regulations.

• Evaluate vendor proposals and recommend cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

Purchasing Oversight

• Manage purchasing workflows for IT hardware and software.

• Maintain accurate records of purchases, warranties and service agreements.

• Monitor budget allocations for IT assets and report variances.

Service Development and Expansion

• Support technology rollouts for AMTCE advanced manufacturing systems and FET digital learning platforms.

• Coordinate deployment of specialised equipment for training labs and virtual classrooms.

• Ensure scalability and resilience of IT infrastructure to meet growing service demands.

Governance and Compliance

• Maintain asset registers and ensure adherence to data protection and cybersecurity standards.

• Prepare reports for audits and compliance reviews related to IT procurement and asset management.

• Act as a support to LMETB's ISMS efforts ETB-wide, with a particular focus on FET provisions.

Eligibility CriteriaHealth and Character

Those under consideration for a position may, at the discretion of the employer, be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting Form.

References will be sought.

Citizenship Requirement

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to:

• Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), or

• Non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.

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

Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Essential Requirements

Per Circular Letter 46/2017, candidates for a Grade V Officer post by confined competition must:

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies required are set out below and are informed by best practice Public Appointments Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

• Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher, Ordinary, Applied or Vocational Programmes) or equivalent, or have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher, or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

• For confined competition from the Education and Training Sector Candidate Pool, candidates must also have at least two years in a Grade III post, or equivalent or higher, in the Education and Training Sector.

• For the purposes of filling vacancies in Grades IV, V, VI and VII in ETBs only, at least two years' service in an ETB Caretaker Grade will also be considered valid.

• Have successfully completed their probation period or have successfully completed a probation period at a lower eligible grade.

• Have access to their own transportation.

Desirable Criteria

• A qualification in an ICT field, Networking, Software Development or related discipline.

• Experience working in a technical capacity in an education environment.

• Proven ability to meet deadlines and identify and resolve problems.

• Numeracy skills, attention to detail and accuracy.

• A high level of knowledge of the work of the Scheme or the capability to develop such knowledge.

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

• Excellent administrative and IT skills.

• Well-developed decision-making capabilities.

Competencies Required

The appointee to the Grade V post will be required to show evidence of the following competencies:

People Management

• Consults and encourages the full engagement of the team, encouraging open and constructive discussions around work issues.

• Gets the best out of individuals and the team, encouraging good performance and addressing any performance issues that may arise.

• Values and supports the development of others and the team.

• Encourages and supports new and more effective ways of working.

• Deals with tensions within the team in a constructive fashion.

• Encourages, listens to and acts on feedback from the team to make improvements.

• Actively shares information, knowledge and expertise to help the team meet its objectives.

Analysis and Decision Making

• Effectively deals with a wide range of information sources, investigating all relevant issues.

• Understands the practical implications of information in relation to the broader context in which he/she works, including procedures and divisional objectives.

• Identifies and understands key issues and trends.

• Correctly extracts and interprets numerical information, conducting accurate numerical calculations.

• Draws accurate conclusions and makes balanced and fair recommendations backed up with evidence.

Delivery of Results

• Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to a satisfactory conclusion.

• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, setting objectives and delivering the best possible results with the resources available through effective prioritisation.

• Constructively challenges existing approaches to improve efficient customer service delivery.

• Accurately estimates time parameters for projects, making contingencies to overcome obstacles.

• Minimises errors, reviewing learning and ensuring remedies are in place.

• Maximises the input of their team in ensuring effective delivery of results.

• Ensures proper service delivery procedures, protocols and reviews are in place and implemented.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Modifies communication approach to suit the needs of a situation or audience.

• Actively listens to the views of others.

• Liaises with other groups to gain co-operation.

• Negotiates, where necessary, in order to reach a satisfactory outcome.

• Maintains a focus on dealing with customers in an effective, efficient and respectful manner.

• Is assertive and professional when dealing with challenging issues.

• Expresses themselves in a clear and articulate manner when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Displays high levels of skills and expertise in their own area and provides guidance to colleagues.

• Has a clear understanding of the role, objectives and targets and how they support the service delivered by the unit and the Department/Organisation and can communicate this to the team.

• Leads by example, demonstrating the importance of development by setting time aside for development initiatives for themselves and the team.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Is committed to the role, consistently striving to perform at a high level.

• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.

• Is resilient and perseveres to obtain objectives despite obstacles or setbacks.

• Ensures that customer service is at the heart of their own and their team's work.

• Is personally honest and trustworthy.

• Acts with integrity and encourages this in others.